A Little Something to Tide Me Over
Back in August — almost half a year ago, now — I said that I had managed to get on the list for the not-for-retail-sale Gary Fisher Superfly Singlespeed (or, as I like to call it, The SingleFly).
Well, after the exquisite agony of this long wait — a wait for what I imagine as my ultimate dream bike — lookie what finally showed up at the shop last Friday afternoon.
And here’s a closeup of the dropouts:
And the fork — which I had expected to be white, like on the geared SuperFly, is instead black. Which is definitely a better match for the frame.
And the top tube.
Really, there’s just one problem with this frame:
It’s not mine.
Yeah, you read right.
Those pictures are all of Brent Hulme’s (owner / operator of SLC Bicycle Co.) Superfly SS. Including that one above of him gleefully licking it.
And it’s the wrong size, so I can’t steal it.
See, the frames are trickling in, little by little. And I don’t know if it’s a first-come-first-served order, or a size-based thing, or what, but my exquisite agony continues.
Geek Out
Here’s the thing, though. Having had this long to wait for the frame, I’ve had plenty of time to think about my build for this bike — and plenty of time to save up for some pretty nice parts.
Now, I should ‘fess up to something here. While I usually write at least somewhat for you, my audience, this whole post — and especially the rest of it — is pretty much for myself. Just me, drooling over all these presents I’ve given myself.
You’re still here? OK, but this isn’t going to be pretty.
Well, it’s pretty to me, but that’s not my point.
Here’s what my SuperFly SS build obsession looks like, as of this moment:
- Custom wheelset, built by Mike Curiak . Featuring pink Chris King hubs. It is my fervent hope that someday I will grow up to be Mike Curiak. If you read his blog, you will see why.
- On-One Carbon Fork . Yeah, I’ll also have a suspension fork, but I like riding my SS fully rigid, mostly.
- Truvativ Noir 1.1G Cranks . For no other reason than that they are beautiful.
- Avid Juicy Ultimate Brakes. I agonized over the brakes, and finally decided to go with the nicest ones I could find that still were likely to have parts available in most any bike shop.
- Time ATAC pedals. Just like on my other MTBs.
- Selle Italia SLR. Just like the saddle on all my other bikes — both mountain and road.
- Bontrager Big Sweep bar. I wonder if this mostly-flat, reasonably-light bar has enough sweep (12 degrees) that my right arm won’t go to sleep. That would be nice. (No link, because I can’t find it on the Bontrager site.)
- Titec J-Bar. I’m a big fan of Jeff Jones’ unusual designs, so I’m interested in trying this out — has the sweep I’m looking for, and the stubs up top might be nice for a change of hand position on long rides. (No link because Titec foolishly went with a Flash-based site, making links directly to a particular product impossible. Bad move, Titec!)
- An On-One Mary Bar. An earlier version of today’s post lamented that I couldn’t find my favorite bar of all time — the On-One Mary Bar — for sale in the U.S. In the comments section, Tinker (not Juarez, I assume) set me straight — U.S. customers can buy direct from the manufacturer, and the price, shipped from the UK, is totally fair. Also, Thom said he could hook me up with a Mary from his existing stock. Thanks for helping me out, guys!
- Arundel Dave-O bottle cages. Because they’re beautiful, and have the reputation of never ever ever ejecting bottles.
- Bontrager Race X Lite ACC . Carbon’s kinda a theme on this bike.
- Ergon GE1 grips . Thanks, Jeff!
- Bontrager XXX Lite grips . Thanks, Travis!
So now all I need to get is the frame.
Could Be Worse
Of course, waiting for a frame for this long is an excruciating lesson in delayed gratification. But I’m coping pretty well. After all, the weather’s not great for riding, yet. Having the bike built up and ready to go and then not being able to take it out and ride it might be even worse than not having the bike at all.
It’s hard to say.
Soon, though, Spring will be here. And so will my frame.
And then there will be rejoicing.
Comment by Thom | 02.9.2009 | 1:57 am
Let me know your addy and I’ll send you a new Mary bar. I have some of the last remaining US inventory.
Cheers.
Comment by BikeCopVT | 02.9.2009 | 2:42 am
One word…Drool
Win Susan
Fatty Won!
