Readers’ Rides: Tom’s Steampunk Deviate Highlander

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by Hannah Dobson September 24, 2021 44

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This topic has 44 replies, 32 voices, and was last updated 2 years ago by lewzz10.

Viewing 40 posts - 1 through 40 (of 44 total)

Readers’ Rides: Tom’s Steampunk Deviate Highlander
matt_outandabout
Full Member

I like. Is veeeerrry nice.

Posted 2 years ago

johnw1984
Free Member

Cracking build and really unique.

I love seeing your builds as it isn’t just throwing expensive parts on, it’s the extra mile you go when putting the finishing touches on it 🙂

Posted 2 years ago

sl2000
Full Member

That’s gorgeous!

Posted 2 years ago

cheers_drive
Full Member

I’ve been following this on JMJ’s and Deviate’s instagram. These pictures don’t do it justice, great idea and stunning execution 👏

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

Thanks guys! It’s had a shakedown in the lakes this week, couple of minor adjustments to make, but it’s bloody ace!

These pictures don’t do it justice

Very much this. Any help in this department that’s more than ‘point my phone at it’ much appreciated…

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

For those interested, this is the dog it’s based on 😊

Posted 2 years ago

malv173
Free Member

The bike is gorgeous!

But that dog looks like it remembers what being a real dog was like, and is very much not happy about it!

Posted 2 years ago

tall_martin
Full Member

Lovely looking bike.

Looks like you have realistic rather than optimistic scales!

Hope it it as ace to ride as it is to look at🙂

Posted 2 years ago

big_scot_nanny
Full Member

Spectacular Tom, amazing bit of kit.

Posted 2 years ago

justinbieber
Full Member

I’m going to go out on a limb here, and say I’m not a huge fan of the paint job, but it’s not my bike. Having said that, I can’t fault anything else on the build – it’s stunning. Think I’m most envious of the Trickstuff brakes – I visited the factory a few years ago and was blown away by the build quality and attention to detail.

Posted 2 years ago

BadlyWiredDog
Full Member

‘Taut’ not ‘taught’. Honestly 😉

Posted 2 years ago

argee
Full Member

BadlyWiredDog
Full Member
‘Taut’ not ‘taught’. Honestly 😉

That’s a bit of a stretch ;o)

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

That’s a bit of a stretch ;o)

I dunno, it’s learned me something.

I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I love it though. 😊

Posted 2 years ago

twonks
Full Member

I might be the only one that doesn’t really like it but can’t help but be impressed with the wheel weight, especially for the intended use.

Is the lack of chain wrap on the chainring a problem? There looks to be barely 30% coverage and to share the load of a 90Kg rider squeezing out power on nasty uphills makes me wince a bit seeing how few teeth are engaged.

Posted 2 years ago

barney
Free Member

@twonks – From what I understand (I are not an engineer) the entire pedal load is borne by interface of the first few teeth of the chainring with the chain. Chain wrap isn’t an issue…

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

Chain wrap isn’t an issue…

This. Been riding it in a few guises for a year now, no chain issues at all.

Posted 2 years ago

LAT
Full Member

That is an amazing looking bike. i love the brass coloured decals on the raw steel finish. very inspired, but i do have some sympathy for that poor dog.

do you have upgrade plans for any of the components? that’s a joke, by the way.

Have fun.

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

i love the brass coloured decals

Ain’t no decals on there, it’s all paint. The process of which can be seen below.

I do have a Dward Designs CNC Ti BB to fit 😊 but other than that, no, it’ll do for now 😉

Posted 2 years ago

howsyourdad1
Free Member

It’s not for me, way too gaudy and bling for my taste. I always feel uncomfortable having anything that is ’the best’ as …. well, I’m not. As mentioned in another thread I would still burst out laughing if I saw anyone with trickstuff brakes in the wild 😬.

However I do love that people do their own thing and it is certainly unique, built by someone who clearly has a passion for bikes… so full marks on that front. Each to their own and I’m glad variety exists! Top marks!

Posted 2 years ago

chrismac
Full Member

I’m not a fan of the paint job but I admire the painters skill to be able to do it

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

It’s not for me, way too gaudy and bling for my taste.

Lolz, had a few comments (not just here) that it’s too rough 🤷‍♂️. Even that I should have it painted…

I always feel uncomfortable having anything that is ’the best’ as …. well, I’m not.

Does not compute. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to go for it. I absolutely accept I’m not going to push the limits of the kit that I’m using, but that doesn’t stop it from being very nice to use, and enhancing the overall experience.

To quote either Churchill or Wilde, ‘I am a simple man, I am very easily satisfied by the best.’

