Thoughts on bike design

Even though this is a bamboo bike kit, there is still a lot of design and component selection to be made.  I think the aesthetic I am looking for is a very natural one with an element of tech.  I've been very much in love with the look and feel of single speed bikes - with their simplicity and sparse lines.  On top of that, I have gotten into gravel riding.

Putting all that together, I decided on a single-speed cyclocross concept with a very natural look.  To better theme it in my mind I decided to call it the Booda Bike (hence the blog name).

So for more details ...

The Wheels
I want to use cyclocross type wheels for the gravel, which means I think I want 700c x 28-35mm tires on it.  I want a disc brake on the front, but for now leaving a disc off the back to keep it clean and simple.  I got the dropouts with a disc mount so I can add this later (if that is even possible).  The challenge with disc brakes on this bike is that the wheel hub spacing in the back is 130mm, where typical cyclocross hub spacing (where disc brakes are typical) is 135mm.

I looked into having wheels built exactly as I wanted (Surly hubs, velocity rims, black spokes), but ended up at a total cost of about $650.  I found I could get similar or better quality, giving up some of the exact specifics (like black spokes) and being able to get away with a wheelset for about $370.  O could probably drive that down to almost $200 farther if I feel the need.

The Fork
I was going to get a simple aluminum or steel fork until a friend pointed me to Whisky Parts (http://whiskyparts.co/).  They have a totally sexy, yet under stated carbon fiber fork called the Whisky No. 7 Carbon Fiber Disc with a matt finish.  Given I could save $ on my whees, I felt I might be able to justify this.

Whisky No. 7 Carbon Fiber Disc

 
Just before ordering I realized it had a 1 1/8th to 1 1/4 tapered steerer.  I needed a 1 1/8th straight.  I pondered ordering another  head-tube that would match the fork.  But the extra cost, expensive fork and extra work to size and integrate seemed like more than I want.

Then I found an equally sexy cyclocross disc fork by Lynskey, a well known titanium bike maker.  It matched my specs and was much lower cost than the Whisky.  So I went with the Lynskey.

Lynskey Endurance Carbon Disc Road Fork

Disc Brakes

I still need to sort out the brakes. 

Handle bars
Although cyclocross bikes are always drop bars, I am going to use straight bars - in part because I have drop bars on my cyclocross and fixie now and bull horns on my single speed.  I think the straight bars will be good for gravel rides.  I like the leather grips Bamboobee has

Other Stuff
Cranks and Pedals are still open on the list.  I suspect I will get some nice natural brown wheels.  I love the Brooks cambium saddle, although it is a bit pricey.

I plan on making a custom head-badge in either wood or metal - but need to sort out an image and design.  I might do the same with the stem cap.  My wife has been doing a lot of leather work, so I think I will have her show me how to make a leather bike handle like this...

So lots to figure out.  As I select specific items and zero in on specs, I will share.