35km ride out into the countryside for some cider and pizzas with friends, sorry no pictures of the cider of pizza as we were too hungry/thirsty and they got devoured before I thought about pictures!
Through axle and disc brake conversion of 1998 Kona caldera. Painted ford velvet purple. The build up isn't complete as I have some extra bits on the way and a few to change. Built up mostly with parts I had in my workshop left over from upgrade and other builds..
It's been raining lots this week so I finally got to test out my elite 650bs with 2.2 xc tyres on. They performed really well through the boggy bits of the ride and got me a few pbs over the muddy field tracks.
This is my second time modifying a bike frame and this time I bought some premade through axle and brake caliper mounts (made my own last time). It went on much quicker and easier but my Tig brazing still needs much more practice. I actually cleaned it up a bit more after the test ride as it was easier to work on with all the components removed. I got it in primer this evening so will hopefully be getting some colour on later this week.
It was 110km and 1760m elevation, there were 300 people starting at the same time as us and another 300 started over the next couple of hours.we had decided to not try and race around and to take our time and enjoy the scenery which was outstanding! We had a great time and chatted to lots of lovely people on the ride and in the feed stations. I also got to take my 90s Kona Hahanna gravel conversion to the Kona stand to compare it to the new bikes. Oh and we got interviewed by Maddy Nut before the ride whilst we were eating breakfast which my partner really enjoyed as we have been following her races, she was very nice to chat with.
I picked up this caldera from eBay £77 as I have already converted a Hahanna into quite a racey gravel bike and wanted an ATB for bikepacking so obviously it was time to make another one.
So far I have stripped the paint and removed the brakes and cable lugs and have Tig welded on some through axle drop outs. I just need to braze the rear brake caliper mount and the fabrication has been done ready to paint and ride.
If you are wondering about my component selection it is just based on the spares pile in my garage. I only had to buy the frame, I already had everything else.
I was free yesterday so went out all day for a longer ride from home in Manchester out north of Bolton and over the hills to Ramsbottom and back home again 120km 1500m. It was glorious out and I've now got some new favourite trails to add into some other routes.