LiveStrong
Comment by Deeper South | 02.9.2009 | 3:10 am
Golly. I’ve just ordered a new On-One Scandal 29er (sliding drop-outs for geared or SS) and carbon forks, and you’ve kind of ruined it for me. Anyway. Bars. My own delayed build is considerably more modest than yours, but shares quite a few kit choices. I’ll go for the On-One fleegle pro bars, but it looks like Ritchey makes something pretty similar in gorgeous carbon – its called the 10D flat, and may well sort you for sweep, even if it isn’t as swoopy as a mary bar.
http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prodfamily.php?k=135212
Comment by Big Boned | 02.9.2009 | 3:16 am
Fatty,
Seems that you only have one tire. You DO realize that even on a SS, you can use two, right?
Let me know what you’d like the other to be, and I’d be happy to send it along.
I’m afraid after eating at Chipotles every day you might look like a circus bear if you are constantly riding a wheelie…
Big Boned.
Comment by bikesgonewild | 02.9.2009 | 3:16 am
…if only mr hulme hadn’t licked it, you coulda talked him into selling it to you…but who wants to ride a frameset that some other guy has licked ???…ewww !!!…
…my best to you, susan & the fattyfam…
…win, susan…
Comment by buckythedonkey | 02.9.2009 | 3:26 am
I have a similar Box of Joy awaiting a soon-to-be-built road frame. I cannot wait and I keep myself happy by unpacking various parts and ogling them while my mind’s eye shows me the completed article.
I love the way that you have slightly more than you need to build one bicycle. I use a similar tactic to begin the next project. A surplus of a set of grips and a handlebar is plenty to be getting on with, eh? ;-)
Enjoy putting it all together Fatty. It sounds like you have your Mary’s sourced but, should the need arise in the future, I’d happily bag and send any UK produce to you. Goodness knows, the exchange rate is on your side right now. Bah!
WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by Tinker | 02.9.2009 | 3:41 am
You mean other then the manufacturers website and catalog pages?
http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Mountainbike_378.html
Or would that do?
Comment by Mike Roadie | 02.9.2009 | 5:40 am
A second tire? Is that what I am missing????
Comment by Fuzzy | 02.9.2009 | 6:32 am
I love that frame!
The decal scheme is very clever. I like the way the Gary Fisher decals on the ‘underside’ of the downtube are a) Upside down and b) on a light background. Very important features to aide checking the bike is the right way up before remounting after an heroic and brain befuddling wipeout.
Love ‘n Stuff
Fuzzy from the UK.
Comment by Don | 02.9.2009 | 6:42 am
*jealous*
Can’t wait to hear the stories it spawns, Fatty!
Comment by mikeonhisbike | 02.9.2009 | 6:52 am
Now that looks like a sweet ride. I’m jealous.
Mike
Comment by fatty | 02.9.2009 | 8:28 am
big boned, mike roadie – i actually have a lot of tires — several different flavors of bontrager’s tubeless ready stuff.
thom – i sent you an email. thank you!
tinker – you’re right. i didn’t realize folks in the u.s. could order direct from on-one. thanks for clearing that up. i updated the post, giving you (much deserved) credit.
Comment by Marla | 02.9.2009 | 8:40 am
I love the Jones bar. I have the old riser version on my Pugsley, but am wanting to put the newer version you have on my Karate Monkey. Can’t wait to see the final build!
Go Team Fatcyclist!
Comment by DougG | 02.9.2009 | 8:45 am
Here’s a similar bar. Comes from Ontario, Canada
http://www.psyclestore.com/products/FU-Bar-Handlebar.html
Since your really going retro, going all the way back to a single speed, fully rigid, (just like we rode when we where kids) why not go with side pull brakes or even a coaster brake?
Comment by Vet Sculler | 02.9.2009 | 8:59 am
To Fuzzy;
bonus points to you for ‘… an heroic …’ !
Paul (also from the UK)
WIN Susan
HI Fatty
Comment by Kevin Vigor | 02.9.2009 | 9:59 am
OK, go gentle on the retard here, but what’s the thing above the dropout that looks like a derailluer hanger except that it’s on the wrong side?
