DREAM BUILD GRAVEL BIKE: Surly Cross-Check with Shimano GRX & Velo Orange Klunker bars

[List of components below]
Hey,
Here's my Surly project. I always wanted a gravel/commute/travel bike, that reflects the funny side of life. So I chose a Surly cross-check, because you can build it how the hell you want. Then I found those huge Velo Orange Klunker bars - they made me remember of my BMX childhood. Add a Brooks saddle for the confort, the new Shimano GRX transmission, Dura Ace downtube shifters, DT Swiss wheels, Panaracer Paselas... and here we are: my new bike, that I mounted all by myself :)
So funny to ride.
Enjoy!
The woman behind the camera: Caroline (coeur avec les doigts).
The music: Ghostly Dust Machine : Ode To A Baby Snowstorm (from Free Music Archive)
#GuidolineEtMinivan #Dreambuild #bikeporn
1x Surly CROSS-CHECK - 700C Cross Frameset - sage green (SRB414317)
1x Shimano Dura Ace SL-7900 Downtube Levers 2/3x10 (SHI108841)
1x Shimano Deore BL-T610 Brake Levers V-Brake (pair) - black (SHI160834)
1x Shimano Deore BR-T610 V-Brakes Set - black (SHI160881)
1x Shimano GRX FC-RX600 Crankset 2x10-speed - 46/30 Teeth (SHI422574) Crank Arm Length: 172.5 mm
1x Shimano GRX FD-RX400 Front Derailleur 2x10-speed (SHI422597)
1x Cane Creek 10.EC34 Complete Headset 1 1/8 Inches - EC34/28.6 | EC34/30 (CCR160507)
1x Problem Solvers Clamp for Braze-On Front Derailleurs - black (PRS179463)
2x Cane Creek 40 Top Spacer 1 1/8 Inches - 28.6 - black (CCR415597)
2x Cane Creek 40 Top Spacer 1 1/8 Inches - 28.6 - black (CCR415597)
1x Procraft SL 25.4 Stem 6° (PRO226411)
1x KMC X10EL Ti-N Chain - 10-speed - gold (KMC171246)
1x Shimano Road Shift Cable Set - Steel (SHI421418)
1x Shimano CS-HG500-10 Cassette 10-speed (SHI224886) Nuance of spocket: 11-34 (not compatible with 3-speed cranks)
1x Shimano Ultegra 6800 Bottom Bracket Cups SM-BBR60 (SHI159008)
1x Vision TriMax SB20 Seatpost - SBS (VSN380698) Diameter: 27.2mm
1x Shimano Spacer 1mm for 10-speed Cassettes (SHI226146)
1x DT Swiss PR 1600 SPLINE 32 - Wheelset - Clincher - QR (DTS337225)
1x Shimano Cable Tips for Inner Shifting Cable (4 pcs) (SHI122992)
1x Shimano Road Shift Cable Set - Stainless Steel (SHI121751)
1x Shimano Brake Cable Set Road Stainless Steel (SHI121738)
1x Nukeproof Neutron EVO (Electron EVO) Flat Pedals - black (NUC435807)
+ 1 Velo Orange Klunker bars
+ 1 Brooks Saddle B17 recut by myself
+ 1 pair of used but still amazing Panaracer pasela and inner tubes

[@BryceBreslin]

About 30 seconds in: I wish I had this person's tools. 60 seconds in: Ah but then I'd need his knowledge. 90 seconds in: Alas I'd also need his skill. 120 seconds in: In time, maybe I'll get there. Beeeautiful build and excellent vid - all killer no filler. Peaceful + right music, and quiet enough that we could hear the satisfying sounds of the build coming together. Agree that the sage + honey is just about perfection. Thanks for posting.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Bryce, your comment went straight to my heart. Some people say internet is full of hate. You just proved the opposite. Thanks for watching and have a great day!

[@josephcosta1127]

Love the down tube shifters! Classic!!!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks Joseph, see you!

[@TheZetman85]

I shift does with my knees......my bike is probably too short

[@njmtbiker]

So simple yet so beautifully built. I’d trade my Domane for this in a heartbeat since my riding has changed over the years.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

You should: cheaper and smooth, big tires, versatility of the building options... But hey, a Domane is a bit lighter though

[@AllonKirtchik]

Touring-style frame, BMX bars and cross drivetrain is basically how old MTBs were made

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Old school rocks!

