I mused about getting one of these at the same point in time I build my Soul.

Since then I have always admired the frames and they relative rareness/unpopularity.

When the option presented itself to get one recently I jumped at it.

This is a 2012 XL frame. Given its XL badge I don’t think its a gate 😕

In quick succession two 30.0 Thomson posts were snapped up for bargainous prices – The straight one pictured and a layback just in case.

The bike is running an 8 speed Alfine but I am also after a SS specific rear wheel for a bit of choice. I also have a Reba Team fork to replace the Salsa forks if needed.

Being a tart I like the way the stainless steel dropouts on the forks match the chrome rear of the frame – as I say I am a tart.

Not ridden in anger yet 😳 as I still have the rear brake to bleed.

Unsurprisingly she is no lightweight – steel frame, steel forks, Alfine – but it should be sub 30lbs.

Anyhoo a couple of quick pics:

What do we think?

M

Not normally a fan of those tyres, but they seem to suit – real nice. I’d ditch the alfine, go SS proper.

The tyres may not be to everyone’s taste aesthetically but for the majority of riding I do they work really well.

On the look out for a SS specific rear hub

What tyres are they? And what forks?

Very nice, i’ve got the big wheeler, enjoying it. looking to add a salsa fork too

very nice indeed.
simple, no fuss, what’s not to like……. 8)

I thought creosote had been banned?

That’s bloody lovely. Love the contrast of gumwall tyres on blck.
Treat yourself to an Alfine-11. More gears, less weight.

Thinking about it, a 29er version would look beyter…

Tyres are, if I’m not mistaken, Charge Splashbacks.

About time gumwalls made a come back!

What are those tyres? I WANT some! 🙂

Lovely bike too. I do like black!

+1 V Nice

like that, looks mean. grrrrr

Thanks guys 🙂

honourablegeorge – Member

What tyres are they? And what forks?

Charge Splashback tyres
Salsa Cromoto forks

Rich_s – Member

I thought creosote had been banned?

Still got stock 😉

ir_bandito – Member

That’s bloody lovely. Love the contrast of gumwall tyres on blck.
Treat yourself to an Alfine-11. More gears, less weight.

Thinking about it, a 29er version would look beyter…

Thank you

& Don’t start on the 29er thing 😆

organic355 – Member

like that, looks mean. grrrrr

Grrr indeed 😆