So I mentioned I have a new dream bike frame in a recent post, the Ritchey Outback Break-away frame that you can disassemble and store a lot easier for travel. Here's my latest gravel/all-road bike build list, including some explanation why I chose these parts. Take note that since you can disassemble the frame this bike will be using cable actuated brakes (and shifting since I'm not a hardcore cyclist who can see the value in wireless shifting).
I'll be adding the price of the product as of today.
- Frameset, Ritchey Outback Break-away USD 2399. On sale for USD 1999. Like I said, the biggest reason I'm liking this frame now is because it's collapsible and thus easier to pack for travel. Not that I travel. Based on their website my size would be small because I subscribe to Bikefit James' thinking of getting one size smaller. If not, medium is my recommended frame size. Though at my age, flexibility, and proportions small might be safer. I can always buy longer stems and seat posts but I can't shrink a bigger frame.
- Wheelset, Mavic Allroad Disc USD 350. On sale for USD 294.98. I was originally thinking of getting the Allroad S but that only has the centerlock option for brake rotors. I'd rather have six bolt locking. The 23mm inner rim width would be more than enough to handle the tires I want.
- Tires, Panaracer Gravel King SK USD 65 each, I think. I'm a fan of Panaracers. I'm not a gravel racer. I just want to ride a bike with a tire capable of handling both road and off-road. 35mm width would be a good balance for road and off-road, I think. With tan sidewalls.
- Inner tubes, Tubolity X-Tubo-CX/Gravel-All USD 26.40. Tubeless set up is pricey and needs constant maintenance. I rarely ride my bike so it's not practical to go tubeless. Tubolitos will hopefully be durable enough to avoid flats.
- Handlebar, Salsa Cowchipper USD 55. 38mm Cowchipper gives me a relatively narrow top with a flared drop that's wider than the Salsa Cowbell.
- Stem and seatpost, Redshift ShockStop Suspension System USD USD 333.98 - USD 463.96. One of my "luxury" components simply because I'd like to have some form of suspension should I go through patches of bumpy surfaces. I think the Redshift system would be enough for me. I would most likely need a shim for the handlebar if I read the Cowchipper's specs right.
- Brake calipers, TRP HY/RD flat mounts USD 149.99. I was also considering the Yokozuna Ultimo but they're almost, or over double the price of the TRP. Plus like I said, I don't ride that fast so this should be fine.
- Brake rotors, Shimano RT66 6-bolt 160mm USD 29.99. On sale USD 23.99. Stopping is important but honestly I think these will do.
- Groupset, Microshift Sword 1x10 no price on their website. Ideally 165 mm cranks, 42T chainring, and 11/48 cassette. I saw one being sold locally for PhP 19,500. That one though has 170 mm cranks, 40T chainring, and 11/48 cassette.
- Pedals, Shimano PD-T421 USD 80. This might be a good compromise between a flat pedal and a clipless pedal. It doesn't look too flashy and might pass for a normal plastic flat pedal.
- Cleats, Shimano SM-SH56 SPD Multi-release Cleat w/o Cleat Nut USD 19. Of course you'd need Shimano cleats to work with the pedals.
- Saddle, Ritchey WCS Cabrillo Saddle USD 100. From the bike fitters I follow I do know that Selle Italia saddles are their go-to. But as far as I know they're expensive. So hopefully the Cabrillo will do. It does seem shorter than my saddle now but hopefully it is more than enough.
Out.
