We’re very stoked to kick off 2021 with this very unique build from Matt for our first Readers’ Rides of the year. Read on below for Matt’s words and a full build list!
This is my do-everything bike. It’s gone through a few iterations, but I think this current one is the best yet. The goal with the build was simple: to make the ultimate, no-compromise commuter bike that I can still lock up and not fret (too much) about.
I scored the frame on eBay for $70. I initially tried a suspension-corrected steel fork but found that it rode too upright. So I swapped it out for Soma’s awesome low-trail fork, which made the top tube level and still clears those Compass Rat Trap Pass tires. Oakland framebuilder Erik Billings added the disc brake tab in the back, as well as a couple of extra bottle cage mounts under the downtube. The rad Pass and Stow front rack is by Matt Feeney, another local framebuilder and maker of no-nonsense steel components. The rack is a perfect match for this frame, with its oversized tubes and long-wheelbase just begging to be loaded up.
As you can see from the build spec, I put the money where it counts with the rack, tires, and SRAM 1X10 shifters. Much of the rest of the build was sourced from the parts bin or purchased used. I wanted a super functional bike that could carry everything I’d need, but also not break the bank or give me heartburn when I lock it up. Hence the lack of a generator hub, the sanded rust spots on the frame, and a plethora of stickers from some of my favorite bike brands. And how ’bout those original 90’s purple decals!
I constantly get compliments whenever I’m out with this bike, often from folks who say they wish they still had their old Stumpjumper. It’s still a ripper, too! If I could only have one bike, this would be it.
Photos here. And, for anyone wondering why the hell I have SO MANY spacers under the stem — this is a commuter bike! It’s also of course designed for flat handlebars and a 90’s riser stem, both of which I’ve tossed out for this build. To me, a daily rider should be about comfort before speed. Long live 26″!
-Matt, from Oakland California
Build list:
Stumpjumper 20.5″ Tange Prestige frame (I’m almost certain it’s from 1993, one of the first years Specialized made frames with 1 1/8″ steerer tubes)
Soma Champs Élysées Low Trail Disc Fork
Specialized 167.5mm cranks
WolfTooth 42t chainring
SRAM 1X10 mullet drivetrain (Red right shifter, Force left brake lever)
11-42 cassette
TRP Spyre brakes w/ Shimano Ice Tech rotors
Cheap FSA headset + Shimano square taper bottom bracket (since I run it 1X I can get away with a 107mm spindle and a nice narrow q-factor)
Shimano XT hubs laced to Stan’s Arch rims
Compass Rat Trap Pass tires
Shimano SPD/platform pedals
Pass and Stow front rack w/ Wald 139 basket
Tubus rear rack
Paul chain keeper
Easton EA50 handlebars
Generic stem + seatpost
Specialized Phenom saddle
Velo Orange 700c fenders w/ mud flap up front (these are the widest that VO makes; I re-radiused them and added an extra front stabilizer for gravel riding)
Stem Captain clock (analog, of course!)
King bottle cages
Crane bell
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!
