Surly Bridge Club Build Series Episode 3: The Build

[@CycleWithLiang]

As a former bicycle technician from China, I'd like to say it's a nice build. All the details, make me feel relaxed and comfortable.

[@albert85b]

I have watched this 4-5 times before going to sleep and it always puts my mind at ease and leaves me feeling contented and peaceful.

[@green_building]

Thats because of the music got meditation frequency

[@jonmarshall1502]

Oh that’s a sweet looking bike. Welcome to the Surly family.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Thank you!

[@sagehiker]

Well done on the video and vision on a Bridge 16:18 Club. I have a ‘20 27.5 I bought as a complete on its second build with a long stretch of dirt road miles and tours. My builds are more to utility but I admire yours.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@sagehiker Thanks! I’m hoping to get more touring miles on mine next year. This year I only got a couple of hundred miles on this bike and made some slight adjustments. Ride on!

[@WillCrocombe]

That is just the best video. No bullshit, just action and some herbal background music. Big thumbs up.

[@KarlRadekBonk]

Absolutely love the silver components on your build. It’s weird because a few weeks ago I legitimately started planning to do a very similar build with a Whipped Butter frame! Thanks for the inspiration, the series has been great!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Let me know what you come up with. I would love to see your build. Thanks!

[@BeautifulL1fe]

Thank you ​@@mattdesmondwashere. What was the total cost?

[@BeautifulL1fe]

Beautiful build.. awesome videos.. relaxing music..❤

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@BeautifulL1fe Thanks! Glad you got some enjoyment out of it.

[@BeautifulL1fe]

​Hi ​@@mattdesmondwashere, what is the size of the bottom bracket? 68mm x 122.5mm or 73mm×118mm?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@BeautifulL1fe 73mm but you will have to figure out width depending on your chain-line needs. I think I started with a 122.5 but swapped it out for shorter to get mine to shift correctly.

[@BeautifulL1fe]

​@@mattdesmondwashere thank you

[@BeautifulL1fe]

​Hi ​@@mattdesmondwashere I have one more question, where did you buy the Velocity rim and Hub? Should we email them to place the order? Any cheaper options for the rear hub? I will be using XT8000 casette.

[@1972hermanoben]

At 11:00 I felt a mild sense of foreboding as you began to wrap without having installed any shifters.. the chillout music is powerful stuff! 😅Beautiful build, love the video’s style. Flashing up the part number of some of the hardware you used was a particularly thoughtful touch.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@1972hermanoben I love the clamps that fully open. Very useful. 😁

[@henrykuppens9097]

Thank you for this great video, always love these build videos without talking but just the process of building. 👍 I live in the Netherlands Europe and own a Surly ecr with a mixed Shimano slx/xt setup nothing fancy except the "classic" 3 blade crank set maybe. I really like the designs because of the steal frames, it shows a bicycle in its pure basic form. I never did a complete build by myself but like to tinker around with the accessories on all my bikes.

[@bikesandbeyond618]

What a thing of beauty! Well done on selecting components & colors. Looks fantastic. Super job on the video as well.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Thanks very much! I appreciate it.

[@amitkumar-wj8gn]

True beauty. A genuine "one-bike-does-most" build. Not gonna call it a one-bike-does-all simply because hey, then, how else will we justify other bikes! Love this. Happy riding Matt!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Thanks for your comments and for following along! Ride on.

[@jonmarshall1502]

Nothing wrong with a square taper B/B. Or Q/R skewers. It’s not like you are going to be hucking and jumping it. Gives a nice retro look at an affordable price.

[@DMmert]

mesmerizing, I will listen to this as my sleep meditation

[@Familyman0838]

Iv seen thousands of bike builds but I love this one it looks stunning

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Much appreciated! Glad you liked it. Super fun bike.

[@LooseCanon413]

Came for the build, stayed for the Boognish! I love it when a great builder also has great taste off the bike.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Haha! Awesome. Glad someone noticed that. I've been a Ween fan forever. My brother made that boognish and it has always had a place of glory in the garage.

[@imola8]

Very mesmerizing video and much attention to detail. Thank you for sharing❤

[@davidburgess741]

My trailside/ roadside stand looks just like this! Occasionally a cargo strap on my heavy touring bike helps to use higher, stronger limbs. A mailbox sometimes works too.

[@norbertkiendl1884]

Very meditative video. I wish I had the tools and the skills to do so. The result is a beautiful bike. You have done such a great job!!!!

[@Fake_Name12345]

Cool build I wish this color was available when I built my Bridgeclub. After some trial and error I ended up with the Crazy Bars as well and love them!

[@jo___dem]

Is there a reason you didn’t press both headset cups at the same time?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

I’ve had them get crooked doing it that way in the past, so I like to do one at a time. Granted that was with a home made press that was not as nice as this one.

[@jffgrnlw]

Great build video. Well done and relaxing. Hope to see more

[@bunsoybee]

nice build!

[@MCodger]

When did we start lubing/greasing square tapers? That used to to be verboten in bike building. Nobody did it 20+ years ago....

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Not sure that it matters either way, but when 2 dissimilar metals go together, I like to lube them a little bit to reduce the probability of seizing. Tightened to the right torque specs, grease or no grease, there shouldn’t be any issue of deformation or loosening. I retorqued them after the first ride (as is recommended) and will keep an eye on them. Thanks for watching!

