I Built My Dream Bikepacking Bike

[@paulaspinall919]

Take it to the bike shop. They would order the right bits. Delivered in a couple of days. Bike build in another half day. A good load of cash. You took ages. You learned bit by bit. You know exactly how it all goes together. Any problem on the road and you’ll have it sorted really quickly. Your knowledge doing the whole build is invaluable. I am super impressed. The ‘warts and all’ video is superb. Thank you.

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you! I’m glad people are liking seeing the mistakes/learning process. And the knowledge gained will help forever!

[@joeglynn2185]

I cannot agree more. During Covid I built an ICE Fat Trike with a Rohloff. Yikes!!! What a learning experience. However, if anything ever goes wrong with it on the road I understand its operation and installation completely. For the kind of touring you do you will be SOOOO glad you understand everything about your steed! Great job with the build. Be safe.

[@elipowell1817]

I really enjoyed seeing regular folks building up a bike and working through all the challenges. Anyone can just drop off a frame at a bike shop and say “here’s money. Build it up!” Doing your own work helps you when you have problems in the middle of nowhere.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! It was a fun project, and I learned a ton!

[@H457ur]

Nice work! As a former full-time bike mechanic, I have two things to recommend: 1. A torque wrench. It’s incredibly easy to over or under torque bolts, which can cause things to loosen and fall off when you’re riding, or worse, break when you’re installing them. 2. An understanding of when to use grease, carbon-grip (you aren’t using carbon that I can see, but you should still understand the principle), Loctite (and the different types), and anti-seize compound. Anti-seize is especially important if you are using two different metals (like steel bolts in an aluminum stem); if you don’t use it, you can have parts corrode and seize up such that you cannot separate them.

[@slow_spokes]

Hi! Thanks for the tips. I did use both a torque wrench and grease and loctite in this process, but didn’t show it (well, I did show grease once). There’s no mixing of metals or carbon going on here.

[@james-p]

@@slow_spokes Yes, and keep in mind that the Rohloff can be a bit torque-sensitive, so keep a sharp eye on that too. Again, awesome job!

[@K1989L]

I've built many bikes before but it's been a while now. Probably the longest time I've been withouth building anything. About two years or so. Now I am building one for my wife and I ran into problems. I completely forgot that there is always problems while building a bike. It's fun to see someone else make their mistakes too. None of yours were big mistakes. Just minor parts missing. I think building a bike is just as much fun as is riding one. Happy riding!

[@slow_spokes]

It really is part of building a bike… at least I think it is with my limited experience. And yeah, I definitely found myself wanting to spend more time tinkering with the bike and had to eventually just stop and get out and ride it!

[@ekims_echoes]

I really like this build video. I'm not usually in to them, but I love that you showed what you learned along the way. I commend your vulnerability in showing that you didn't just know everything. The bike itself is rad too.

[@slow_spokes]

This comment makes me so happy. Chris was worried that I was going to get a lot of mansplaining, but almost all the comments have been positive about showing the whole process, mistakes at all. Really gives me good feelings about the folks who watch our videos! - Hillary

[@ekims_echoes]

@@slow_spokes I think it's super relatable. I've built up a few bikes from frames and learned something new every time. I hope it's encouraging for others who would like to learn more about building and maintaining a bike.

[@markfletcher4605]

So rad. I built a titanium Salsa Fargo with Rohloff hub and Gates carbon belt drive. Best bike ever!

[@slow_spokes]

Sounds sweet!

[@shepherd76]

This was my dream setup. But lately people are starting to go sour on titanium and say steal is a better material. It is probably just people trying to get youtube clicks.

[@slow_spokes]

@@shepherd76 huh, interesting. Titanium’s definitely been catching my eye. But man if I bought everything I wanted for my bikes I’d have no more money to travel the world and go on bike trips so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@jgreenjeans]

Does the frame have the option for belt drive or did you have to cut it? I came across an old Trek Soho and have fallen in love with belt drive. I want to build a Rolhoff with a belt drive. It's hard to find belt drive frames in the USA.

[@markfletcher4605]

@@jgreenjeans The Salsa Fargo frame has a break that allows the belt to be put into the frame. You are correct that it is very hard to find belt drive frames in the United States.