[@paulchristiansen7014]

just going say that too..sweet build..cheers

[@igormsk]

Very nice atmosphere in this video.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks Igor!!

[@user-tl9nm1yw1j]

Очень нравится крепление манеток переключателей на раме! Просто, надежно и удобно. Замечательная сборка!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

thanks a lot! have a nice day

[@malijuanag]

This is a Dream Bike for me.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

You dream right

[@dougylexden8691]

That was a pleasure to watch. Functional and stylish as hell. Love it.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

well thank you Dougy for your kind words! I'm working on another video: the Ritchey swiss cross

[@peterderuiter2937]

There is nO better feeling then building up your own bike

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Exactly! And riding it, hoping the brakes will function in the downhill ;)

[@vincecosta]

poetry in motion, beautiful build.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks Vince for your kind words

[@johnhickman2033]

Could you put old style Shimano XT thumb shifters on this build? The bike looks glorious and I would love to call it my own...

[@jackhume4532]

I really do enjoy watching these bike builds, as it’s encouragement for me to get on and finish my 26er single speed conversion on an old Dawes mountain bike that I have had for roughly 20 years now, and when I get the rest of the components in the next month, well let’s just say I can’t wait to go for a ride on it !!!!!!!!!.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

That's just something incredible to ride your "own" build! I wish you a nice one!

[@jackhume4532]

Guidoline & Minivan , good evening,so sorry 😐 not to have seen your message sooner , however I do thank you 🙏 for your very kind words and I wish you a goods sleep 💤 and hopefully soon I will have an update for you.

[@TOCycleCommuter]

Oh wow... just wow I have an "Urban Degrey" Cross Check, set up single speed: nice and easy gearing for cruising around and climbing the double track around town. This build is so nice, and the video is so well done! I am totally on the 1X bandwagon and have to say that 2X10 looks great, especially considering its pragmatism. The downtube shifters are such a nice touch. I love rim brakes: I ride year round and have no issue. Sure the pads wear a bit quicker, but it's no bother, v-brakes are so easy! Oh yeah, my Cross Check also has the klunkers on it: so nice to ride it this way!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks! 2x is oractical for as i live in a hilly landscape. And Klunkers are legit!

[@Name-bf3zm]

Unbelievably beautiful and sofa smooth in one bike.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks! "sofa smooth" I quite like that expression ;)

[@tothetracks]

This is the video that convinced me to build my first bike.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Ohh Matt thanks for your comment, I'm honored ;) and for sure if I can do it, anyone does!! :)

[@Bjock888]

Well filmed nd edited

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks Jim!

[@robertbonner5973]

Nice build ! I like the Bmx style handlebars!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks Robert! They are as in my childhood - slightly bigger though

[@andyeckel7195]

I like the bars too! I noticed you taped them. Am I correct in assuming you could run grips with bar ends?

[@lol224455]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@okaynowins3147]

Very nice

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks! Appreciate

[@kevinwilson4419]

Thank you for this wonderful build! It has inspired me to build one with down tubes again!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Kevin Wilson you definitively should 🤗

[@kanehenderson5142]

Ugh do jealous,I looked everywhere for a sage green frame :(

[@GuidolineMinivan]

keep digging, hope you'll find one!

[@acanadian2285]

Gold chain for the win!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Go for gold!

[@imstillhereileft7530]

Love these bike builds , so much genuine thought & passion building a bike from scratch & parts they go with it , great video, subscribed

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks! best wishes for '22

[@stephanspiegelberg262]

What a lovely bicycle! Thanx a lot for that vid. Cheers!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks for your kind comment!

[@stephanspiegelberg262]

Guidoline & Minivan Thanks for the full list of parts. I would have been interested in the process of planning the bike. Which parts will match? What do I want? Budget?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@stephanspiegelberg262 oh well... that's the big thing. First choose the frame. Then a groupset (which means budget). And then wheels (budget again). And a style of components. And they should match because you read all the specs of the frame (there's always a fact sheet).

[@b5thomas7]

Beautiful build - well done.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks man!

[@lukeberger17]

Absolutely love this build! I really want to build a bike myself, but I just don‘t know where to start... It‘s a bit overwhelming to see all the tools and knowledge you need.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thansk Lukas! Well, it's not that complicated. Maybe more complicated than an Ikea furniture... but not much :) You can find perfect tutorials online, for example the park tool ones, which are the best. And you can borrow some tools to you local shop, or ask them to do some of the steps. You should definitely try!

