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I recently got a Gravel frame custom made for me by the awesome guys over at Calculus Bikes. The frame arrived the other day, and after a fairly effortless build of my old parts across, I took her for a spin. The bike immediately feels right, like how you would imagine a bike that was made for you to feel. Being a gravel bike, the fit won't be super aggressive, but it's far from a lounge chair. It's comfortable but also feels like it's rearing to race. The power transfer is great. I loved getting out the saddle and pushing up some of the gravel climbs, and on the road is no different. On the looks side of things, it's gorgeous. Both the titanium itself and the actual lines are beautifully simple. There are places to fasten panniers and ample space for wider tires for long more technical adventures.

Its been a long **** last couple of years as Im sure most of you can relate. My world has slowly started to open up again and I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel, I have not had a personal project for over 2 years and its been killing me..............So..........I can't afford to do a 356 yet, I can't find an oval that is priced right for a restomod, I finished my motorbike project (https://www.bikeexif.com/custom-husqvarna-701-enduro) so boredom has set in, after a fun ride on the dog walker the other day I decided it was time to build something a little special again. This will be my 4th fully custom ground up build. 1st: https://forum.bikehub.co.za/topic/134550-first-ever-ssfixi-build/ 2nd https://forum.bikehub.co.za/topic/140980-2nd-ever-ss-build-belt-drive-9er-dog-walker/ 3rd https://forum.bikehub.co.za/topic/162718-n1-the-third-attempt/#comments I have decided on the following: Stay True to my design philosophy “ Clean, Simple, Minimal” The idea is to take all of my learning from my last three builds, then design and build one bike to rule them all. Based around a raw Titanium frame, Black carbon forks, front disk brake with full 360 rotation of handlebars running Crank Bros Wheels and a belt drive. I have persuaded a seasoned pro to help walk me through the process and plan to keep my updates here. Its fun for me to go back and read and remember the journey I took!! I appreciate that all my builds are "Marmite" - you either love em or hate em and this has never bothered me, I do them for me, for my pleasure, for my creative outlet, to remove the stress and drama of my work life. I have just finished my fairly extensive design brief so now all the hard work, home work and sourcing begins!! I will keep you posted as the story unfolds. As always please free to add value and offer advice, I have a very clear picture of the end result in my mind and I am not willing to sacrifice it!!