Vertigo Cycles Fatbike

[benwitt11]

The epitome of a custom bike. Simply gorgeous.

[Drevil]

Mmmmmmkay...

We're gonna skip a few steps and go straight to where it is sitting in my dining room. I don't have all the parts yet, but I have some parts that will proxy until I decide exactly what I want. Plus, I have to build a rear wheel. Hopefully I got the right size spokes

[Enel]

Wow!

[osty]

hmmm? why is the ST bent??????
LOL, looks real nice like!

[Drevil]

hmmm? why is the ST bent??????
LOL, looks real nice like!

Layback, son!

[dRjOn]

outstanding...

[Dr Feelygood !]

"........................" (speechless)

[Drevil]

At midnight I decided I wasn't going to be able to sleep with a brand new frame sitting downstairs. Got up, and gathered parts I needed to start building the rear wheel. After lacing a side...OY! The 170mm rear hub doesn't fit into my Park TS-2 truing stand. ARRRRGGGGHHHH. After a few minutes of trying to figure out how to make it work, I came up with this solution:



Yup, I used a mini-tripod for my P&S velcro-d to the chainstay. Seems like this could come in handy on a ride

Anyways, after 5 more hours of tinkering, I come up with this:



Long night into morning. I haven't taken it outside yet to give it a whirl. This is gonna be rough Easter mass and brunch in a couple of hours because of the exhaustion and the anticipation.

You'll probably see parts swapped on and off. I tinker a bit.

16.5" chainstays with the current gear ratio, with a little room to go even shorter

[shoo]

That's what I call a sleepless night well spent. Funny how bike frame's and parts is stronger than caffeine.

At midnight I decided I wasn't going to be able to sleep with a brand new frame sitting downstairs.

Anyways, after 5 more hours of tinkering, I come up with this:



Long night into morning. I haven't taken it outside yet to give it a whirl. This is gonna be rough Easter mass and brunch in a couple of hours because of the exhaustion and the anticipation.

You'll probably see parts swapped on and off. I tinker a bit.

16.5" chainstays with the current gear ratio, with a little room to go even shorter

[elgordo]

At midnight I decided I wasn't going to be able to sleep with a brand new frame sitting downstairs. Got up, and gathered parts I needed to start building the rear wheel. After lacing a side...OY! The 170mm rear hub doesn't fit into my Park TS-2 truing stand. ARRRRGGGGHHHH. After a few minutes of trying to figure out how to make it work, I came up with this solution:



Yup, I used a mini-tripod for my P&S velcro-d to the chainstay. Seems like this could come in handy on a ride

Anyways, after 5 more hours of tinkering, I come up with this:


Long night into morning. I haven't taken it outside yet to give it a whirl. This is gonna be rough Easter mass and brunch in a couple of hours because of the exhaustion and the anticipation.

You'll probably see parts swapped on and off. I tinker a bit.

16.5" chainstays with the current gear ratio, with a little room to go even shorter

Looks great Drevil! Enjoy the maiden ride!

[willapajames]

That is one hell of a seatpost! It's like you put fat tires and a seat on a trials bike. How long is that post??

[Drevil]

That is one hell of a seatpost! It's like you put fat tires and a seat on a trials bike. How long is that post??

It's an Eriksen 30.9 custom length of 450. Straight top tube straight into the seatstays coupled with long seatposts have always been über sexy to me.

[aosty]

Finally! Very hot... congrats.

[jncarpenter]

Straight top tube straight into the seatstays coupled with long seatposts have always been über sexy to me.

I share your sentiment!

[Enel]

Just swap an itty bity post on for Trials fun!

[Drevil]

A few shots from today's ride at Fountainhead in northern Virginia.

[dRjOn]

the coolest fat tyred bike ive ever seen. love it.

[MendonCycleSmith]

Wowsers!!!

That looks awesome Ricky. Looks like a big old happy smile on your face too, nice work.

Ride report???

[octavius]

WOW!
thats all..

[Velobike]

Very nice.

Must be really light - the wheels don't seem to touch the ground much...

[Drevil]

Very nice.

Must be really light - the wheels don't seem to touch the ground much...

Ha! I guess if you consider 29.78 pounds light (including chain lube!)

Third ride tonight. One tough crash while racing my 9-year old nephew and me catching a pedal on a hidden rock at a peppy pace. Some of my parts still smart. Otherwise, very fun to boost.



The rides have been mellow so far. Next ride is a 13 hour race on Saturday. Luckily I'm on a team, and I'm perfectly content with going at my own happy pace.

[jncarpenter]

...very fun to boost.

One of my favorite Fat traits...man, you can get some serious pop off of stuff!

[modifier]

Nice bike.

I like the long post. Looks kind of old school ala Cunningham Bradbury plus should provide for a bit more flex / cush than a short one.

How are the brakes working out for you? I noticed it took a lot more brake force to stop when I built up my fat bike. I have a 203 front and 160 rear with 1st generation Saint brakes ( which aren't as strong as new Saints ). I'd like to switch out to a 180mm rear as it takes a fair amount of pressure to lock up the rear tire.

I've been moving to bigger rotors as a rule the last year. 180 front and 160 rear on lighter bikes and 203 front 180 rear on heavier bikes. It makes life easier. But there is a balance. I had a 203 on the front of my 3 speed and it was too grabby so I went with a 180 which is better.

I'd even like to try 224mm F 203mm R on the DH 29er project.

[elgordo]

Nice bike.


I'd even like to try 224mm F 203mm R on the DH 29er project.

My god ... what are you trying to stop a tractor trailer?

Joking aside, I found 160 F& R way to weak for fat wheels. I'm running 180 F&R and its great. Maybe a bit more in the front like a new SLX/XT/XTR hydro and 180 rotor!

[modifier]

My god ... what are you trying to stop a tractor trailer?

Almost 8" travel front and back and 2.5 meaty 29er tires on 44mm rims. That all adds up to some speed, traction and leverage on them little brakes.