Custom Soma Wolverine

Let me start out by saying that Soma have provided some of the worst customer service and delivery estimates I have ever experienced by any company ever. I look forward to confirming the other rumour about them providing really solid bikes / frames.

Whilst completing my own project, my older brother got bike envy. He had a Foffa, which was stolen last year and decided that:
a) He should get a better lock and secure his bike better
b) He should spend out and get a custom bike
He wasn’t sure of what he wanted and has little knowledge of bikes. I sent him a link to the Shand Stoater and he was sold, just not on the price. The initial brief was therefore ‘something like the Stoater, but not as expensive’. Knowing how little he knows of cycling and also how changeable he can be I advised the Soma Wolverine.

Key points for the bike:

1. Flat bars (he’s not used to drops)
   
2. Gates Carbon Belt Drive
   
3. Black 'stealth' colour scheme
   
   

Originally I was going to have the bike with a number of DMR specifications (bars, grips, cranks, pedals, saddle, seat clamp), backed up with Hope front hub and Thomson seatpost / stem, but I’ve had to make alterations since this first idea. I knew the frame came in orange and felt good about getting specific DMR components with orange and blue flashes (especially considering the orange frame and blue inside track of the belt)... Right up to the point where my brother decided he wanted a black bike. Luckily, Soma are now (eventually) doing the Wolverine in black.

The current specification (which should be the final specification):
• Soma Wolverine Frameset (52cm, Black)
• DMR Axe Cranks
• DMR V12 Magnesium Pedals
• DMR Wingbars
• DMR Sect Seatclamp
• DMR Stage 1 Saddle (although likely swapping to a Fabric)
• Thomson Elite Seatpost (330mm)
• Thomson X4 Stem (70mm)
• Gates Carbon Belt Drive
• Shimano Alfine Rapid Fire Shifter
• Specialized Sip Locking Grip (Changed from DMR Muta after a recommendation)
• Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Hope 1 1/8 Headset
• Hope Pro4 Evo Front Hub (28h)
• Shimano Alfine 8 Speed (32h)
• H Plus Son Archetype Rims (Black)
• DT Swiss Competition Spokes
• Schwalbe One 28mm Tyres

Of that list I am only now missing the cranks and frameset. I’m hoping the frame comes in before July. I’ve been waiting for it since March (the initial delivery estimate). Ironically my brother is going out to the US in June, but the price he can get the frame at out there is equivalent to the price I’ve been offered when the frame finally arrives here, which is hopefully before he gets back.

Laced the wheels already. Aiming to get this put together as soon as I have the last two components.

Front and back I've added 4 silver spokes among the black ones either side of the air valve.

Got everything line up perfectly.

Mismatching spokes>>>>>

Interesting that you/he has gone for such skinny tyres on this frame.

No, the spokes are all the correct length and make.

My brother had 42mm on his Foffa, but tried out my bike and decided that he wanted to try 28mm on his new build. I know there are options if he chooses to go wider.

I meant colours, not different lengths/spoke type. Yeah - G-One's would be perfect for this frame!

Interesting starting point. I fancied the stoater as well but just couldn't find the cash so plumped for a wolverine instead

What disc rotors are they?

Look flash.

Don't think the Wolverine is a bad 2nd choice. Definitely seen more positivity than the Surly Straggler. Was tempted to get a Straggler frameset and do a frame modification, but I'm encouraging my brother to be patient.

They're Ashima Axim floating rotors. Reportedly among the lightest in the world. Been working well on my Genesis.

It's a lacing style I modified from someone that built me a wheel. Shows that they're custom built and some individuality.

Will be watching this with interest. I plan on building up a Wolverine over the coming months for winter commuting. I've done mucho "research" and the Woverine seems to have a bit of a niche for itself.

1. Good quality steel tubes
   
2. Singlespeed with vertical dropouts
   
3. Disc brakes
   
4. Ample clearance
   
5. Relatively affordable
   

From what I've seen this frameset stands alone. Most equivalent frames are more expensive through the tubing or because they're custom built, that I could see. Next closest is the Surly Straggler, which would require a frame modification for the belt drive. Even there, reviews of the two put the Wolverine in front. It's just a shame that I've had such a bad experience getting hold of this frame.

Why the decision to go belt drive? Heard differing opinions about them, currently doesn't seem to be that much of a market for them?

Would you have had more choices of frame available to you if you'd gone conventional chain and cog?

So originally I sent my brother a photo of a Shand Stoater and he was smitten on that type of build with a belt drive for his bike. He had no idea of the ramifications of requesting a belt drive, but since then has looked it over and wants to stick to it.

There isn't a massive market for belt drive compatibility, but it has slowly increased over the past couple of years and I expect curiosity and demand will grow. I know Velorution in London are certainly pushing belt drive bikes and people that I've met that have had / tried belt drives love them, so we shall see.

The best thing about the build is the versatility of the frame. I know that later down the line if my brother decides the belt drive isn't for him it'll be easy to change the drivetrain. Admittedly there would have been plenty of frame choices if the belt drive wasn't a consideration, but it has led to trying to attain one of the most adaptable bike frames I've ever known.

Been meaning to update this thread...

I finished the bike.

Admittedly the initial build wasn't fully legit, but with a little help from a mechanic and 2 new rear axle washers I got there.

Unfortunately, due to the vast impatience of my brother, I didn't get any decent photos of the final article.

He is happy with the results though.

Also, a big thank you to Ben Thomson over at Cycleworx!

photo's seem to be broken!

Photos fixed:

Not for me, they aren't.

Image links aren't working for photos (for me anyway)

Thanks for the help

I'll try to upload again later.