Meta VTT2 Dream Build -This Trials Bike Means Business!

Bike builds are back!
With my bike cave almost finished I figured I'd break it in with a build I've wanted to do for a while.
This is a semi-retro Meta VTT2 and I think it's one of the nicest looking trials bikes ever made! The Cute Thief provided lots of fancy parts to turn this into a dream build.
Use ALISTASHED10 for 10% off orders over £200 at www.stashedproducts.co.uk
BIG thanks to Unior, Elltek, Alex Shovlin and Fraser Hand for the help getting here! Please show them some love.
uniortools.com
www.workshop-storage.co.uk
Cheers!
Patreon / aliclarkson
Instagram @aliclarkson
Merch: aliclarkson.com/
Paypal: paypal.me/AliClarksonGB?local...
Pivot Cycles global.pivotcycles.com/produc...
Saddleback saddleback.co.uk
Troy Lee Designs troyleedesigns.co.uk
Inspired bikes www.inspiredbicycles.com
Light Bicycle Carbon Rims https:bit.ly/lightbicycle_ac
Pinnd Components www.pinnd.co.uk
Schwalbe Tyres www.schwalbe.com/en/start
Hayes Brakes hayesbicycle.com
Industry Nine industrynine.com/
Ride Concepts rideconcepts.com
Rimpact Tyre Inserts www.rimpactmtb.com/

[@ironicstompin4880]

Come for the Cute Thief, stay for the build.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

The system works 😂

[@2nd3rd1st]

First thing I would say about your GORGEOUS bike cave is put the first aid kit closer to the ground, where you, and shorter people, can quickly reach it when you are injured, without the need to strain or to find a step ladder.

[@Coastal_Cruzer]

Thanks to yours and park tool's vids I've fallen into the rabbit hole that is bicycling feet first with my arms at my side. It all started with a video on how to tune a derailleur and now I'm building bikes at my local collective

[@ilyaanshmidt7160]

Absolutely love how you've made work MTB crankset together with a trials 18T sprocket and rockring, never seen anything like this on a pure trials bike before!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Glad you liked it!

[@lastminutepanic23]

@@Ali_Clarkson where did you find that 18t gxp chainring?

[@kisong1960]

​@@lastminutepanic23Aliexpress😊

[@TobySlight1]

You're smashing it Ali! Can't believe how engaging and fun to watch you make bike build videos. Keep up the sterling work you massive G.

[@snokefilmmedia]

Nice build, and what an amazing flash drop of new Cute Thief lore! A real gem of a video :)

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks a ton!

[@Create_o_raptor]

I liked this one so much that I'm watching it again

[@davidportej]

looks sick, storytelling was also on point 🙂

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yay, thank you!

[@SinclairBikeTrials]

Had to crack out the phone to pause it for the hidden message because the tv doesn't respond that well 😂 Nicely done... That was clever!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

😁

[@protell1433]

I'm Shocked! I choose the video only to see a bike being assembled.... The way you show it during the process and the final test with these trial skills, man!! Congrats for your wise mind and everything.

[@weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee6429]

There’s something about these builds that just makes them so entertaining! Keep up the good work 👏

[@cendaracing]

I am very happy for a new video after a long time with the topic of trial bikes. I generally don't enjoy classic mountain bikes very much. You're right. It is a beautiful bike, a rare piece. With those high handlebars, it will go very well on the rear wheel. And I also have to mention that I paused the video and read the information about your cat. 😁 I'm looking forward to the next video where you show off your great riding skills on this nice bike. 👍

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks buddy!😊

[@SuperRiderTV]

Looks incredible!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks dude!

[@Powerwashincrocs]

I shuddered when I saw the bashed shins. Great build!

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

A lovely flash frame, Mister C. Lovely looking bike, too. ;)

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I see what you did there 😊

[@larsdebrabandere1783]

Lovely build video, has been a while I'm glad the rain is finally there. The footage in your upgraded garage is really pleasing to watch. It's an absolute gorgeous bike, I'd love to see it in action.

