Soma Wolverine - Let's Build a Go Anywhere Gravel Bike - Soma Wolverine

[@michaelsnedden9029]

Nice build! Welcome to the Wolverine club. I built my Wolverine in 2017 and still LOVE it!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! I love how versatile it is. I built a v2 in 2016 and it was equally as fun. I’m going to a completely new build soon and use some of the components from the Wolverine and swap the drivetrain out for a single speed gates belt drive.

[@leadpaint1969]

Awesome build. Love SOMA Bikes. I've got a 1980 Sport and a 1982 Cosmopolitan. Great steel ride.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! It was a fun build. I’m going to swap out the drivetrain soon for a belt drive and use the components for another build. Those vintage Somas are beautiful bikes!

[@AdventuresWithDaniel]

That's a sexy setup. I've looked at one and I'd definitely like to own one at some point. Love the build!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

This was a ton of fun to build. I love frames with build versatility and I’m going to change this on up soon. I’ll get my hands on a Bearclaw Thunderhawk soon and I’ll do a build video on that. Hopefully the frame will arrive in about six weeks.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Take a look at the build list in the description for all the parts. (Psst, the headset is installed correctly. It's the Cane Creek ViscoSet headset. Watch the full video for more information on this odd headset).

[@johnhanley9946]

Looks great, I enjoyed the video! 👍😁

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks John! It was a fun build and super fun to have others see it on here!

[@johnhanley9946]

@@GreatEgretAdventure I like that it's a steel frame, and that it's a 2× setup.

[@evanloudenback3700]

Awesome build! Would love to be able to do something like that someday #bikegoals haha. I'm just getting into road/gravel riding, your channel is a nice inspiration, keep it up!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks Evan! Comments are really motivating and it means a ton to me because I work hard on these videos. They’re are few things in biking more rewarding than building your own bike. It’s definitely more expensive, but worth it!

[@evanloudenback3700]

​@@GreatEgretAdventure The effort definitely shows - the videos you put out are quality, hard work pays off! And I bet it's very rewarding to finish a build...my bike mechanic "skills" are still under development haha Looking forward to more content :)

[@GerardCantor]

You are equally talented at putting together videos as you are bikes. Thanks for the great content!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Gerard! That means a ton to me.

[@chesterthomas5093]

Beautiful bike! I feel like you made a very valid point about hydro discs. You just can’t beat the power and modulation of hydro’s over mech discs, especially if you’re a heavier rider like me.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! Exactly right about hydros!

[@ianmagnuson1626]

I love the Wolverine! I have the black v3 version but love that red! Hot damn!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

It was a tough choice between the black and red. I used to have a pumpkin v2. I didn’t think I’d like the red more than the pumpkin, but, damn, it looks good.

[@ianmagnuson1626]

@@GreatEgretAdventure ugh i wish I could have gotten an orange! My buddy broke his though. Apparently the v2 had weak chainstays

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I waited about four months for my v2 after they fixed the chain stay issue. Some days I wish I never sold that bike.

[@fantscher]

New to KZbin? Already pretty polished content, I'm impressed!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, fantscher! I started this channel in mid-December. I’m having a lot of fun.

[@mattsysko636]

Great video and commentary

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Matt! I work hard on these videos, so that means a lot to me. New one coming this weekend!

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

Nice bike and build. And nice to spray, but I believe Soma sprays their frame with ED coating to inhibit/prevent rust.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! It was a really fun build! ED coating or E-coating is a wet process to apply paint on the outside of the frame. The frame saver I used is to protect the inside of the frame from rust. I love the way Soma’s bikes look, but I wish they would powder coat their frames instead. It’s a dry process that provides more protection from dings that cause paint chipping than ED coating does. Once you have paint chipped away, rust has a fighting chance. This is my second Soma frame and both needed a new paint job after a few short months.

[@starshihtzupuppy3409]

Great Build, Ride safe!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Kate! I’ll have some changes to the drivetrain on this bike coming in a video in a few weeks and a new build this spring.

[@chrisoliveira2038]

Great videos! I built up a Gorilla Monsoon last year with similar components (except your White Industries cranks are way sexier than my XT ones). I've taken it on road training rides, mountain bike rides, a few bikepacking trips, and even crashed it hard enough to bend the fork requiring replacement. Still going strong! Just wish it was a little lighter.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Chris!! That Gorilla Monsoon is a great bike! The White Industries crankset is expensive, but having the flexibility to go with any number of chainring combinations is worth it. Sounds like you’re getting every pennies worth with it. That must have a hell of a crash!

[@chrisoliveira2038]

@@GreatEgretAdventure lesson learned is to not hit a fire hydrant at 25 mph! Looking forward to future adventures for sure.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Dang! I hope you were okay after that crash.

[@ericdanielson4177]

Nice build...I put bar end friction shifters on mine.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! I feel like getting back to simplicity. Bar end friction shifters may be the way to go. And they are all that’s available now.

[@dlooc]

wow !!! first like was mine. great video. looking for a gravel bike..

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

This this was one of my most favorite bikes to build. Thanks for watching, Soma.