Comment by Kathleen | 02.9.2009 | 10:16 am
Beautiful frame Elden and it will be ALL YOURS soon! Love the pile of goodies awaiting its arrival. And Team Fatty rocks…check you guys out helping the man assemble his new toy – I mean, ride.
Comment by ephany | 02.9.2009 | 10:22 am
On-One Carbon Fork . Yeah, I’ll also have a suspension fork, but I like riding my SS fully rigid, mostly.
That’s what… Oh never mind, I can’t do it. But my inner 12 yr old boy is having a fit right now.
Happy riding!
Comment by mark | 02.9.2009 | 10:40 am
Three sets of grips, three bars, and no chain. Hmmm.
Comment by Charisa | 02.9.2009 | 10:41 am
I’m pretty sure it’s going to be worth the wait though!!
Comment by Aaron | 02.9.2009 | 10:41 am
This is VERY exciting news! Why? Because that means MY GF will also be here soon.
Kevin Vigor, the thing above the dropout is the disc brake caliper mount.
Comment by Big Boned | 02.9.2009 | 11:01 am
Kevin,
Disc brakes.
Comment by KanyonKris | 02.9.2009 | 11:18 am
Kevin, as Big Boned said, but there’s more to it. It looks like GF is solving a slight issue with SS. The disc brake caliper mounts to the frame with two bolts. With the slotted lower mount you can swing the caliper. So when you move the wheel forward or back to tension the chain, you can adjust the caliper to land squarely on the disc. Clever.
Comment by KanyonKris | 02.9.2009 | 11:19 am
My content filter blocked this post. Too much bike porn.
Comment by Don | 02.9.2009 | 12:12 pm
@ Kevin Vigor
That would be a mount for the disc breaks. No need to feel silly, bro.
Comment by Don | 02.9.2009 | 12:14 pm
* And now I feel like a doof.
I should’ve refreshed and checked the comments before answering your question after nearly two hours of having the page opened.
Comment by graisseux | 02.9.2009 | 12:44 pm
Three handlebars on one bike–smart move. That should give you plenty of options for hand position. Now, will all three bars have brake levers on them or will you have one bar dedicated to braking?
Comment by Ethan | 02.9.2009 | 12:53 pm
You know, Fatty, if you want to kill more time, you could install the tires. That’s what I have done as I, too, wait for my frame but have most of the other parts.
Comment by kenny | 02.9.2009 | 12:57 pm
That’s too cool, but someone needs to teach Brent the proper way put dibs on an item. Dug, maybe you could help him out with that.
Comment by Geo | 02.9.2009 | 2:45 pm
That’s interesting. The Big Sweep of years past had a 20º sweep on it. It’s what I have on my Fisher.
That’s such a sweet ride …
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 02.9.2009 | 2:50 pm
Hi Fatty, Nice bike !
Just wanted to let you know I sighted a lady competing in the Geelong 70.3 (Half Ironman) triathlon wearing a pink fatcyclist jersey. I gave her a cheer every time she rode past me. I would have taken photos but I was busy marshalling.
Whoever she was, I hope she had a great race.
Win Susan !
Comment by You are fat? | 02.9.2009 | 4:18 pm
Im fat.
Are you really fat?
I have interests.
TY
Comment by Clydesteve | 02.9.2009 | 4:22 pm
Marla – You might want to rethink using “Jones” and “love” in the same sentence.
Comment by Di | 02.9.2009 | 5:11 pm
Ok, I know I’m going to get veggies thrown at me for this one, but I don’t like Avids. There, I said it. ;-)
If I didn’t just buy a new race bike a few months ago, I’d be jealous…maybe…
Comment by rob | 02.9.2009 | 10:24 pm
I think the 15.5’s have shipped out first. It doesnt seem as if anyone who didnt order a 15.5 has got their Superfly SS yet? Any larger ones be recieved by anyone?
Comment by Dan O | 02.10.2009 | 12:32 am
Holy crap – that’s a pile of nice stuff.
That will be a sweet bike when completed.
Comment by Geo | 02.13.2009 | 8:36 pm
I swear … I need to think before I post. I don’t know WHAT I was thinking. Previous comment totally retracted.
12 it is … oy.
Now to continue with drooling.
Comment by Taylor | 07.22.2011 | 8:29 am
Wow! Super sweet stuff.