[@adventurersclub1]

Finally someone who has a luggage rack, I think that is the most practical thing you can have on your bike (after the kick stand).

[@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte]

u should be proud , i was just saying anyone could do a basics and here you are a full out mechanic

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks, I am pretty proud of myself! 😀

[@mardomardomardomardo]

I just want to say, good on you for having a go! well done! even though you weren't experienced, you jumped in and leant and got it done. You'll be better prepared out on the trail now. excellent!

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you! That’s so kind of you!

[@judeoliver5256]

Fabulous to see the bike come together and to learn about the things that came up along the way. My dream to do this! Youv'e given me some confidence!

[@SaabIsSaab]

Only just started watching the vid but just wanted to say well done! Learning to build your first bike starting with a Rohloff is an epicly steep learning curve! Have been a mechanic for a few years and had to write a piece about choosing/fitting a Rohloff to your bike and I learned so much + had someone to check my work + had already been exposed to working on Rohloffs, building wheels, general mechanical work, etc. You are very ambitious, kudos to you!.

[@slow_spokes]

Hahaha ambitious or naive, either way it worked out! Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@IS-xk3iq]

Rohloff hubs are awesome!

[@legerdevinne]

Nice to see someone else learning and struggling. Definitely an adventure!

[@dfgsfhghgsf]

Very relatable, Calvin Jones has a cameo in just about every bike-related thing I ever do

[@slow_spokes]

That man should win an award.

[@RyansuBike]

Calvin is the Man!!

[@keacoq]

I have a Salsa Fargo frame with flat bars. Enjoyed it since 2011.

[@slow_spokes]

Awesome!

[@keacoq]

@@slow_spokes I mainly wanted to affirm that changing a drop-bar bike like a Fargo to flat bars is a good and workable idea.

[@philipcaldwell3187]

Thanks for documenting and sharing the experience. The more you know the more you can go!

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you! Haha love that.

[@tracerxrider]

Appreciate this. I’ve been wanting to go with a Rohloff and this is gold. Thank you.

[@slow_spokes]

That’s why we made it! It was so hard to find information about it. Hope this helps!

[@hydroross]

I built a Salsa Ti with a Rohloff. It’s taken me all around the U.S. I sometimes throw on a suspension fork and ride single track. It’s my Swiss Army knife. Hope yours sparks as much joy as mine has. 😊

[@slow_spokes]

Love this, one day maybe I’ll upgrade to the ti frame. But I look forward to a lot of fun adventures with this bike!

[@unisonosc1617]

@10:07 of the drive side drop out plate, upper screw is missing the inside steel hex nut..... NM! saw at the end you got it! Well done!

[@ericgelders]

"I got my Rohloff in the mail" 😄 - love it! Great video, very insightful, not afraid to show your lack of experience and de subsequent mistakes, but your perseverance pays off! Big respect ✌!

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! We weren’t sure if anybody would be interested in this video. So glad you liked it!

[@guygatineau281]

Getting ready for a Sydney to Darwin...had my Rolhoff belt drive for a week know...love me bike already...now l'll have to learn how to tune...change cable and all that stuff! Exciting time! If you inspire one person to get a bike and go out there then....! Happy days!

[@slow_spokes]

We’re excited for you! Have fun!

[@GordoGambler]

Do NOT set the belt tight at all. It will also be thousands of miles before the Rohloff loosens and quiets down.

[@mtbboy1993]

6:46 Just a heads up, these barrel adjusters might be fragile, unless they fixed that, at least those on TRP Spyke (the MTB version of this caliper) were fragile, I accidentally hit my hand on it and it snapped. But having it adjusted all the way in helps to reduce damage, but on a full suspension bike the cable movement due to the suspension movement cause it to bend, so if adjusted ut it bends.

[@michaellane1316]

As a 45 yr heavy equipment field mechanic, I commend you in the reconstructing a bike to fit your needs. A lesson I would use to potential private owners of equipment would be that they shadowed my working on their machinery so they became familiar with all aspects of their equipment. Understanding the many components and phasing of any machinery is without saying, invaluable. It can be imagined first like making an octagon with the points first, drawn as best one can at specific dimensions, then connecting each point with a line until the said illustrated drawing looks like that which is perceived as such octagon. Then sit back and visualize as to what it's intended purpose might be. My point here is, first comes the desire to learn a task that can be unfamiliar, second, no matter the project, keep an open mind with whatever skill set in your bank, patience. Always remember as we have most all been taught, the square block goes into the same receptacle intended and you will do fine at anything you approach. Great job young lady.

