I just completed my first self-built bike. I came into this with zero bike building or spray painting experience. I wanted to build a do-everything type bike that I could potentially go bikepacking with someday.
Specs:
- ΒSeraph GR-029 frame
- Shimano GRX groupset β GRX600 shifters and crankset, GRX810 front and rear derailleur
- Shimano Tiagra hubs
- Sram 11-42T 11-Speed cassette (using a Wolftooth roadlink to relocate the rear mech, but even that might not be enough for 42T)
- DTswiss steel spokes
- DTswiss G540db (650b) rims
- WTB Sandero 47c tires
- Hope RX4+ brakes (Good luck finding Shimano brakes for sane prices right now)
- Shimano SLX SM-RT70 rotors (160mm and 140mm)
- Farr Aero Gravel handlebars
- Cheapie 80mm stem and seatpost from Amazon for fitting and testing purposes
- Salvaged saddle off of my old and busted roadbike until I buy another, more appropriate one
- KMC chain
- Paint is Wanda brand with 2k primer and clearcoat
Design:
The paint scheme was inspired by the Lancia Stratos rally car in the Alitalia livery of the 1970s. I thought that, besides the obvious functional advantages, the Farr aero handlebar invoked the shape of the front of the Stratos especially with a lightbar mounted on the front of the bike (perhaps something like the Gemini Titan 2500). I used masking tape for the stripes and vinyl decals to stencil the letters. Notice the Orange triangle filling the green βAβ just like the βAβ in Alitalia. I also painted my name in black on the top tube in the same font that spells Lancia on the racecar. I topped everything in a clear, colorless pearlescent layer that softens the otherwise stark colors and adds a shimmer. It provides something of a modern interpretation of a classic design.
Thoughts:
This bike took a ton of work and knowing what I know now, I probably would have just waited for bikes to come back in stock rather than starting this project last summer. There are some blemishes here and there, but the coolness factor mostly covers them up, so Iβm pretty pleased with the result. Iβve learned a lot along the way. I welcome any feedback, particularly comments on the design since I have a feeling I will be spraying another frame sometime in the future and I would like to evolve this design to make it even better.
[Do you see what I mean about the nose-shaped aero bar?](
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