[@tonycambio9722]

I'm a former Wolverine owner. I bought it because it was advertised that it fit 700x50 tires. 50mm Gravel Kings on DT GR531 rims measure 51mm, and will only fit if the dropouts are slammed back, which they don't recommend...

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I fit 700c x 50mm GravelKings on Stans Crest MK3 rims WITHOUT slamming the dropouts all the way back. 50mm is the max you can go. While tire and rim width do play a roll here in where you position the dropouts, but to set it up right it's more about calculating the correct chain length for your drivetrain setup. It's worked flawlessly. I talk about this in another video.

[@Elixir9]

Nice bike

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! It was fun to build!

[@aroundoz]

I enjoyed this but couldn't get past the comment, "I wouldn't dare take a bike with quick release." I have been to some very remote places, all on quick-release bikes. More recently on a quick release disc brake bike and I wouldn't hesitate to go anywhere with it.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Yeah, this is an old video and after using thru axle for a bit, I’ve since changed my mind on QR. I wouldn’t hesitate to go anywhere with it either.

[@knife1406]

so 700c by 50mm tires fit? I was hesitant to buy a wolverine frame because the soma website said only 45s would fit. Hey I might get it now, thanks. Hope its the same for the type A as well

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Yeah, 50mm fits great. You need to find the sweet spot in the drop outs so that you don’t have the hub too far back, but they fit. Soma says on their website that 45mm with fenders and 1.95” without. 1.95” is just shy of 50mm. A more aggressive tire than my Gravelkings may not fit as well.

[@bigjohn2811]

You can use fogging oil used on combustion engines to protect the internals of steel frame. It's relatively cheap and available in automotive section of stores. +1 on your build and the many miles of enjoyment on your bike.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, John! Great tip!

[@thomaseng6514]

Great video and nice bike! What are you using for a rear derailleur? I didn’t see it listed in the description. Thanks for sharing!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! Oh, yeah, I don't have it in the description. It's a sram GX 10sp.

[@mountaincruiser817]

“I'm cheap so I just press this Cane Creek headset in with this hand made press after installing my White Industries crankset”.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

One man's cheapness is another's innovation. 😂 The reason I'm able to afford expensive Cane Creek headsets and White Industries Cranks is because I understand that I can build a tool that cost me less than $10USD that normally would cost $180 if I bought the Park tool equivalent. I've used my handmade press for over 20 years on dozens of builds. Best tool I ever used!

[@RedDragon-qk8gz]

old shovel?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I'm more like old hand trowel. I hope that one day this channel grows to a quarter the amount old shovel has. I do like his canoe restoration vids. I am building a canoe and I'll have footage of it on this channel soon. Hopefully I can live up to his video quality.

[@noelsamulde464]

Great content! New subs.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Noel! I work hard on these videos, so that means a lot to me. Ton more planned for this channel including a new build this spring!

[@noelsamulde464]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Can’t wait man. I’m trying to build my own gravel too. More power!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Building your own bike is more expensive, but, man, it’s so much more rewarding and you can make it exactly how you want it.

[@danielpolk3866]

Hey man been watching your Wolverine videos well produced and informative. I am 5-10 and want to order a 4.1 version but not sure between the 54 and 56. I have a really springy blast to ride steel Bianchi cross/tour bike from the 90s and its a 54 but the top tube is level and its a perfect fit. Any advice would be appreciated boss. I have a sustainable gardening channel called American Peasants you might check out and thanks again.

[@chinaskibukowski7747]

Is it just me or did that headset look like it didn't get pressed down far enough?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

It’s just you. It’s the Cane Creek ViscoSet. Which is not your typical headset. Also you didn’t look at the pinned comment or watch the section in the video where I talk specifically about the ViscoSet before posting your comment.

[@Baksan_Dog1988]

Hi very nice bike and build, how tall are you? Thinking of getting a frame set and slowly build it like this. Very sexy looking rig. new sub here and enjoying your channel. Thanks

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! I’m a hair shy of 5’10”. Which often has me trying to choose between frames sizes on a lot of bikes. When I’m in that position, I look at the stack and reach on the geometry chart of a bike I’m considering and compare it to one I’ve ridden that I know fits me well. This won’t work as well with bikes that have radically different geometries, but it will get you closer to deciding between two sizes.

[@Baksan_Dog1988]

@@GreatEgretAdventure thanks for the reply..🤙🏽

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

Sasquatch sighting...👍

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

He’s pretty reclusive, but he does come out for new bike parts 😆

[@Handletaken4]

Soma Wolverine does it all with the exception of off-road touring. The dropouts and light tubing cannot handle it. Get a Saga for that.

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

Why

[@spiloFTW]

Bike are supposed to be practical and cheap transportation.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

They can be and I have had many that are practical and inexpensive. They also can be impractical. DH bikes, BMX bikes, any beach cruiser, and every unicycle out there are fun and impractical and deserve a place in the bike world, but I wouldn't want to use them for transportation on my commutes to work or ride them long distance like I do on this Soma Wolverine.