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you so much!

[@f1rstclass366]

I Love The Enviolo Nuvinci CVT.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! Hadn’t heard of it!

[@Davidesrajohn]

Great job! I'm currently in the middle of the same process. Weeks of learning new things and (re)ordering the correct parts. Almost done and I don't regret the extra time and money for a second, I learned so much! I imagine you feel the same. Only thing left to do is ride the thing.

[@slow_spokes]

Nice! Currently riding it through the Alps. I love it so much. You’re going to be so happy!

[@brokenalarms]

Omg I just built pretty much the same bike, and I used the Alternator Rohloff plates but had no idea about the space reducers... Turned out I was just slightly bending the frame when I tightened up the skewers. Part now ordered 😊

[@slow_spokes]

Well, that confirms why I made this video. Glad it was helpful!

[@brokenalarms]

@@slow_spokes I also made a video of my build but got sick of it halfway through and stopped 😂 I will use my tripod next time and not a GoPro on my head though. Appreciate your filming effort also!

[@slow_spokes]

Yeah it’s a tonnnnn of work! It’s fun though, and I figure if it helps one person it’s worth it. Glad you were that person!

[@james-p]

4:03 - Awwwwww, who's a good dog! He gets to chew on a nice juicy bone! lol I'm totally weak for a good doggie haha. Anyway, I hate derailleurs too. I dumped them back in the '90s when the Rohloff came out. But I couldn't afford one at the time, so I got a bike with a Shimano Inter-7 and loved it. About a year ago I finally got a Rohloff. I just did its first oil change. And I will _never_ go back. And by the way, you look totally like me, ordering parts and finding out... Crap! These don't play together! lol. Superb job, getting it all to work 🙂 That's a super looking bike!

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! Leo is a good boy. He’s the best dog in the whole world :) I wish there was a better way to tell compatibility between parts but alas… trial and error it is. 😁

[@lars277]

I was like you. Derailers and I do not get along. I have a Priority 600 now with a pinion gear set in the middle pedal set and a belt. It has 12 gears and I love it. I bet I have put 5,000 miles on it with just changing tires.

[@slow_spokes]

They’re just so frustrating! Glad you have a new set up and like it!

[@pgreenx]

I just updated my Fargo after trashing my drivetrain on the GDMBR. Almost went Roloff but decided on sram 1x electronic and very happy. Light, fast and super accurate shifting and quiet. Only down side is battery life of durailer but the battery’s only weight 0.4 ounces each. I love the fargo

[@dsa5394]

I just had a local bike shop help me build my dream bike. It's a Fargo also. I kept the Derailleur, went with a 2 x 10 set up, friction/ index shifters, and Jones Bars. It is the most comfortable bike I've ever owned. We plan on some long tours with it. I also bought a Wren suspension fork to use on the rougher routes.

[@slow_spokes]

It really is so comfy!

[@SeymourSunshine]

Wow, RESPECT! You're my kind of lady. (One of the many things that attracted me to my wife was that she could fix her own bike. I like capable women.) You did a wonderful job and learned a lot whilst doing it. And you did it all in your front room. I love seeing that you have put a lot of thought into what you want from a bike. You think like I do: keep it simple with the right components and learn to live with it. Well done.

[@markjones7063]

Great video! You learned a lot with this project. There are so many variations these days that it's really challenging to get all the components right in the first try. I've been modifying bikes for a long time now and still get BIG surprises. Loved watching you get excited as you overcame various surprises. I recently converted a 29" adult sized BMX bike to a 3-speed rear cassette and added a derailleur... with a shifter under the seat. As simple as that sounds, it went all kinds of wonky on me, LOL. You did an awesome job and now I'm looking at Rohloff hubs because they look pretty cool.

[@slow_spokes]

I mean, that conversion sounds complicated to me but only because it’s not standard! Glad this inspired you to look into Rohloffs!

