'Sir Elton Lavender' All City Big Block

I picked up @Sparky All City Big Block just after New Year and I've slowly been collecting bits for it. I thought i'd start a build thread as it's possible i finish it fairly soon. This is also my first proper build.

Frame is lush. I bought it for the colour, but it also has some lovely features like the drop outs. Also, Sparky barely rode it.

Bits i have so far;
Miche Advanced Crankset
Fuji wheelset
BLB track pedals & restraps
San Marco saddle

Bits i want;
Thomson 27.2 seatpost layback.

Bits i'm not sure about:
Tyres - The frame takes up to 32c, so i'm thinking some 28c Gatorskins or something like a Panaracer Gravelking. I want to be able to hit the tow paths and bridleways without having to worry.

Cockpit - Not sure whether to run drops or wideish risers. I'm thinking starting out with risers and seeing how i get on.

I often thougt about buying this but couldn't justify, really love it in that colour. Should be a tidy build.

Risers for def.

(Reading the above if I had known it took 32s then maybe...)

looking forward to seeing how this turns out dude! all black parts and 32c's and risers would be sick

Thanks!

Silver wheels at the moment, but they're just to get it going. Will probably find a nicer set later.

Does anyone have any recommendations for 32c? What are GatorSkins like at this size?

Also sub'd will give some inspiration for my forgotten 55cm which is sitting at home gathering dust...colourway is actually called Sir Elton Lavender(!).

With black headset, plan was to go purple/black components until it was taken over by another build and was planning to sell.

Here is the bumpf on the frame for the benefit of followers (though I expect you know it already):

612 Select double-butted cro-moly steel frame. Custom head tube badge, brazed-on seat collar, custom bottom bracket and signature Hennepin Bridge dropouts. Has a single set of water bottle mounts. An E.D. coating for rust prevention is applied before classic wet paint finish.

Slippery and stiff. (Oo er)

Panaracer RibMo seem to be the go to for that size, cheapish too. Think when I checked winstanleys had them cheapest.

Are RibMo's better than refuse?

https://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=86203;menu=1000,4,22,35

Refuse aren't what they used to be

On tumblr?

burns tyres

project name duly updated!

Personally I'd go drops, good to have the option of getting the body low, if just for grip/cornering. If you're going to be spending a lot of time on bridal paths, and possible descending off road, I would highly recommend them.
I've heard really good things about the GravelKings but sadly it seems they only go to 28..

Citation needed

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/69995/Panaracer_Gravel_King_Tyre_PA700GRAVK28FB?gclid=CMbcw6XE6csCFcluGwodcg8LIg

They also do a chunkier tread one which is listed seperately

I can recommend 32c Vittoria Randoneurs - cheapish and very comfortable
ride. They seem to be able to cope with towpaths/sustrans stuff too. Much less drag than Schwalbe Marathons. Comfort is important and given the state of pothole strewn roads fatter tyres are essential if you want to enjoy your rides.

@TM Good find!

The 32s are great, running them on my Argos.

32c GravelKings on their way, the smoother version. As are risers.

Still on the look out for a decent 27.2 layback Thomson. PM me if you have one!

Nearly there. Final touches might have to wait until after payday but i'm getting impatient.

Couldn't wait. Final bits here for the weekend.

Regret.

:)

Can't help but think silver parts would look awesome on this frame, especially seeing the wheels.

Looks good nonetheless. And also: rotate your seatpost 180 degrees. ;)

What front brake have you got on there? All city says 47-57mm reach/drop but I guess not all calipers will work with 32mm tyres.

Silver 75s and a black chainring.

Failing that, strip the miche

It's a Dia-Compe BRS101. (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dia-compe-brs101-dual-pivot-brake-caliper/)

It seems to fit fine but will see when i set it up.

nice, silver cranks for sure.

So; I built this up over the weekend and rode it to work this morning.

Confession time. This is my first fixed gear bike So, I can't really comment on how it rides as i'm still getting used to riding fixed (and using straps instead of SPDs - argh).

Initial thoughts

• It fits me better than my Canyon (both are '58cm' but this is just a bigger frame and feels much roomier)
  
• 48 x 19 feels good for city riding
  
• Don't stop pedalling.
  
  

I haven't taken a decent photo yet thanks to the miserable weather on Saturday and spending all day yesterday hiking in Sussex.