My New/Old School Bike Build

  The whole reason behind getting this new frameset is that I am tired of having multiple bikes that I can only ride on certain terrain or distances. I don't want/cannot afford to have 4 bikes to do all the types of riding that I like do. So I wanted one bike,a frankenstein's monster of a bike, that would be my Swiss Army Knife of cycling.

  I had certain qualifications that needed to be met. One, this bike had to be affordable.VERY affordable. Well under $800.00 retail. Two, this bike needed to be able to ride on and off road. I want to be able to take the same bike on a 20 mile ride on the road to get groceries, as well as do some laps at West Branch. Third, it needed to be able to be set up in different ways depending on what my needs are. I wanted to be able to put 29er tires,fenders, front and rear racks, disc or rim brake. ( I tend to get bored with set ups fast, and want to be able to change things up without much fuss.) Last, I wanted something I knew would fit me well. Even though I am a fit specialist by day, I still run into snags on a good bike fit for myself.

  So based on all of these things I decided the best choice for a frameset would be a Monstercross. Steel construction, strong, rigid, and a ton of tire clearance. JB Importer's house brand, Origin-8, makes an inexpensive frameset called the CX700. Sold. 

   When the framset arrived, everyone at the shop thought it was an awesome idea. Needless to say I am very excited to build this bike. 

      I decided that I wanted to build this bike to be almost like an 80's era mountain bike. Mostly because of versatility, but I love the look of old mountain bikes.

  So...with all that figured out... here is how the build is likely to shake out.

CX700 frame and fork

FSA Orbit headset

Origin 8 Space Bar

Velo Orange Stem

Cannondale Seat Post

Bontrager Evoke Saddle

Bontrager 29er 2 Tires

29er Wheels- Alex rims with SRAM Hubs

Falcon Friction Shifters (Oh yeah!)

Alivio 8 speed Derailleur

Alivio Front Derailleur

Shimano Chain and Cassette

Canit Brakes for now... probably Tektro Oryx

Oury Grips....