I’m not a fan of the paint job but I admire the painters skill to be able to do it

Interestingly, ish, that’s what put me in touch with JMJ, he’d done a helmet for Rich Payne, a tasteful pink and blue leopard print… Not my idea of awesome but it obviously took a lot of work to pull off. Same here I guess 😊

Posted 2 years ago

dirkpitt74
Full Member

That’s certainly different – nice work!

Posted 2 years ago

howsyourdad1
Free Member

If I’m going to do something, I’m going to go for it.

Sure thing, I do that too, just in a different way perhaps. As written it’s a unique bike and I’m glad you are enjoying it. Cheers for showing it!

Posted 2 years ago

bikesandboots
Full Member

Nice, very individual with the paint job.

I might be the only one that doesn’t really like it but can’t help but be impressed with the wheel weight, especially for the intended use.

Same, but only because I thought XMC1200 was some lighter-duty version of the XMC1501, rather than a previous generation – which is what they appear to be. Then half a pound as stated off with the spokes. Curious how they turn out long term.

I always feel uncomfortable having anything that is ’the best’ as …. well, I’m not.

If I’m going to do something, I’m going to go for it. I absolutely accept I’m not going to push the limits of the kit that I’m using, but that doesn’t stop it from being very nice to use, and enhancing the overall experience.

I think I get where the thought might come from, perhaps a feeling of not being worthy of top-line kit. I’ve never specced high enough (due to budget) for it to cross my mind though, on the things that matter I tend to go for plenty good enough then one level higher. I’d absolutely love to demo a bike with this suspension, brakes, and wheels vs. the same one with Lyriks, Super Deluxe, Code RSCs, and XM1700s.

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

Same, but only because I thought XMC1200 was some lighter-duty version of the XMC1501, rather than a previous generation

IIRC, the rims are the same, it’s just the stock 1200 comes with 180 hubs, the 1501 are 240s and slightly heavier spokes. The XRC is the pure XC lightweight, and the EXC is the full enduro.

Posted 2 years ago

Jordan
Full Member

Love it! Saw this on Deviate’s facebook page and thought it was ace! I’ve been fancying one of these for a while now and seeing this has only made me want one more.

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

I’ve been fancying one of these for a while now and seeing this has only made me want one more.

Buy it from JMJ and he’ll give you a discount on a paint job 😉 (keeps the warranty too)

Posted 2 years ago

RustyNissanPrairie
Full Member

It’s nice…but it’s not for me.

I’ve had some very expensive bikes over the years and I had a mental block with riding them and not wanting to ‘damage them’ even though financially I could afford to replace them. They become almost too jewel like/precious.

Conversely the HelloDave that is arriving tomorrow is going to get flogged and smashed to death without a second thought.

Posted 2 years ago

spanishfly
Free Member

I dont get it, its not for me although I can completely understand why you would want to change from the yellow.

Posted 2 years ago

DrP
Full Member

Ooh… I guess an oval chainring wouldn’t work on an idler bike…. hmm…

DrP

Posted 2 years ago

bruneep
Full Member

Not my thing either, but at least you completed your brief

this is the dog it’s based on

😉

Posted 2 years ago

tomhoward
Full Member

Ooh… I guess an oval chainring wouldn’t work on an idler bike…. hmm…

I *think* they do, you just need to run them at a different orientation. Not looked into it properly though.

Out of interest, those that say it’s not for them (correct 😝) what would you change? Just the colour, the finish, or something else?

Posted 2 years ago

jastheblade
Full Member

Get in Tom…
Great build, bet it’s quick everywhere.

Posted 2 years ago

IHN
Full Member

Engineeringly-wise: smashing
Lookingly-wise: minging (sorry)

Still, different strokes for different folks.

Posted 2 years ago

timbog160
Full Member

Absolute cracker love it. Well done Tom 👍.

Posted 2 years ago

v7fmp
Full Member

its a no from me…. i can appreciate the workmanship, but it doesnt look overly ‘steampunk’ to me.

but the build is pretty drool worthy.

As long as you love it, thats all that matters!

Posted 2 years ago

CalamityJames
Free Member

Love it.

Posted 2 years ago

irollones
Free Member

love the build but that paint job is just… nope. It’ll always look like it needs a clean and that would drive me up the wall! 😀

Posted 2 years ago

ernie
Full Member

I like it, a lot. I like the varied detail e.g. Trickstuff, Berd Spokes, Tune stem. You’ve gone off the beaten path and I love this detail.

Posted 2 years ago

nickc
Full Member

Like it a lot; from the paint to the components. Good work.

Posted 2 years ago

Viewing 40 posts - 1 through 40 (of 44 total)

The topic ‘Readers’ Rides: Tom’s Steampunk Deviate Highlander’ is closed to new replies.

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