[@scourge9690]

I have a Meta VTT and absolutely love it. Im stoked to see what you do on this VTT2 build

[@alexisastrie]

I must say Ali, your humour is exquisite!

[@thebr0wnhornet]

My wheel building low point was when I took a wheel apart to use the rim with a new hub, get almost to the end and ran out of holes on the rim. 36h hub 32h rim

[@sum1majik598]

As an eager wood enthusiast, even i was stumped by how satisfying it was seeing that headset go in so easily with that fancy press! yeck hes! fricking love your build videos Ali they are always so uniquely original and entertaining!

[@s__s_6242]

hahaha "adding the bi to bicycle" nice one. Great vid too man.

[@Happy_Biker]

Who's a Cute Thief? You are, you are... Such a nice garage shop.

[@dimensionsofearth]

Its been a while since a build and I must say the humor and quirks have been taken to a new level, very well done! Love the little story about Mr Mister as well

[@markpeterson8978]

I am loving this new flow in the shop Ali. The shop has turned out wonderfully and the tool storage with the shadow foam pads is top notch. I really dig your genuine dialogue and dry and ever so slightly hidden humor. I think I saw that gremlin in the corner, and he totally dropped the unicorn Dude! Your skill and experience can only be appreciated by bicycle super dorks due to some of your more "Exotic" methods. I am a bit sad concerning the pilfering of your own bikes but I have also had to do this. When you are in the mode you must complete the project if at all possible. This is another aspect of you that I can identify with. This summer I also had to modify one of my tires and I was amazed at how many knobies are actually on a tire! Lucky you have that special tire modification tool, I did not. It took me ages to cut every knob by hand with a razor knife. Never again I tell you. Any who. . Give the Bike Thief a cuddle for me. Great stuff Bro. - M

[@mikaeladriansson1249]

Bloody Gorgeous!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Cheers!

[@kettlebellcarnivore-vr5cw]

Came for the bike, stayed for the video, subscribed for Mister! Nice backstory. Back when I was getting into trials here in Canada, I had a Norco Evolve. My boss/riding mate had the Ryan Leech signature frame all built to the nines! I was happy to have what I had, but that Meta is HAWT! Looking forward to more fun videos!

[@BurningChariot]

Mister bringing you the goods once again. Great build video, loved the process. New workstation looks great, dream setup there

[@JDCarterMusic]

Loved it Ali! Thanks for the video.

[@Rory_Semple]

Sweet build! Looking forward to seeing how the comp goes

[@wrench_n_ride8159]

Awesome build video. The new shop and camera setup are sweet!

[@ulfarjokulleyjolfsson]

The bike builds are always fun to watch Cheers from Iceland 🇮🇸

[@tees_trials]

That’s a lovely Eclipse tapping wrench! Fwend 😊 Top job Kev!!! ❤

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I know right! Some top bloke gave it to me 🎉

[@optisch3339]

super nice frame and build

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks 👍

[@leelipinski4667]

Brilliant Ali, just Brilliant. The story about all the parts, the witty (ish) humour. Only joking. A brief background on your furry boss, Brilliant. Plus those gorgeous tools. Definitely up there with your best videos. And I'm watching this now as a completely retired rider in any discipline due to an accident back in July that has stopped possible play for the future. The bike workshop is awesome. Time will tell if it always stays this clean. Good luck for Sunday.

[@Jackofafewtrades]

I haven't seen your stuff in a while, and I must say that you've come a LONG way in terms of presentation. Good on you. Loved the video and the humour.

[@MatteoCorvo]

this set up work sweet and this bike was the perfect project to start using it! well done ali!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Glad you think so!

[@redhatfactory]

Sweet build. really enjoyed it!

[@jgurtz]

What an awesome ride, bang up job and nice cave!! I gotta catch up on some watching here on the chan!

[@customerisalwaysrigh]

Thanks Ali, great looking bike

[@gafrers]

Thanks youtube for unsubbing me and making me miss months of your videos. 😢😢 Nice build.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Pretty sure KZbin has been trying to kill off creators this year!

[@gafrers]

@@Ali_Clarkson For sure.

