PhilDAS never content with the bikes I already own

Custom gravel bike is the new titanium midlifecrisis 'forever' bike ;)
Should be quite cool! Looking forward to seeing where you go with it.

With all those drop bar bikes you surely need an ATB?

I think it's probably different yeah. This one has pretty minimal drop to the bars hence my thinking of a low stack cover. My old one was a lot more slammed and was also a Medium.

vs

Custom gravel bike is the new titanium midlifecrisis 'forever' bike ;)

Should be quite cool! Looking forward to seeing where you go with it.

I do want something to last years but knowing me, unlikely to be forever. Gravel just seems like for my riding, the bike I'll get the most use out of.

I am probably approaching midlife so it's not all that surprising.

It's true and I would totally like a big fat tyre ATB style thing for short weekend rides and picnics but I think I'd always reach for a different bike first so I think it would be better use of this rare opportunity to go for something I'll get a lot of use out of.

I have an unreasonable view that a bike ride has only been worthwhile if I cover the most amount of KMs possible in the allotted time, unfortunately.

I think you're about 6feet tall ?
my internet bike fit assessment is that it looks like a large and probably feels like one

I suppose being out Surrey way there's a lot of really nice off-road riding, I'm just jaded from all the 200m gravel 'sections' covered in flytipping that makes up the Kent off-road network lol
It will be Saffron I assume?

Yeah about 186cm but more torso than legs. Bear in mind, I do usually ride a size down and it does have 120mm stem but yeah, the front is tall.

I've yet to find any gravel, just SFAB bridleways but certainly further over west into Surrey there are some lovely off road trails. I have the South downs pretty close but haven't ventured that way yet. I'm still building up my mileage after my injury.

Correct

https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-22/

This is nice. Has a decent amount of gravel. Also obligatory needs a lefty comment 😉

I have an unreasonable view that a bike ride has only been worthwhile if I cover the most amount of KMs possible in the allotted time, unfortunately.

You'll realise this error in a few more builds but for now..

s-works crux meets skinny steel tubes and 2.1" 27.5 clearance?!

s-works crux meets skinny steel tubes and 2.1" 27.5 clearance?!

You know it

A little something for the mood board

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hilly... I don't think I would take a fixed road bike out that often

My experience is the opposite. But the gravel bike will be fun nonetheless.

Surprised you haven't mentioned a gearbox yet.

Sadly you're lacking the required power to overcome that drivetrain inefficiency

Seeing who'll build it mentioned I retract my ATB suggestion.
Think the steel crux is a good suggestion.

Before binning the arkose maybe a KAW one dayer attempt ?

As I say, I'll be riding the arkose all year, the waiting list is like 11 or 12 months so I've got all summer to muck about yet

Have you considered a portage handle?

It's been a long time coming/slow build despite reusing most of the bits off my other road bike. Realised I've leant my bleed kit out to a friend so can't ride it yet and I'll only cut the steerer once I've confirmed that my aging back can cope with the drop.

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Ageing? Aren’t you about 12?

I see Darimo - Need more pics

hard

Lol, in my 30s now. It's downhill from here

Gets bad after 35