Surly Steamroller owners...

How about the Great North Way - Potters Bar to Letchworth - lunch then back

http://www.greatnorthway.org.uk/

32 miles each way, but first you have to get to Potters Bar.

My frame has arrived now. took it out of the box for a peek and was about to start figuring out how to get it home when I remembered it needs to stay here at work until the headset arrives and I can get it fitted. which is probably next week now :(

cue more waiting.

is it all built up now?

only handful of bits needed now.

pedals, chain, stem, spacers, bartape.

need to experiment with stem/spacers to get right fit then get the steerer cut. sadly I wont be fitting the star nut in the fork until then so it'll remain unrideable til I sort it out.

but this is the good part of the build as I can see it take shape. instead of impatience it's now like waiting to age a fine wine. the wait is going to make the end result just that little bit nicer.

Keep thinking about putting drops on my roller.
Not sure if i should try turn it into a speed machine.

need to experiment with stem/spacers to get right fit then get the steerer cut. sadly I wont be fitting the star nut in the fork until then so it'll remain unrideable til I sort it out.

fit expander instead of starnut.

They're also removable when you decided to cut the steerer, much better.

Today I've been to London Fields Cycles and they've a fully built (usedish), Charcoal Steamroller - Complete Bike - £450. Beautiful frame, well put together, 56cm.

Cool story bro.

God Hates You.

And he's a flexible guy.

only handful of bits needed now.

pedals, chain, stem, spacers, bartape.

need to experiment with stem/spacers to get right fit then get the steerer cut. sadly I wont be fitting the star nut in the fork until then so it'll remain unrideable til I sort it out.

but this is the good part of the build as I can see it take shape. instead of impatience it's now like waiting to age a fine wine. the wait is going to make the end result just that little bit nicer.

Post a pic!

Put a deposit down for a creamroller today. Shop put the order through and i should be riding it in a couple of weeks.

Cool story bro.

God Hates You.

Now, now boys. Where's the Surly peace, love and friendliness?

Keep thinking about putting drops on my roller.
Not sure if i should try turn it into a speed machine.

do it!

Keep thinking about putting drops on my roller.
Not sure if i should try turn it into a speed machine.

Yes!

Well, mine is. :-)

It is absolutely worth it to let your 'roller stroll at sustained speeds. The steering tends to get even better.
Unfortunately, I slowly get to understand why I can't go skidding on it. The gear ratio is to big for me to go for a decent skid. Or I just still can't for a living. Thus I realise that a speed machine does need a proper front brake.

need to experiment with stem/spacers to get right fit then get the steerer cut. sadly I wont be fitting the star nut in the fork until then so it'll remain unrideable til I sort it out.

I haven't cut my steerer yet. From my first ride to today I've mounted the stem half way down the line.

Actually, ... that means I can't reuse the star nut which is in the steerer now?

I'm not sure if skinny mean normal drop bar with brake hood, or those shiny track bar...

the former will make it even more enjoyable, providing you got a brake(s) of course.

Normal drop bar, with hoods. Compact shallow drops.
Just not sure what drops would go well with the style frame. If it was an oversized tube bike, then 3T ergo all day.

Skinny, a handful of people had compact drop and hood on their steamroller, especially miss mouse (and there are picture of it in this pages)

It will look fine.

skinny;

it'll look fine.

Just ridden my Cross check.

I actually got it because I just needed a simple road bike, y'know, with drop bar and derailleur, after all I did sold my Moulton.

Man alive that bike is a lots better than I though, it's so inconspicuous, I didn't really think much about it, so when I first rode it, it's really lovely and relaxing to ride.

need to put a shorter reach handlebar (compact) soon though, but insofar, it rock.

Can see why the Crosscheck is very popular.

I love my Crosscheck, most comfortable bike I own

The last pic isn't a Crosscheck.

Just a fat Steamroller.

Looking good. Actually it's the first one I see fitted with wide(st?) tyres.

i agree, one of the best uses i have seen of a steamroller, and it fills the massive clearances really well, brings a great sense of proportion to the bike

The last pic isn't a Crosscheck.

Just a fat Steamroller.

Oh Columbo, have you not notice the post before the picture?