[@n.v.b.3616]

I think it looks spectacular!! Nice build 👌

[@mabecka]

Super Nice!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sapinva]

Nice build. Someone did think of the caliper alignment screws. I'm sure I'm not the first to think of that upgrade... drill, tap, tiny screw, easy. Magura deserves the credit with their absurdly finicky calipers. The lack of a bleed valve is something I haven't figured out how to fix yet. Maybe I should try Hayes (with Magura levers and mineral oil)?

[@unixd0rk]

that's a sweet ride!

[@silarsch131]

Super clean❤

[@nathanclair3495]

One of the best looking comp builds, Ali! The color reminds me of one of the old Skye colors, which has me thinking it would be cool to see you put together some of the “older” street bikes from the Inspired catalogue, perhaps with period correct components? I bet you’d have an easier time than most people sourcing some of those frames and parts

[@andrewince8824]

No offense, Ali, that Ryobi drill falls a wee bit short of decent. You want yourself a Dewalt Impact Driver and Drill set, bit pricey but worth every penny. I also reccomend getting yourself a Magnusson 3/8 ratchet set, literally the only tool you'll need to build any bike and it will last forever, a torque wrench is also available and both include a 3/8 to 1/4 hex adapter so the same bit-set can be used in an Impact, Ratchet and Torque Wrench. For your hacksaw I reccomend Bahco blades, you can pick up a 3 pack from Toolstation consisting of 18, 24 and 32 TPI blades, you'll have a blade suited to almost any material you'd want to cut. They're my go-to both for work and for bike stuff. Love what you do. Big love from a wet and miserable Wiltshire.

[@petephilip]

Can’t say I often love the trials bikes for their looks but this one tickles my fancy. Mmm something about that frame…🙏.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

❤

[@tharunshiv]

Let's goooo bike build time!!!

[@LeonvanRensburg]

Awesome vid! Glad the initial hum from the camera rig has been sorted. How awesome is having a good set of tools, though! Took me 6 tries to pause at the right spot...

[@jasonrollo]

Looks class

[@ChristianPareATLAS]

Love that built 😊

[@jesseshort8]

Nice job Mister Clarkson.😉

[@whitstodghill6128]

Great build - nothing like proper tools!

[@goingoutotheparty1]

Nice build bro, really nice 💯

[@leemaskrey4698]

That's the best looking trials bike I've seen, wow where can I get one, can't wait to see it in action ali

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Can’t buy these any more unfortunately but you never know, they sometimes come up for sale on the used market…for modern versions check out www.tartybikes.co.uk

[@wilcooper64]

27:20 how bloomin' smooth Ali

[@Eagle71-vs3dd]

Color is great!..Good job👏

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you :)

[@myvornamemynachname220]

Great Vid!

[@nathanmast7027]

I feel for the wheel build issues Ali. I have had to tear down my own wheels just to grab what need. I do love the range of trials and street parts you guys have access to in the UK. I wish the States had a bigger scene.

[@MtbandCoffee]

You picking up an aliexpress cog just put a smile on my face because I just got a cheap but good looking narrow wide chainring from there.

[@PhenoV]

Nice one Ali, really cool build! I have a white meta vtt2 frame with the orange logo in my storage, will have to build it up one day! Only a few were made with the white paint I think.

[@alexisastrie]

Considering i don't really like the look of comp bikes in general this build is actually stunning! Well done!

[@acalabash]

The bike looks just as awesome as the riding

[@larnbaldwin]

Thanks for the info on the cat , nice story 😂

[@shadyhazza]

hearing the tire rub on the frame with the wheel so true is some kinky biker asmr!

[@rhythmtreble7311]

Its almost bmx-y with the high bars and BB. Looks crazy cool to watch

[@SnogSpit]

Love the bike builds Ali.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks SnogSpit!

[@crazyshop364]

Awsome 🤘🚲

[@horstseehofer7130]

Sick man

[@lukashodgson]

I'm here for the Look Around You references (@11:49 & @23:06). Thanks Ali. Thali.