[@markjones7063]

@@slow_spokes Actually it was super simple and inexpensive. Had to get a tool to remove the freewheel and the three-speed freewheel threaded right in. Got a derailleur for $12, LOL. Now I've got a 3 speed 29" BMX that doubles as a commuter! Proud of you for jumping in and making your dream come true.

[@Frostbiker]

Solid build! I bet you learned a ton. He heavier rear wheel won't matter a bit once you load the bike with stuff.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! That’s what I figure… though I am looking at ways to distribute the load a bit more. Hard with a carbon fork!

[@RyansuBike]

Respect dealing with a Roloff is not for the faint of heart, I got to ride a demo bike once with a Roloff and it was cool. I hope you have a very sturdy lock to protect all that time and effort. Tailwinds

[@slow_spokes]

A sturdy lock, and a tracking device. :)

[@mtbboy1993]

7:54 Lovely system for sure. More brands should do this. Adjustable chain stay length, hub width compatibility.

[@slow_spokes]

Yeah it’s such a great idea!

[@ChrisDiCroce-wu7qk]

I LOVE my Fargo. Great job. Congrats on your accomplishment. Travel safe!

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks!

[@stevenr5149]

great video. learned a lot. I'm more of a 2x/3x cyclist, but I have a whole new level of appreciation for the internal gear experience.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! Yeah I wouldn’t go back to a 1x.

[@mskal23]

Me (a bike mechanic}: Looking good so far You: "We're going WD-40" Me: *Heart stops* You: "To get the rust out" Me: Oh okay everything's fine Seriously, though, great work! It was cool to watch you work through all the sticking points as a newcomer. A lot of people would have hit 1 or 2 and just given up.

[@slow_spokes]

Nothing better to do in a winter with no snow. But thank you, that means a lot from a bike mechanic!

[@Outsourcingidea]

This is such a cool project! I love seeing someone take on a bike build with so much enthusiasm and creativity. Can't wait to see the finished product! Fantastic video! It's really inspiring to see you tackling this project step-by-step. Your explanations are clear and helpful, especially for those of us who aren't as mechanically inclined."

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you so much! It really was a fun project, and fun to share it, too! I’m glad you liked it. -Hillary

[@Outsourcingidea]

@@slow_spokes I'm glad you read my comment and replied

[@Outsourcingidea]

@@slow_spokes I saw you have a profile on Instagram and saw that it was irregular

[@slow_spokes]

Oh, we're way more regular here on KZbin. We read every comment on KZbin and try to reply. We feel like Instagram is often about unrealistic perfection and beauty, and KZbin is more real. It allows us to tell stories in the way we want to tell them. So we prefer it over here, but we'll probably post more on Instagram one day.

[@azamwaugh]

Awesome job on the conversion! That was a big project to take on. I know I would have freaked out about making mistakes, but you kept going and solved all the small stuff that come up 🙂

[@slow_spokes]

Haha maybe I did a poor job showing how freaked out I was… and thanks!

[@larstueschjth2658]

Awesome build, congratulations with your beautiful bike! 👍👌🤟😉

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you!

[@JoeMooney]

If you're going with a Rohloff, you should consider a belt drive as well. Makes it an even lower maintenance setup.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! I considered it, and decided against it for now.

[@UnhingedHarry]

I've gone back to 7 speed because the derailleur is less sensitive. Nice build that you did. I'll try a hub gear oneday.

[@ThalassTKynn]

I love internal gear hubs. Most of my bikes have sturmey archer hubs and they're great. They only have three gears though haha

[@TheJoePavlik]

Congrats! I have two rohloff bikes. First one is 10 years old now and never had an issue.

[@slow_spokes]

That’s good to hear! The more I ride it the more I like it.

[@TheJoePavlik]

@@slow_spokes yup! and if you ever dislike the twist shifter, look into the GEBLA Rohbox. It allowed me to use mechanical brake levers to shift the hub instead of the twist shifter.

[@keithadler965]

Go Gates carbon drive. I did really makes the bike maintenance free. If the bike has a split seat stay. I did a Rohloff belt drive titanium touring bike. I ran in to alot of the sam issues you had . Rohloff doesn't make installation very easy even getting the shift box set up is a hasle getting the cable to wind around the cable wheel in the right direction. You did it. Great job.

