Some of you saw this in the plastic at Deano's most excellent Brevet Unpopulaire last Saturday and it created some interest, mostly I suspect due to its colour.
The frame is a Workswell WCB-R-125 carbon frame, which I ordered direct from the factory in China. The colour was chosen by me (pantone 130), although I didn't expect them to paint the seatpost as well. This is a large (they go up to XL) frame and has 72.5 degree head and seat angles with a 50mm offset fork. Clearance is up to 2.1 inch 650b tyres (Schwalbe Thunder Burt) or 40mm 700C and I built it up with bits from a couple of other bikes. Brakes are TRP Hy-RD with 160mm rotors mounted with flat mount adaptors and it's got 10 speed Ultegra sti's, a 9 speed XT rear mech and a 50/34 105 chainset with an 11-36 cassette. Wheels are Pacenti TL28 rim and through axle Aivee MT5 (or 2) hub with 32 Sapim race - these were from Superstar for less than I can buy the parts, but I'll probably need to true and tension at some point.
Built up like this it weighs 22lbs and with a pair of 700c wheels and light 33mm cross tyres it's down to 21lbs exactly.
The first ride was Dean's event - I bought a brake cable on the way over having finished putting it together at just after 2am. All that told, it performed superbly being very comfortable and feeling efficient on the flat and climbing and being a superb descender. The tarmac descent after leaving the Lion was a revelation - stable, adjustable and with confidence inspiring braking. The frame just kept everything together with no rattles or anything.
After returning, the indexing was out, but I sorted that on Sunday after giving it a bit of a wash.
Overall a really good start and thanks to Dr Mekon for the inspiration with his BBB.
Pics below
Mike
Edited to add:
1. I didn't expect the rack or guard mounts (non on the fork blades though) which are a nice surprise
2. I've got a pair of Pacenti sl25 rims - built up with 28mm Schwalbe Ones, these would probably get the weight down another half pound at least - not bad for a big old gravel bike
3. I was really impressed how much punishment it absorbed whilst I chased mds101 around the trails on Saturday without any complaint
4. Pictured on tame gravel for obvious reasons;)