Gravel bike build from 2013 Momsen AL529 HT

[Wettas]

Decided to share my build project with the hub and ask for any advice/comments. I am building a gravel bike from an 2013 Momsen AL529. This is what I already have: 

 

1. Momsen AL529 frame, still need a headset for the frame

2. Giant P-XCRT 29er wheelset with maxxis tyres

3. Sram GXP 2x10 crank. 

4. Fabric scoop seat 

 

On order: 

4. BXT 29er carbon fork from Aliexpress

5. Seatpost, stem, handlebar 

6. RD, cassette, chain (groupset)

 

Still need:

7. Headset ( 1 1/8 to 1.5" , 52mm/42mm)

8. Brakes( front and back)

 

I will update this when parts arrive and as build progresses. 

[NotSoBigBen]

What groupset/brakes will you be running?

[BenReaper]

Lekker man! Will pop in from time o time to havs a look.

[Mongoose!]

Rather get a 27.5 carbon fork from Ali. Bike will be lower at the front. Still enough clearance in fork to run a 40mm wide tire. It will just looks more in proportion than a 29" fork.

[etienne_jordaan]

It depends on the size tires you will be running. I will go for 45 - 50c or 1,9 - 2,1 inch. Something that will give you more volume so you can play around with tire pressure depending on the terrain you will be riding. IMO stay with the 29er fork.

[bullet77]

Snap! @Wettas my new build project, Momsen AL229 which I'd like to turn into a gravel bike. Have wheels - Stans ArchEx

Have groupset - 1 X 10 Shimano, would like to try a 36T chainring

Don't know yet how I'm going to choose brakes and shifter combo for drop bars.

Don't have a fork yet.

[dewaldsss]

Leka build this!

I did mine with momsen stf29 steel frame.

11-42 cassette with 36t front, works perfectly but a 38t would also work

Its an absolute joy to ride on gravel roads with the carbon fork.

I run vittoria 29x2.25 tires for volume and more comfort.

weight is 11.3kg

 

I am considering drop bars but need to look at shifter/hyd brake options and costs.

for now I'm all good

Edited January 17, 2019 by dewaldsss

[Wettas]

IMG-20190117-WA00021.jpegSnap! @Wettas my new build project, Momsen AL229 which I'd like to turn into a gravel bike. Have wheels - Stans ArchEx

Have groupset - 1 X 10 Shimano, would like to try a 36T chainring

Don't know yet how I'm going to choose brakes and shifter combo for drop bars.

Don't have a fork yet.

 

haha nice , going to go 2x10 (Sram x7 FD, GXP Crank [39/29] with Shimano XT RD, Cassette[11,36]) 

Decided not to go drop bars, mech brakes and shifters makes the build pricey. Sticking to a flat bar, negative rise stem and ravx stubby bar ends. That will push weight forward and give you two holding positions. 

I ordered this fork, its on a good special now BXT fork

 

PS. I am trying to keep cost down as much as possible

Edited January 17, 2019 by Wettas

[Wettas]

What groupset/brakes will you be running?

 

2x10 (Sram x7 FD, GXP Crank [39/29] with Shimano XT RD, Cassette[11,36]) 

 

Any decent hydraulic brakes I can find for cheap. 160mm rear and 180mm front. Was looking at that Hayes radar on amazon.

[NotSoBigBen]

2x10 (Sram x7 FD, GXP Crank [39/29] with Shimano XT RD, Cassette[11,36])

 

Any decent hydraulic brakes I can find for cheap. 160mm rear and 180mm front. Was looking at that Hayes radar on amazon.

So you're going with a flat bar I assume ...

[Wettas]

Rather get a 27.5 carbon fork from Ali. Bike will be lower at the front. Still enough clearance in fork to run a 40mm wide tire. It will just looks more in proportion than a 29" fork.

 

Interesting, I was going to stick to 2.1 maxxis crossmark tyres and thus my thinking was that because its a XC frame with steep head angle that it would have the same look as the original bike. Would the rigid fork lift the front end up? This is a cool idea, as it wont really influence the bb height and it would make climbing better.

[Wettas]

So you're going with a flat bar I assume ...

 

Yes sticking to flat bars, negative stem and ravx stubby bar ends.

[Wettas]

Leka build this!

I did mine with momsen stf29 steel frame.

11-42 cassette with 36t front, works perfectly but a 38t would also work

Its an absolute joy to ride on gravel roads with the carbon fork.

I run vittoria 29x2.25 tires for volume and more comfort.

weight is 11.3kg

 

I am considering drop bars but need to look at shifter/hyd brake options and costs.

for now I'm all good

 

That looks awesome, is it a BXT fork? I see the fork fits a 160mm rotor without any adapters

Edited January 17, 2019 by Wettas

[NotSoBigBen]

Yes sticking to flat bars, negative stem and ravx stubby bar ends.

So more a 'rigid' mountain bike?

[Wettas]

So more a 'rigid' mountain bike?

 

Yes, I will definitely try out drop bars in the future and do the full transformation. At the moment I am relying on parts from friends to complete the build and beggars cant be choosers.  

[NotSoBigBen]

Yes, I will definitely try out drop bars in the future and do the full transformation. At the moment I am relying on parts from friends to complete the build and beggars cant be choosers.

Sounds good! Always lekker building something different [emoji41]