This week’s Readers’ Rides comes from Brett in Salt Lake City and his All-City Gorilla Monsoon flat bar bike, which he’s broken down in detail for us below. Read on for all the specs and insight into this unique build…
Hey! I’m Brett and this is my Y’All-City Gorilla Monsoon.
This winter I decided to use my stimulus checks, my impending 30th birthday, and the fact I was 6 months into a new job as excuses to build up a cool new bike. I wanted something tough enough to go touring on, but snazzy enough to boost my ego a bit when cruising around town. Something quick but comfortable. Good for taking bike paths to the bar and single track on the way home. Something to plan big adventures around and something to hop on after work in whatever I’m wearing.
I got the frameset from Cranky’s Bike Shop in Salt Lake City through some very lucky timing, and over the next couple of months I ordered a lot of my favorite parts through them (thanks Chris and Luke!)
Swept back flat bars were a must on this bike. For me they’re the perfect combo of comfort and capable handling, especially when loaded. I opted to splurge for a Shimano 1×12 drivetrain because I’m not that fond of front derailleurs and because I’ve never been upset about having extra low gears. The Teravail Sparwoods are fast-rolling and sufficiently grippy. The Klampers live up to the hype and I love how the adjustment dials compliment the frame. My trusty Brooks Flyer seals the deal, but honestly I’m pumped about every single component.
Parts took a while to arrive but it’s finally rolling. A week after I finished building it I put it to the test at Enve’s Grodeo and didn’t have a single issue (with the bike, I was hurtin’ a bit.) I may have been the only rider in flats and running shoes which I secretly liked. And last weekend I bolted on my racks and took it on its first overnighter out in the Uintas with some of the guys from Cranky’s (seriously it’s a cool shop with cool people so check them out if you’re in Salt Lake.)
While I wait for more adventures I’ll continue to enjoy taking it out for night rides on dirt roads and cruisey singletrack, after the heat of the day fades and the other riders head home.
Build specs:
Headset and spacers: White Industries
BB: White Industries
Rear hub: White Industries XMR
Front hub: SON 28
Rims: WTB KOM Tough
Tires: Teravail Sparwood 27.5 x 2.1
Chainring: Shimano XT 32T
Cassette: Shimano SLX 10-51
Rear derailleur: Shimano SLX 12 speed
Shifter: Shimano XT 12 speed
Cranks: Shimano Deore XT
Pedals: Blue Lug Shark
Brakes: Paul Klamper flat mount
Levers: Paul Canti Levers
Stem: Paul Boxcar
Post: Paul Tall & Handsome
Seat clamp: Wolf Tooth
Bars: Crust Juan Martin
Grips: Ergon GC1
Saddle: Brooks Flyer
Headlight: SON Edelux II
Handlebar bag: Snēk
Bottles: Radavist!
Y’All-City decals: Southern Wonders
When in touring mode:
Front rack: Pass And Stowe 5 Rail
Rear rack: Tumbleweed Mini Pannier Rack
____
We’d like to thank all of you who have submitted Readers Rides builds to be shared over here. The response has been incredible and we have so many to share over the next few months. Feel free to submit your bike, listing details, components, and other information. You can also include a portrait of yourself with your bike and your Instagram account! Please, shoot landscape-orientation photos, not portrait. Thanks!