This week’s Readers’ Rides is a little different. Chris sent in his parts bin Bombtrack Arise gravel bike. What makes this build unique is that his current build on this frame is a fixed gear. Read on below for the full build breakdown and some words by Chris…
I’ve built this frameset up a few different ways since I’ve had it but I think this version is going to be a keeper. Other than the chain, which was a slight indulgence, it’s all parts bin stuff. That said, I’ve tried to make it look half decent and it rides spot on.
The paint is a DIY job done with Montana Gold. I did most of it last year but it wasn’t really working for me till I added the pink/spatter to the fork and seat tube a few weeks ago. Decals are 3M Scotchlite, for a little extra visibility at night, made by my good mate Lee. The chainring was a stock black retainer ring from Hope that I hit with some drain cleaner to give it that camo effect.
Key features I guess are the Hunt Four Seasons Gravel Disc fixed rear wheel. I was able to get hold of a spare Four Seasons rim from the guys at Hunt and then laced in one of their boost front hubs, with a QR adapter my dad made for me on his lathe.
The bag support was my first attempt at silver brazing and was just made from some old scrap tubing I found dumped in the woods. The bag is an Ortlieb Accessory Pack with the handlebar straps removed.
Frame/Fork – Bombtrack Arise 2 (stock but with hanger/rear disc mounts removed)
Headset – FSA Orbit MX
Stem – Deda Zero 1 with anodising removed
Bars – Kona OE flared drop
Levers – Tektro with Cane Creek hoods
Tape – Arundel Gecko Grip
Seatpost – Some OE two bolt thing
Saddle – Selle San Marco Concor X
Chainset – FSA Gossamer
Bottom Bracket – Shimano Ultegra 6600
Chainring – Hope Retainer ring 44t
Chain – KMC K810SL
Sprocket – Velosolo 17t (flipped because it’s old)
Wheels – Hunt Four Seasons Gravel Disc fixed with Shimano QR skewers
Tyres – Teravail Cannonball Light and Supple 700 x 35c
Brake – Shimano BR-R517 with Hayes rotor
Bottle Cages – Arundel Sport
Bag Support – Homemade
Bags – Ortlieb Accessory-Pack and Micro Two saddlebag
Full disclosure, I do work for Lyon Equipment, the UK distributor for Bombtrack, Ortlieb, Teravail, and Arundel, amongst others but this is my personal bike. I was riding all these brands before I came to work for Lyon and I haven’t been given any of these products by Lyon or any of the brands (except the bottles). No one from work has asked me to submit it. This is just my personal whip I wanted to share.
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!
