Not a 'cookie cutter' bike build 😎

[NotSoBigBen]

TL:DR

I changed this bike from 10sp Di2 2x with mechanical discs to an 11sp 1x Ultegra with hydraulic brakes

I've had this bike since Jan 2019 and have done 12500k's in that time, running a 10sp Di2 groupset with mechanical disc brakes. Gave up the groupset recently as it was originally my son's and he just built himself a decent roadbike and ... I do have another bike with Di2 😜

Pondered about just fitting a 'normal' 10sp groupset for which I have bits floating around but I only had some of those ugly old shifters with the cables dangling out the side ... tried to find some suitable ones but didn't really find anything I wanted to fit

Then .... the Grumpy one at The Workshop had some levers 11sp hydraulic Ultegra, the left tip (about an inch) was broken off. I fashioned a 'splint' out of a small piece of aluminium and cut a piece off another old lever I had and Pratley steeled it together. Not 100% the same but damn it'll work!

So now what to build? Keeping in mind this is one of the very first Specialized disc road frames so it uses MTB hubs and calipers. Had some SLX calipers so that was no problem .... but what about the drivetrain? Decided to do something different, 1x 53x11-42 😎

Had an 11sp SLX derailleur as well so just printed a mullet adapter STI to MTB I found on Thingiverse , it's somewhat updated to the one I used on my gravel bikes. Uses bearings so should be smoother etc. 

Running a 12sp T-Type chain cause that's what I had ... using the standard front derailleur as a guide at the moment but I'm busy designing a direct mount 3D print guide. First prototype is printed but needs some refining

What next? I have a Rotor 53 oval I want to try but I don't have a suitable crank ... I've read that there is talk that an oval 'smooths' the big gap in gear ratios on the wide range cassette. I'd like to try that!

Big thanks to @GrahamW from The Workshop in Alberhoughton! Your help, advice and odd bits have always been absolutely invaluable. That shop is an absolute treasure trove for a bike enthusiast like myself, you would not believe what he pulls out of the back there 💪

[Dexter-morgan]

Looks bery nice

[NotSoBigBen]

Direct mount guide, done and tested on my IDT bike

Will print for the Tarmac and my TT bike next week ... long ride on the Tarmac Sunday so don't want to change anything before that. 

[NotSoBigBen]

Got the oval Rotor chainring thing done, an absolute nightmare to adjust the 'locked ' front derailleur to keep the chain on though. Even had to dremel a little piece down so there'd be no scraping! Still couldn't use 1st gear anyway 😩

Then about 50k into the ride a thought crossed my mind, what if I put the clutch on the derailleur? Stopped, flipped the switch ... aweh me se kind it all flippin works 💪 

I am well aware that there are some esteemed hubbers that have very strong opinions on oval chainrings, be that as it may it's not my first go with these on the road and I like the feel of them! Does it ease the feeling of the big gaps between gears on this wide range cassette? Felt like it but then again I ride a few bikes with wide range cassettes so maybe I'm actually just used to it ....

Anyway it's now ready to be pressed into normal duty and just one of the bikes 😎