[@cyclingsalmon]

Unfortunately, it seems like there is no split there. You can try using the Veer split belts, but last time I checked, they didn't have proper gear ratios for climbing.

[@rtbenson]

Salsa dropouts saving the day!

[@slow_spokes]

Yeah I didn’t realize what a good system that was until I started this project! -Hillary

[@SheelaghDaly]

Well done!! I can relate to this so much - discovering you need different parts or tools and having to put the project on hold.... always an adventure! Thanks for sharing :)

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! I’m sorry the bridge club didn’t work out for me or we’d be twinsies. :)

[@SheelaghDaly]

@@slow_spokes Ahaha that would've been sweet! But I'm so happy you have a new setup you love :)

[@dtbrooks7325]

A bike riding adventure, and a bike fixing adventure. Well done.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks!! It’s been fun.

[@thehollows]

Nice! I'm also building a Fargo right now but I don't hate derailleurs as much as you so I'm going with a Shimano Deore m5100 with an 11-51 casette, though I do love the Rohloff hubs a lot. I'm also using the full 3 inches of tire clearance. Awesome build and I hope you have thousands of miles of fun on it!

[@slow_spokes]

Love that. I’m on mixed terrain a lot and want the option for mudguards (so helpful on my winter commute), hence the narrower tires.

[@kalafdani]

Fantastic bike and idea. Congratulations!

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you!

[@sebzomaar5289]

Hi, great build!! I also built a titanium Salsa Fargo with Rohloff hub and Gates carbon belt drive. If I was you I would also change your chain for a Gate belt. Then you really have a maintenance free Fargo!

[@slow_spokes]

That might be the next step. Wasn’t in the budget this time around.

[@guygatineau281]

You cannot put a belt on a bike that is not design to do so.

[@fuerLutzi]

The Fargo frame is.​@@guygatineau281

[@gumtape78]

​@@guygatineau281you can fit a Veer belt if you really wanted to or get a seatstay coupler welded in.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Just found you over coffee this morning. Congradu-effing-lations on a job well done! Something like this can be quite intimidating but you’ve shown that a rudimentary bicycle is the “every-man’s” machine👊🏽

[@slow_spokes]

Wow, thanks! The number of kind comments on this video is really lifting our spirits. Glad you liked it and glad you found us in the bottomless pit that is KZbin. 👊🏼

[@Crosscreekone]

One of the best things about building your bike is that when you’re on a long ride or a trip and something goes wrong, you’ll know everything about it, so you stand a much better chance of fixing it.

[@bvan1970]

Nice video. Thank you for sharing your journey to build this bike up. I’ve always wanted to take a crack at a Rohloff but the cost always gets in the way.

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you! Yeah, I’m hoping that the fact that it can last 300k+ miles and I might have it for the rest of my life offsets the cost eventually. That said, you do have to change the oil and oil change kits are about $40 per year.

[@joonaskekkonen5160]

Really useful video, thank you! I have almost the same bike coming up, just with carbon drive and crazy bars. Really looking forward to get it up and running.

[@slow_spokes]

Good luck! Sounds like a great project.

[@rg31404]

Dude, I don't know when I last greased my seat posts - thanks for the reminder!

[@davidpayne8413]

Bike wrangling in your lounge! Brave !

[@jmkc740]

🤗I THINK ITS WORKING, YAY!!!😂 just found you guys, good vids guys👍

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks, we’re glad you found us!

[@recyclespinning9839]

Way to go, doing it all yourself. Can't believe they dont just send a video on how to install. I'm thinking of a Moloko bars , had switched it to a trekking bar but not quiet what I wanted. .Internal gears must be nice, but just staying with my touring chain rings..

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! ☺️

[@SalsaCyclesOfficial]

Nice work on your build! And the video! Cheers!

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks for making a sweet bike!