[@cjohnson3836]

Buy a cheap bike off facebook marketplace or ebay. Have fun experimenting with 2nd hand parts that if you mess up while you learn, you're not out a lot of money. Chances are, you probably won't make too many mistakes, and the ones you do will be correctable. And you'll probably end up with a pretty fun bike.

[@kp4865]

la classe les vitesses au cadre profite bien de cette belle machine !

[@GuidolineMinivan]

merci! belle machine, un plaisir à rouler en effet

[@codytoth5028]

If I may ask, how did you get indexed 11 speed downtube shifters to work? I've been looking and can't seem to find something that'll work with le'ts say an 11 speed slx derailleur.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

It's because it's a ten speed cassette & shifter! that's the the secret

[@peacenzmiddleast]

Watching you put that seat tube in raw hurt my soul

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Oh. Sorry for that. I love grease. I can assure you that it was greased, even if I didn’t film it or let it in the edit. Grease everywhere. Grease for the soul.

[@andye5851]

Cool bike love those bars

[@GuidolineMinivan]

They're awesome indeed!

[@heavyload75]

Lovely bike (went for a straggler because I couldn't find a local wheel builder-and now that I found one, I can't find cross-check anymore as they were silently retired....). Nice that grx, can you use it with 120mm rear spacing?

[@alanstewart7802]

I'm not keen on V brakes but I like the downtube shifters.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Yeah I might change them to cantilevers...

[@ashleighmason4982]

Cool build! I didn't know, that this type of shifters is available.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Now I mounted friction ones from dia-compe. Flawless. Better than the indexed ones from Shimano

[@patrickstep]

I just bought a used Surly Cross Check. Its 10 years old. Currently it has drop bars, but I want to install the Velo Orange Klunker bars then move the shifter to the down tube. The shifter is in the ends on the drop bars. Hate them there. How do you like the bars? what would you have done different on this build?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hi, I changed a few things over the years. First, the shifters: I swapped for friction (dia compe). Then the bars. I opted for wide drop bars. The Klunker ones felt too harsh for me, and the swipe was too much for me too. The rest is still there 😉

[@R_E_T_I_E_F]

Such a dope build!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks James! have a nice day

[@charlespeach]

Amazing bike build! Though I am a little confused at using downtube levers, wouldn't that be sub-optimal on gravel? (have to take a hand off the bars to get down to them)

[@GuidolineMinivan]

I'm used to it - and I like to have to wait for the perfect moment to use the levers. Sometimes, on a normal brake shifter, you don't realize that you change gears... Sometimes I like to push harder and change less ;)

[@adrechsel]

GRX and Dura-Ace shifters is such an awesome combo.

[@noworkdave]

Very nice.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks David!

[@OldschoolDT]

Beautiful bike, I love the idea of using an MX- handlebar. I have an similar project in progress with a Schwinn-style frame and BMX stem and an old MX handlebar. But I will choose thumbies on my handlebar, I think downtube shifters are not the best choice for a Klunker.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Yeah I can understand your point. I have an old "demi-course" Cilo bike. I could put some 35mm tires and transform it in a old-school gravel bike - with downtube shifters. I wanted the same thing with a modern bike. And: big difference, if you put a basket on your fork: you'll have less cables in the way with downtube shifters!

[@OldschoolDT]

@@GuidolineMinivan I have a similar Projekt in Mind, I want a hand soldered Enik Frame to transform into a Gravel bike. But there are two reasons, why I would not use brifters, first it has Cantilever/V-brake sockets, but I want to use V-brakes and there for Tektro RL-520 brake levers. Second, brifters and handlebarrolls didn't work well together. So downtube shifters or bar end shifters are the solution.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@OldschoolDT Enik frame? that's looking good ;) bar-end shifters are also very stylish, but then you have to find a route for the cable... and therefore I prefer downtube shifters

[@stevenmoralesrivera9974]

Beautiful Beautiful build!!! What length is your stem? I’m also thinking of getting the VO Klunker bar, how do you like it?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hey - i swapped for drop bars, i found it kind of harsh. Thanks for the comment!