[@Aigo88]

Its fun to see a cut about 130g from new tire and then install front brake adapter like from 1812 year.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Can’t scrimp on the adaptors unfortunately, a lighter one WILL snap at some point

[@Aigo88]

@@Ali_Clarkson resonable

[@raimundozuninomaomed8032]

beautiful

[@mattbibbings]

Proper tools ✅ Pro-camera angles✅ Quality lighting ✅ Welcome to the big time... I'm going to miss the headset club though...

[@HypnoToad248]

Neat!

[@1985flashy1]

Nice bike Viel Erfolg bei den comps!!! Grüße aus Deutschland

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Danke ✌

[@Haiunnome]

crazy bike

[@-xirx-]

Mushie season outside!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Danger 😂

[@felixburman5988]

someone needs to sponsor ali with cat treats asap!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Dreamies, I’m waiting!

[@ADI121195]

Looks like your really comfortable on that mate just getting used to that bb height can’t wait to see it tested properly

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Oh man it’ll get a good testing this weekend 😂

[@southney7211]

Nice workshop build. Think my favourite tool was your tap holder. Very professional, beats an adjustable spanner! Looked like a starret? 😎

[@user-db9dh3tp7p]

best hub sound

[@josemorenoporras7506]

A custom made steel frame would be really interesting. You can made your perfect geo. This build looks very nice.

[@peglor]

Amazing work - this is your first bike build I would take as is and literally change nothing. It's a damned shame there's nothing on the market now that combines high BB long geometry with dual disks. Tarty Adam put me on to this setup many years ago with a 26" dual disk GU and though it was relatively heavy, I probably did the best riding of my life on it. I can't get on with low BB frames and hate the noise and maintenance of rim brakes, so the closest I can find to my needs now is the Jitsie Varial, but the geometry on that feels awful compared to the out of production Echo and GU 24" bikes I used before that. It definitely seems like the trials market has shrank dramatically over the past few years in terms of options available though.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I had a go on a Jitsie and it was so extreme! I could barely even balance…I’m glad you like this bike, CT did a great job with the spec 😊

[@peglor]

@@Ali_Clarkson It looks like I'll have no choice but to get a mod the next time, and I really don't like the small wheels 😞. 24" bikes are the best I've used as they give mod bike chainstay lengths meaning effortless popping to the back wheel, still have the reach (Wheelbase + wheel diameter) to bridge gaps, and roll on rough ground almost as well as 26" bikes.

[@nor0845]

Nice 😎

[@2nd3rd1st]

Any other winners of the Now You Know Cute Thief's Real Name prize?! 🥳

[@paultomlinson528]

Cute theif is epic

[@Ali_Clarkson]

He’s such a dude!

[@reneh.6551]

Fancy tools 😎👌

[@antaltieri7154]

A label maker would make your workshop look extraaaaa pro

[@vessel.001]

What a nice bike! Seeing you hop around on it made me think of getting a trials bike myself just for fun lol. I noticed 2 things tho, first: do you ever use grease? every thread looked awfully dry to me; second: the front tire seems to be mounted the wrong way around. Nevertheless, great work, great bike, great demo!

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Cute Theif needs a bed by the work bench

[@damianfrancak6993]

R.I.P. Wacker, you will be missed

[@sablinger]

beautiful cat!

[@TheGameOfBIKE]

PLEASE make a mallett out of the remaining of the wooden headset tool! With some epoxy shouldn't be too hard

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Cool idea, not sure how strong it would be though

[@SeeScottWrite]

Just use the slipper settings on the drill to not snap or strip bolts 👍🏼 if it doesn’t have that option, get one that does, definitely worth it.

[@JJTrials]

Nice build, never knew they existed 👍 also front tyre wrong way round 😉😅

[@grahamleach9639]

I'm worried the new bike cave has weekend Ali, unable to play a tune on the bars and the pedals didn't just get thrown on and magically stick 😮 lovely bike build though 😁

[@user-pj4sw8ci3l]

nice!)

[@jokhar8672]

The maxxis holyroller 26x2,4 is better than cut the tires^^ and is smaller than schwalbe^^

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Harder compound than the Schwalbe though

[@nissetuta]

Where can you buy that steering bar? Everywhere they are to low for my tall lekamen.