[@BGWordneemig]

Hi! 4:35 The problem is that when the Botton bracket was wrapped, no grease was applied, but it must not have been enough, because that thread is dry! And there's also the problem that the dirt got in on top of the crank, that's why it came apart so hard. The reason is that the shaft of the operating arm was not lubricated with grease, nor were the dust traps of the bearing! you can see this from the way it looks when you take it apart! Next time, use a brake cleaning spray for the threads of the central part, and when relubricating, preferably apply motorex green grease to the threads if they are already clean! And if you don't have to, then don't use a Shimano middle part, because they are open inside and the grease likes to get dirty, so it breaks down faster. Instead, use a center section that has dust-protected bearings on both sides, called 2rs bearings. unfortunately, most manufacturers do not list it, but FSA, Zitto, Race Face and quite a few others do, or even HOPE. "A Hungarian Bicycle Mechanic"

[@mtbboy1993]

9:16 Yes, you are right. also the 1.25mm is the thread size, M number is the diameter.

[@anunez6092]

Awesome video and nice job trying things out on your own and understanding when you need help. On a quick note, these fargo's are not E. D. Coated internally and they will rust from the inside out, something salsa knows. Frame saver will help, it's a spray to help prevent rust internally

[@slow_spokes]

That’s really helpful, thank you!

[@josuezuniga6776]

Nice bike and she's gorgeous,so a good video 🤙

[@gphilipc2031]

Listen to Rammstein for a week. OMG! those hubs are EXXXXXXpensive.

[@daniellarson3068]

Stuff like the Rohloff and the Pinion seem to sell themselves. German engineered stuff that just goes. Maybe I'll have one someday.

[@slow_spokes]

I’d recommend it! I figure it was expensive, but there’s a chance I’ll have it for the rest of my life. I only have one main daily driver/bikepacking bike so it made sense to invest.

[@coffeeandnaturesquietasmr787]

Awesome. Thanks for all the info !

[@slow_spokes]

We’re glad you liked it!

[@anakrantauorg]

Wow, the motorbike is really nice, the result of upgrading it myself. very good

[@Cycling_Brian]

I really enjoyed the bike build!

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you! It was fun to build and shoot, so we’re glad you liked it!

[@cyclingsalmon]

It's so incredible to see the process from the perspective of a complete newbie, reminds me of my first bike build and early maintenance experiences. Lots of silly little mistakes here and there, but you always get it right in the end. I also build myself a gearhub all-terrain bike last year, however, since I'm on a budget, I had to use a much cheaper Shimano Alfine 11, which turned out to be not reliable at all. Also, Shimano don't seem to care about selling them anymore and you can hardly get any parts for it (and you need those because Shimano doesn't sell a full package and I ended up ordering 5 or 6 little kits of cheap plastic stuff, washers, etc to make it work). On the plus side, my whole bike costs less than the Rohloff hub alone 😉

[@slow_spokes]

That’s what I had heard about those hubs. I figured the reason I was going for the IGH was to reduce the headaches and it didn’t seem like the Alfine would do that. Too bad Shimano’s not supporting them anymore!

[@stevehamilton3181]

Cool! Nice job and nice bike. I built my current touring/commuting bike around a new custom frame with new parts almost 20 years ago and still love it. Fiddling with a retrofit like you did would be challenging but it looks like everything worked out. I hope this bike gives you years of two wheeled joy. The biggest kudos however goes to you having the nerve to do a messy job like this in your living room…😂

[@SlowMovingSaddles]

What a good video! ❤ Nice to see those things that didnt work out the first try! 😊 And I wish you many safe miles with this beauty!😍

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you! First overnighter with it is coming up this weekend!

[@Cycleit]

Love what you have done with your shop.

[@slow_spokes]

Our living room? 😂

[@Cycleit]

@@slow_spokes Honestly I see that and you are treating bikes as they should be treated. Thanks for you great videos.

[@slow_spokes]

Haha unfortunately our floor is a little worse for wear, but it’s been nice to work on it in the warmth this winter. Thanks for watching :)

[@colinnorthcott9219]

For my Rohloff setup I have 2 chain rings ( 42 and 36 ). lots of up hills= 36 tooth, lots of flats or downhill = 42 tooth. I don't use a front derailleur, I just move it by hand.

[@slow_spokes]

Interesting!

