The Somas

We love Soma frames here at VCB.  Over the past 5 years we have built up several so I will now start a series of post on the builds.  The first in the series is a just completed Soma Rush in chrome.  

This gorgeous bike was built as a fixed gear here at VCB for the lovely Kelly McGill by master builder Perry Finley.  She chose a black and chrome look which a creates a dramatic contrast.  The dominant feature of this bike is the HED carbon fiber wheelset.  Not what you would expect to see on a steel frame.

 

The black contrasting components include an All City track crank, Cane Creek head set, TRP levers accuate Cane Creek dual pivot brake calipers,  and a Profile Designs half link chain delivers power to the rear wheel.

Kelly chose to adapt the quill stem to the more modern threadless stem to match the other bikes in her collection.

     An unusual shot from inside the wheel.

The distinctive Soma head badge, Crane Creek headset and brake.

The proud owner ready to tear up the streets.

Rivendell Romulus redo

I acquired this frame set through an eBay auction some 4+ years ago.  It has been built as the closest thing I get to a performance road bike for the last 2 years.  Older Dura Ace square taper 53/42 crank with Phil Wood bottom bracket.  New Ultegra derailleurs, Rivendell silver down tube shifters.  32 spoke Ultegra hubs laced to Magic Open Pros (a $100.00 CL find) wrapped with 35 mm Soma brick red tires.  Dura Ace levers acuate VO CNC machined Gran Comp brake calipers.  Dura Ace seat post supporting Brooks Pro saddle in honey with matching bar tape.  I have enjoyed the bike as built but have been thinking that I would be better served with a compact crank.  I was ready for a make over on this bike so here is what I have come up with.

The first change was a new Ultegra 50/36 compact crank with matching outboard bottom bracket.  Then a new Ultegra rear derailleur to match the look.  New 10 speed cassette and chain.  Then a big step into the present for me, Dura Ace INDEXED down tube shifters.

Brakes have been some of my favorites so they have remained unchanged.  

I had a Lugged stem left over from a build retired so it contributed to the cosmetic side of the make over.

Going from the polished look of the DA crank to the dark finish of the new Ultegra components I decided to go dark on the trim also.  Black Brooks Pro saddle and new matching bar tape.  For storage a VO Bananna bag.  To finish it all off new 33.3 mm Jack brown tires.  

I have had the bike out for 3 rides in the 15 to 40 mile range, usually several climbs involved and first impressions are super.  The gearing makes so much more sense for me and I have to admit I do like the Indexed shifters. 

Pauls PureFix

PureFix has been a very successful line for us here at VCB.  In two years we have sold almost 100 bikes.  At $350 you get an introductory level steel frame fixie with budget components. I have been planing this build for a while with all premium components. Drive train & brakes are all Pauls Components, rims Velocity B43s, Brooks saddle and grips, Nitto lugged stem and stainless steel straight bar, Cane Creek head set, and Campy bottom bracket.

Pauls Medium center pull brake with Moon Unit straddle cable carrier.  These brakes are as strong as any that I have ever used.

Pauls Pure Crank mated to Campy bottom bracket with Shimano 105 road pedals.

36 hole Pauls High Flange Track Hub laced to Velocity B43 in 4 cross pattern for a bomb proof wheel.

View from the front.  Ahhh the luxury of Brooks leather.

Here the Pauls combo seat clamp and cable hanger can be seen.

DeRosao Nuovo Classico w/Dura Ace 58cm

We have been quite busy through the winter getting stock ready for the spring rush.  Having the shop floor fully stocked gives me time to work on some of the higher end of the collection.  This De Rosa "Nuove Classico" from the late 80's came in equipped with Dura Ace 7400 and mismatched sew ups. 

I took the bike apart then touched a few nicks in the finish.  The bearings were all in excellent shape so all parts were cleaned in solvent before reassembling with fresh lubricants.  Wheels were rebuilt using new Macic Open Pro rims and stainless steel straight gauge spokes.

Panaracer skin wall tires, Newbaums yellow cotton bar tape finished with hemp twine and shellac, and Brooks Swift saddle all work together to complete the "Classic" look.  This is one sweet ride.

Available for purchase @ $2500.00.