[@pewp43]

Great looking bike and video!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@benjaminwalsh289]

so you bought the last black klunkers velo had lol :) lucky duck you!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Really? Had to order them in the US (from Switzerland)... they were sold out everywhere...! Pretty expensive delivery fee, but worth it

[@dereksmith5194]

10 speed shifters and 11 speed derailleur? How does that work? What cassette are you using? I am trying to build similar drivetrain. I have the same shifters and need help with rest of components. Love your build. Hope you enjoy it.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello Derek! Nope it’s 10 speed cassette, 10 speed grx derailleur. So that it works with dura ace shifters. You need one adapter ring in the 11speed hub but nothing fancy. Standard and cheap Shimano. Thanks for your comment, and yes I enjoyed the build :)

[@richardauyeung720]

don't dura ace 10 speed dt shifters (indexed) have a different cable pull than "modern" Shimano 10 speed like tiagra 4700 and grx 10 speed?

[@ks-pg5sh]

Beautiful build.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thank you!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

And about the levers: Shimano Dura Ace SL-7900 Downtube Levers - I chose the 10 speed grx ;)

[@ks-pg5sh]

@@GuidolineMinivan - And you didn't have trouble with the shifting? The 10-speed derailleurs are more picky about which shifters should work with those. Although, it looks like everything uses the standard Shimano Road ratio...so the Dura Ace downtube shifters should work, just so long as the drivetrain speeds match.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

k s Nope it’s working just fine ;) shimano standards I guess

[@s.m.5386]

Awesome build it makes me want to build a crosscheck. I have always wanted one! just out of interest, what was the weight of this build?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello, I don't honestly know... it's pretty heavy, since the tubing is a solid one!

[@s.m.5386]

@@GuidolineMinivan my bike is around 13.5 kilo so anything less is light to me 😂

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@s.m.5386 should be alright then ;)

[@FinnRadler]

Forgive me for my bad English. But you have installed Shimano grx rd-rx400??? Very nice Bike I Loved

[@GuidolineMinivan]

yes indeed. The GRX 10 speed ;) thanks for the comment!

[@FinnRadler]

@@GuidolineMinivan I have Shimano Dura Ace SL-BS79 And I'm not sure it works for the GRX RD-RX position

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@FinnRadler oh, that. It worked, but I wasn’t happy with the result (maybe it’s not 100% compatible). So I opted for some friction levers. They work very much better (for me).

[@lakesideflight]

Is that the sage green color? Love that frame color.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Yes it is, absolutely. Matches perfectly with the "honey" brook saddle ;)

[@sometimesoonfan]

I’m not sure if this has been asked but what handlebars are those 😢!!!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Klunker ones, from Velo Orange

[@gabeb.3733]

Literally my exact dream build too but why did you put a front derailluer on if its a 1x? Also why the down tube shifters? I would personally go the paddle sifter on the rear cassette only. Eliminate front shifting and weight. Beauty build either way.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks! I chose the 2x derailleur because it gives you more range, in my opinion. A 1x is cool too, but you have this enormous cassette that I don't find beautiful (and heavier... about the weight argument that you brought :) ). Maybe one day I'll change the shifters to thumbies, but we'll see. Thanks for watching!

[@inkjob12]

Surely has a couple of bikes Im interested....BUT....you cant find them anywhere. All bikes seem to be gone nationwide. Ive put my name on a couple of Bike stores list in the hope one comes in...but Im not holding my breath.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Yes it’s difficult right now. Maybe you’ll find it on the second hand market? I hope you’ll find what you want.

[@edharding9601]

do you cycle it much in cities? love the klunker handle bars feel like they might be a bit wide for cycling in traffic?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

It's mixed terrain - so it's alright. In traffic, they are too wide I give you a point. But in mud or gravel, I like how they feel "safe", in control, not like drop bars ;)

[@SiopaoSauc3]

Needs a pair of Paul Thumbies.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Yeah you're right! too expensive but some Deore ones could fit perfectly ;)

[@rainbowhiker]

Nice.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

thanks!

[@peterglatt4770]

This is great! I’m building up my very first bicycle, a surly LHT. Did you decide to prep your head tube and BB (e.g. facing/chasing) or treat your frame (e.g. frame saver)? I couldn’t tell for sure, but it didn’t appear that your head tube or BB were prepped. Thanks!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks for your comment! Nope, I just greased them, that was fine for me! Have a good build

[@yanuarpermana5986]

wow....11 speed with downtube shifter, how could possible? what series of dura ace downtube shifter did you used

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello! It’s a 10s. You find the specs in the description below.