[@colinnorthcott9219]

@@slow_spokes For the weight of an extra chainring I get 15 speeds with a range of 619%

[@andyshaw5378]

Excellent video. Really interesting and well done with the build

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! 😊

[@volkerbosch9078]

Rohloff is the best !

[@slow_spokes]

LOVE it!

[@elachichai]

Its a good exercise to prepare for any fixing that you may need on tour. Would you try slick 29'er for fast and comfortable rolling? Are there trigger shifters for Rohloff? Twist Shifters aren't as smooth and crisp. Can they cause fatigue in hands? The bike geometry seems nice and upright.

[@slow_spokes]

When my tires wear out, I will most likely get new, slicker tires. They’re kind of old and patched right now but I’m thinking I’ll get another year out of them. There are trigger shifters for Rohloff, but I didn’t have that in the budget. I also knew this was going to be a big project didn’t want to get overwhelmed, so I decided to save that for a later stage.

[@slow_spokes]

These are good questions!

[@evanslagsvold]

Awesome video! Just curious if you'd be able to share what website you used to calculate gear inches (at the 7:10 minute of your video)?

[@slow_spokes]

Oh good question. I’ll put it in the description but here it is too: ritzelrechner.de

[@5RiversBike5RB]

Great Job!

[@antoniom.andersen6704]

Love the build and that you learned something in the process. As for the derailleur debacle, SRAM has made some huge advancements in that field lately. Maybe read up on it, if for nothing else out of curiosity. Never found the Salsa Fargo appealing. Threw my 17 year old Rohloff on an old no-name (no decals or hints as to what the make was) steel frame, where i brazed on some disc mounts, during the winter and am out and about again.

[@slow_spokes]

What didn’t you like about the Rohloff? Truly just curious.

[@antoniom.andersen6704]

@@slow_spokes It's not the hub, it's the frame of the Salsa Fargo that I don't like :)

[@slow_spokes]

@@antoniom.andersen6704 oops! Haha what did you not like about the Fargo - that’s what I meant to ask. Brain fart. :)

[@VainqueurRoy]

If you go on a trip, take a spare rolhoff shifter cable. It can break. Nicely done with your build.

[@slow_spokes]

Good to know! That’s going on the list. And thanks!

[@joeglynn2185]

@@slow_spokes Also become familiar with changing and adjusting the Rohloff cables. Doing it on the road for the first time would not be fun.

[@mirjamhoss2923]

Congratulations! Thank you very much for sharing, how inspirational for other women :-)

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! ☺️

[@Zinerun]

Love this.

[@davidpoole9442]

Nice work. Bout to do this as well once I find a used XL donor frame

[@slow_spokes]

Enjoy!

[@briangoodman8990]

This was awesome. Happy riding!

[@slow_spokes]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@norgtube]

So refreshing to see you make the same goddamn mistakes I remember making when I started maintaining my stuff. Well done! Next step Gates belt.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! You’d think there’d be a list somewhere of all the common mistakes. :)

[@mkot8524]

Good job ! Rohloff hubs are really difficult to adapt. I've made it on a Surly 1x1 (singlespeed) frame and it was hard (diskbrake position issues). If your fame can handle belt drive then it's a must have.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! Yeah I might look into a belt drive in the future, but I’m worried about one breaking in the middle of nowhere.

[@joshuaandress3666]

​@@slow_spokes I wouldn't let that worry hold you back honestly. Belts almost never break and if they do its easy to fold a spare one up nice and small so you can always take an extra for basically no size/weight penalty

[@slow_spokes]

@@joshuaandress3666 I was wondering if it wasn’t actually something I should worry about. Thanks!

[@mkot8524]

​@@slow_spokesIt's very very rare to break a belt drive. but if you worried about, get a spare one, it's not that heavy. If you're very very worry, chain is good, but think about to have a spare rear sprocket and the lock/unlock tool with you for long bike trips. They are very specific to Rohloff hubs, if you can find chains, chainrings, cranksets in most bike shops, these parts are quite uncommon.

[@mrsmith4662]

A really good bike and I guess you can sell on the parts taken off (or keep them for spares and another project).

[@tony5323]

The Salsa Fargo is a great bike.

[@slow_spokes]

Agreed!

[@johnumbach7064]

You really did learn a ton! Good for you!!

