A single speed is all you need
Since the beginning of Urban Bike Wear, we've maintained that single speed and fixed gear are ideal for shorter commutes* and it's a fact.
We've previously built a couple of fixed-gear bikes for this customer. Fixed-gear hub isn't for every cyclist; it's a completely different kind of muscle-powered pedaling machine. You either love it or hate it, more or less, but you have to try it! When the owner of this Allday had a longer commute, they needed a freewheel to ride more comfortably (with brakes). *What's considered a short or long cycling distance is highly personal, but if you ask us, it's relatively short if you commute less than 10 km each way.
One caveat: when the bike was photographed, we didn't know the customer's saddle height, so we clamped it higher than necessary, as raising and lowering it and tightening the clamp can leave marks on the seatpost. If your bike looks like this, we'd probably recommend a larger frame size. Anyway, we think the monochrome theme works: silver can be seen on the fenders, pedals, and headset. There's nothing wrong with an all-black bike, but doesn't it get a little boring? We're happy to offer our opinion, but "the customer is always right, in matters of taste."
Building bikes is extra fun when no expense is spared. Here we have the best crankset on the market for SS/Fixed: Sugino 75 Direct Drive with the matching ZEN chainring. With a standard Hollowtech II bottom bracket, it's easy to service and inexpensive to run. Upgrade to a Chris King bearing if you like, but we didn't here. The beauty of these mechanically simple bikes is that they always work and require minimal maintenance. Remember to replace the chain once a year, for example.
The customer brought in the Tune and Enve components from a previous build. When someone comes in with such exclusive goodies, we don't say no. Carbon handlebars cost a pretty penny and aren't the first thing most of us think of for a commuter bike. However, carbon doesn't get nearly as cold as metal when it's cold out, a detail worth considering for anyone whose hands get cold easily. Dia-Compe V-brakes bring the bike to a stop, whatever the road surface. They also don't suffer from the same problems as disc brakes during the winter months. No option is perfect, but rim brakes (preferably V-brakes) continue to be the most reliable and simplest form of braking, delivering power for all types of road cycling. Note the wording: we mean all types of roads, but not trails and all sorts of MTB disciplines. #savetherimbrake etc.
Specifications:
- Frameset: Brother Cycles The Allday (58 cm)
- Stem: Tune
- Handlebar: Enve
- Grips: Oury Clamp-on (Black)
- Brakes: Dia-Compe BA85 (Silver)
- Brake levers: Avid Speed Dial 7
- Headset: Dia-Compe CB-2 (Silver)
- Seatpost: Tune
- Saddle: Brooks Cambium C17 Carved
- Chain: IZUMI Super Toughness Kai
- Crankset: Sugino 75 Direct Drive
- Bottom bracket: Shimano HT2
- Freewheel: White Industries
- Wheelset: Halo Aerotrack (Black)
- Tyres: Continental 4-season 32 mm
- Pedals: MKS XC-III
- Mudguards: Velo Orange 700c 45 mm (Stainless Steel)
- Bell: Crane E-ne (Stealth Black)