[@johnhyde1769]

How come you use side cutters for cutting cables and not cable cutters?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

well... you found my Achilles heel... but it's working just fine. Bought one, since the video, though :)

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

A seat post should be the first item on every bicycle build. Clamp the bike to the work stand by the seat post not a frame tube.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Yeah you're right - but steel is real - carbon fiber is something else

[@moritzbrall2478]

Hey, great built. How much does the bike weigh?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

I honestly don't know since I'm not a weight weenie... the rider weights ten kilos too much, so, the bike can be overweight too haha

[@SupriYanto-zo3pi]

Keren mas...BIKE..👍👍👍

[@SupriYanto-zo3pi]

Handlebar nya mas keren.saya suka👍

[@GuidolineMinivan]

I don't understand, but I like anyway ;)

[@andersenhutapea]

Ccol vid, cool build. Greetings from Jakarta Indonesia. What's the length of the stem? Im curious. I have a 70mm stem and 100mm Stem. Which one should i choose for surly sunrise?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello, it's a 100mm. It's a matter of comfort... and stability also (but the difference will be pretty slim). 100mm will be a little bit more stable... but less nimble! Have a nice build

[@jeanmosquea9539]

How far in do you need to screw in the bolts in the rear dropouts?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Honestly I don’t know. I put them in the middle and it’s working ok.

[@krlgrudzinski]

If you use "flatbars" why not just use mtb drivetrain e.g. 10-speed deore derailleur and shifters or microshift advent x?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Good question...! It could be a good option too. No particular reason to choose GRX; only the fancy newness of it. I like thumbies too. My build is my build (personal views inside). Wanted also downtube shifters to change the bars from time to time.

[@Masaki120401]

I wanna get this handle bar for my crossckeck.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

You should!

[@johnhickman2033]

How much did this build cost?

[@maximee]

Thanks for sharing your build, I'm digging it! Doing a similar build with my Cross Check. I'd love to try the GRX600 11-speed crank in combination with M8000 SGS XT derailleur and the 10-42 cassete for max range. Since the GRX crank is designed for a wider chainline, did you have any trouble getting your shifting to work 100%? No excess chain noise? No gears slipping when backpedalling? I'm worried that the 130mm rear hub in combination with the wider spaced GRX chainline will cause havoc.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello, I changed the dura-ace shifters for some friction ones. Dia-Compe ene. That worked better than the dura ace indexed ones (that was difficult to set precisely). No particular chain noise, no gears slipping. Just difficulties to index the dura-ace shifters. But since I put the friction ones (old technology IS better) it's a perfect randonneur ;)

[@maximee]

@@GuidolineMinivan Thanks, good to hear you've got no apparent chainline issues even with the narrower 130mm hub. I've decided to use a 135mm rear hub to give me the correct 47mm chainline I need for the GRX 2x11 crankset (46.9mm chainline). If anybody else is reading this in the future, the shimano XT 10-42 cassette measures in at 41mm, making it a 47mm chainline on a 135mm hub.

[@maximee]

@@GuidolineMinivan And one last question: did you have to plane/level/prepare your bottom bracket shell in any way other than greasing it before you mounted the BB?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@maximee Nope. A little bit of grease and a lot of newton power to mount it :)

[@maximee]

@@GuidolineMinivan Thanks, looking forward to building mine!

[@birchcove8454]

Really nice build! Well done video, and I love the simple cockpit with downtube shifters. I was wondering what saddle you used, it looks like a swallow but I wanted to double check.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello, thanks for your comment! It's a brooks b17 that I have recut myself, then bound the flaps underneath.

[@gregpification]

Nice Bike and Colour,I am getting my Cross Check powder coated,Is that colour grey green?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks! It's the "sage green" colour

[@atypeandshadow]

I’m looking at Surly and All-City right now, and I’m wondering if it’s a good platform for all road. I want the ability to go gravel, but I’ll be riding mainly road.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Well, the Surly is for "fatties"... big comfortable tires - maybe a bit too big and slow for what you want. The All-City Mr. Pink for instance is more a road bike with enough space for 32mm - which is enough to go gravel sometimes. Personally for this type of rides, I ride a fairlight faran first generation.