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks!

[@ShaunHall-i7e]

I learned a lot from your video. Thank you! New subscriber.

[@slow_spokes]

Sweet! Thanks for joining us! :)

[@dougblalock5175]

Guess I will subscribe, love the channel name. Real people doing what they enjoy, best way to learn. My list, cycling around the world, Mindy cycling, Fire and Ice Outdoor Gear.

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! Glad you’re here!

[@Joseph-w3z]

That's groovy looking 😊

[@Bike4adventure]

Great video! Interesting bike build. Not sure if you did, but I would recommend torquing all bolts. by the looks of the lack of amount of greased used, you bottom bracket might creak a bit in dry weather. what will happen when things go wrong and you do not have a traditional systems where parts can virtually be found anywhere? I've never bike packed so im just curious.

[@slow_spokes]

I definitely greased the bottom bracket quite a bit, but I'll keep an ear out for creaks. The only part on my bike that is non traditional is the hub itself, and they rarely break down if properly taken care of. If it does break down, I'll have to send it to Germany, which will be a challenge. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@GordoGambler]

Good job and good riddance to deFaileurs. Now ride like hell, it will take 12,000 miles to really break it in and loosen up. Too many riders get a wrong impression and give up way too soon. Mine has 20,700 miles with 8,200 on two tours with the bike at 120 lbs. LOL. It has half the grinding feel now. I would shorten those rack bolts sticking out, 2 or 3 mm. Would be nice if you had done a slow walk around side view of everything, especially the sides of the rear. Nice that you also got the 15 mm nut axle setup, that is way less prone to leaking or breaking. I got the long brace arm version for extra strength. I put my shifter on the top tube so zero cable flopping happening, can shift with either hand. On the bar it ruins the brake lever alignment. I also have the TRP cable Spyre caliper with compressionless housing, stops on a dime. My first resin pads went 5,300 miles. My front hub is a SA XL-FDD dyno drum brake, 32,000 miles of any weather no fuss bliss. With 2.3/ 2.0 spokes and locking nipples, they will never break. Most people have that gear range, way too slow for me riding 99% on paved roads. Your bike now looks just like the > Rolling Existence < couple who have been to half the world.

[@slow_spokes]

That’s good to know about it breaking in! I heard if they fail they fail early, and so far I have probably only 1000 km on it. But so far it’s been great. The rack bolts are long because I had fenders on and they use the same holes. The fenders came off for some single track earlier this spring but the bolts are still long for when I plan to put them back on before some upcoming adventures. How did you get it on the top tube? In any case, I have ergon grips designed for the Rohloff (the right side is shorter) so there’s no issue with the alignment. Cable actuated disc brakes are definitely on the list! I just ended up using the brakes that came with the bike and replacing the levers to convert to flat bar. Long term I’m definitely in the market for better brakes. And yeah, I find we are like 50% on roads and I don’t mind sacrificing some of the top end for more climbing comfort. I would like one more gear on the top, but I can’t have everything. Thanks for your comment - I appreciate you taking the time to share all this! -Hillary

[@dadanoodmino3235]

hi, really beautiful bike... I wanted to ask you what type of luggage rack are you using?

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! They’re from old man mountain.

[@unitedislife]

Thanks for the vid. :) Just curious... how much more do you have to do (as compared to a bike with a RD) when it comes to changing flats when out on the road?

[@slow_spokes]

I haven’t gotten a flat yet (fingers crossed) but taking the wheel off is much easier than with a derailleur since there’s only one cog back there. It just takes a 15 mm wrench to both sides of the wheel, move the chain aside and it comes right off. No fiddling with the derailleur.

[@dnb888]

I didn't even know rholloff hubs were a thing :P Cool video thank you

[@slow_spokes]

Thanks! Also check out the Pinion hub. It’s got a lot of the same benefits but some different features.

[@carywatmore]

Great Job - yes for bike touring the Rohloff is the way to go. Excellent effort as well. Highly commendable. Do use copper grease so that your pedals can be undone in the future. Also did you use a cleaner after draining out the rohloff - you are supposed to drain then clean then add new oil then put on a new gasket.

[@slow_spokes]

Yes! I did use the cleaning oil. Thanks!