[@mackinnongibbs2945]

check out the Surly midnight special. it has road geometry and modern features like thu axles and flat mount disc brakes. you can run 700c road wheels or 650b fat wheels. I have mine setup for gravel with 650b x 47c tires

[@pieterlyssens7167]

Beautiful build👍👍👍 Just wondering did you have any issues with the Dura ace 10speed shifters shifting the grx400 10speed that use 11 speed technology in the rear derailleurs?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hey, thanks for the comment. That wasn’t as good as expected. I finally did use a friction one for a crisp shifting. 👌

[@pieterlyssens7167]

Hey Thanks. loved the Video inspired me to made a similar bicycle and set up had the same issue eventually did the same thing making it friction.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@pieterlyssens7167 Old school friction is the best. And with some experience, you can shift as precisely as indexed ones. The other option is to get a road derailleur (but I love my 34 teeth)

[@pieterlyssens7167]

@@GuidolineMinivan so true and makes it so much more fun to drive. Would love to see some pictures with the friction set up already thanks

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@pieterlyssens7167 kzbin.info/www/bejne/imKQiIN6YpJ0hpI you can watch it here... Some Dia compe friction

[@johnnycelaya3154]

Love the video and the build, well done! Do you have any performance issues with rim brakes riding gravel?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks! No problem at all... I find that the rim brakes are far more better and lighter than the disc brakes... the rubbing issue on disc brakes is annoying. The bleeding process is a pain in the a**. With rim brakes, ok, you have to do some fine tuning, but it's straightforward. And change the pads is way easyer. I'll never buy any disc brake bike.

[@haynsie]

Great build and nicely shot too. How are you finding the VO Klunkers after riding it for a while? I'm thinking about putting them on my Cross Check.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

They are awesome, a bit high, you have an upright position with them. But for me ok, and funny ;)

[@luisbaute1108]

Excellent Video, love it!...just one questions....which torquimeter tool model are you using? Where did you get it?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

I bought it in my local bikeshop, but you find them easy online. It's a BBB I think, as far as I remember :)

[@GuidolineMinivan]

And thanks for the kind comment! ;)

[@TheSuperAldrich]

Hi, great film! I wanna build a bike myself but I'm wondering, how would you know if your components fit each other

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Well... that’s sometimes a mystery. But to solve that, I spend a lot of time looking on the specs of each component, online. You have to watch particularly the sizes of the tubes (seat tube, stem, handlebar, fork, etc.). You begin with the frame. The builder specifies for example what bottom bracket size you should use, what seat tube diameter, etc. Let me know if you have a doubt!

[@TheSuperAldrich]

@@GuidolineMinivan Thanks so much for that! Do you always have a measuring tape with you when building?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@TheSuperAldrich Nope, I order the right components ;)

[@definitelytoddhoward8603]

What damn torque wrench is that? Looks slick as fuck.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello, it's a BBB one: road.cc/content/review/73163-bbb-torqueset-adjustable-torque-tool

[@coolhand_leo]

Great build! Always wanted a cross-check. Do you have a component/parts list that you have installed?Thanks!

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Nope... but mainly Shimano GRX. If you have a question about one particular part I can answer here. I'll list the components in the description below.

[@coolhand_leo]

@@GuidolineMinivan Thanks! that's what I need as a guide

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@coolhand_leo my pleasure!

[@sorinpetrescu7574]

Have you noticed the toe overlap?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hi, nope, no problem for me.

[@hernangonzalez9141]

Hello, i am doing a similar build. What downtube shifter did you use? Thanks in advance.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello Hernan! I used first the dura ace sl 7900, like you see in the video, but had trouble to find the accurate indexing. I now have the ene 11s downtube shifter, which works with friction. And is much more accurate in my opinion.

[@hernangonzalez9141]

@@GuidolineMinivan Thank you very much for answering. I will look into those for sure. Hope you have nice day.

[@Guzurti1995]

Beautiful build! Which wheels are those? They look nice

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks Emilio! It's the DT Swiss PR 1600 SPLINE 32 - Wheelset. You find the components in the video description.

[@MOTORSPORT1979]

Hypnotic! Name of the song please?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Thanks! Ghostly Dust Machine : Ode To A Baby Snowstorm (from Free Music Archive)

[@ingvarmarsdirect1908]

what is the name of this handle bar I'm interested in the manufacturer and model

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hello, it's the Velo Orange Klunker bars

[@SrHide-iz7pf]

If you do a beautiful work like this, why don't put a nice big shoot of the final work? Why? Seriously why?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Gone riding! :)

[@baksi07]

With this kind of handle bar did you size up on the frame?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Nope, it's just fine with the nomal size I use

[@baksi07]

@@GuidolineMinivan Oh is it.. I thought handlebar drop bar frame design have shorter top tube in which will be short if you use a straight bar mtb style or like here BMX'y type what you've used.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@baksi07 Well, the only consequence is that you sit in a more upright position. But thats ok for me since I want to gravel/travel with this bike and not really race it ;) But you're right, it changes the position of the rider and the handling

[@baksi07]

@@GuidolineMinivan I really like what you did here. Honestly thinking to build one myself. Just need to get more info with correct frame size. Straggler with their sunrise handle bar and a BMX stem. Thank you. ✌

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@baksi07 thanks again Philip! For my size - 184cm, I ride bikes with a 56 or 58 cm size. This time, I wanted something compact, so I chose the 56cm, but with a longer stem... I'm not a geek about sizing and fitting, but in this case, it's just right for me (since I did only small rides til now). But you can always adapt the bike with the fitting/choice of the components (length of the stem, positioning of the saddle, height of the bars). The straggler was in my short list, but I wanted a bike as simple as possible, no hydro disc brakes, only cables, and cables as short as possible (so I chose the downtube levers).

[@NateVTStag]

No drop bars? :(

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Nope! Not always ;)

[@allendodd4844]

Total cost?

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Maybe a little more than 2,2k €

[@williejamehufff3125]

I wish I knew how to build a bike.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

I knew i could do it... only when i did it!

[@williejamehufff3125]

Guidoline & Minivan I could probably figure most things out but running the brake and derailer cables gives me anxiety. How do you like the crosscheck? I’ve been thinking about that or a trucker

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@williejamehufff3125 The cross-check is a perfect bike. Comfortable, nimble in gravel, you can load it with tons of Ortlieb bags, is versatile, etc. The only issue is the weight - steel is real! The trucker is maybe more a touring bike?

[@patdennis3202]

am i crazy? this guitar is definitely out of tune, right

[@GuidolineMinivan]

It's a bike! ;)

[@MrSete15]

Klunker….

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Indeed

[@maxm.ninozarazua5225]

Many mistakes in the process of building a bike

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Such as?

[@fernfloyd]

Dream build? A dream build to me, and I'm sure many would agree, is a bike with the best, or close to the best, bicycle parts. No disc brakes, no tubeless system, no fast actuation shifters; why?!?!?!?! Those are the basics for a gravel bike yet you call this a dream bike. Maybe change the title to commuter bike because that's what that bike is. I'll show you a dream gravel bike once my frame has been custom painted. The only thing I like about this video is the color of the frame.

[@GuidolineMinivan]

Hey man: if we had all the same fantasies, wouldn't the life be boring? Some dream of custom paint, and hydro disc brakes with ice technology, tubeless shit and so on. Others - like me for instance - want a durable, confortable bike, capable of being abused on rough terrain. I chose every component with that in mind. You think your di2 rig will hold on kyrgiz terrain ? In fact, your dream is a nightmare to me: too much technology! This is killing the diy scene. Remember to have your own dreams - not the (expensive) ones of the (carbon) bike industry. But ok - send me a picture of your dream bike - with the same color as mine ;)

[@stephenhermann-mtb1681]

@@GuidolineMinivan high end stuff works beter feels beter and gose fasterr ya this is cool but not a dream build tis isent a dream this is a reality for most people this bike is probly less than 3000 that is not a dream thats a few months work

[@GuidolineMinivan]

@@stephenhermann-mtb1681 You dream about money, I dream about bikes that can take a load, resist dirt, be broken and repared, travel far away. I'm a cheap dreamer!

[@stephenhermann-mtb1681]

@@GuidolineMinivan a dream is an asparation or wish you do not wish to ride a bike you do thare for you are doing not dreaming this is not a drem build it is a bike build i dream and so do many otheres of the best equitment out theare i do not have it i dream of it you have thare for you do not dream this is a nice bike but not a dream