[@saltygenx2743]

The only thing I would change is the square taper BB

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@saltygenx2743 I was on the fence, but did this for compatibility reasons in case anything ever happens to the crankset.

[@saltygenx2743]

@@mattdesmondwashere understandable.

[@cycgeist]

Did you use a 68 or 73 mm BB? Does it even make a difference? Thank you for the video and the beautiful build. I am planning a similar build.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

The Bridge Club is a 73mm shell width BB. I did experiment with spindle widths to get the chainline correct. I think I ended up with 118 but don't quote me on that.

[@cycgeist]

Thanks a lot for your reply - so I was wrong with mine. I found the correct one for Rohloff chainline now - 73mm shell width and 127.5 total width.

[@UweGranzowfilms]

Congratulations - very nice bike! Enjoy the ride!

[@donttouchthisatall]

Stunning! :) quite the high-end build with all the XTR/White Industries parts. Lush!

[@ChrisIrelandNJ]

Very well done! Beautiful bike!

[@thexcolexman]

What headset cup press did you use?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

This one from amazon. It worked great. amzn.to/3SsRucZ

[@lucafoltranarte]

Idk, this is beyond commenting, but I'll. Crisp shots, those zooms are sexy, the bike is fresh, the art is on point. To summarise it: beauty. Thanks for sharing man!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed.

[@louis8848]

Thanks for sharing! I just curious why did you wash the new chain but not keep the original grease?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

The cosmoline stuff that comes on the chain is super sticky. It causes grime to build up and eventually get into the rollers. It makes the chain hard to clean. Once removed, I either wax the chain or am always trying out different lubes. I like the finish line ceramic a lot. I always wipe the excess off.

[@BrompMed]

Hi Matt may I know what the rear wheelset hub size , is it 135mm or 141mm , thank u .

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@BrompMed Both and neither. You can choose either one and the 138mm frame accomodates. I think I went with 135 on mine.

[@BrompMed]

@@mattdesmondwashere y’a that’s right it’s 138mm, but if using 135mm hub must also add adapter right ? Otherwise if using 141mm hub which is bit rare to find so in this case must stretch out a bit the frame I’m I correct ? .thank u Soo much for the advice

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@BrompMed I don’t think you need any adapters. Since the frame is steel, it just is flexible enough for either size.

[@BrompMed]

@@mattdesmondwashere noted with much thanks Matt , appreciate it 😊

[@dpkcreativity]

❤ भारत 🇮🇳 की ओर से, बहुत अच्छे से surly साइकिल का मैकेनिज्म दिखाया।

[@fiets901]

Nice build and great video!

[@williamlebron9873]

💛 Such a SWEET looking steed. I bet you going to ride so SWEETER than it looks. 💛

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Oh yea. It rides super nice and I can’t wait to get more miles on it. Rigid steel bikes are the best. Thanks for watching. 😀

[@garyburchgb]

Are you intending to fit pannier racks at some point? I would have set it up with a rohloff and speed drive, platform pedals with reflectors, and extraterrestrial tyres. I would have a son 28 dynamo hub with andra 40 rims and son edelux 2 lights.. A cane creek suspension post, trx gel saddle, genetic butterfly bars with humpert long grips designed for the humpert bars. Chris king headset, mudguards, tubus fat rack on the rear with home made " u" brackets for clearance for a surly trailer hitch, and a surly nice rack upfront. Trp cable disc brakes with 180 or 203mms rotors if the fork would allow. (.I would make an adapter for the rear brake if one was not available) mated to Shimano 3 finger levers. I would fit 3 bottle cages and a lezyne pump. I noticed the frame has a mount for a ks18 kickstand so I would fit a plestcher stand and a hebie centre stand. (Surly trucker stand mounts can be adapted for this). I would have kept the full length steerer tube and used stackers. Aside from that, I like the frameset colour but would have the components in black.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Sounds like you have it all figured out. Looking forward to seeing that.

[@CharlieMetcalf]

WOW that is beautiful!

[@victorrenaud7942]

I just watched the all serie : GREAT JOB !! Thanks a lot ! There is one question that troubles me in this perfect built : why not silver hubs ? :o

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Sadly, Velocity doesn't make those hubs in silver, only black. I was on a timeline to get this bike done and they were the best option.

[@stevekelly6544]

What crankset did you use? Gorgeous build!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Everything is in the description, but it’s a White Industries ENO crankset. Thanks for watching!

[@darkcrystal999]

Loaded specs! Amazing build.

[@harry-tuttle]

I cried a little when you cut the steering tube, but I could live with the build otherwise as my only bike.

[@IanPhillipsWildlife]

Very nice build!

[@nohandle641]

I'm considering building a BC. It's my first build. I'm a little hesitant because of the lack of thru axles. Is QR a problem or dangerous?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Not at all. Just hard to find pre-built wheelsets. If you buy hubs and rims separately, it’s easier to get a wheelset together.

[@LIFEOFTRIP92]

PERFECT JOB BRO...

[@Dexter00000]

Such a beauty!

[@keumalacmhl8574]

I am a short person (only 5 4''), which bridge club frame' size is right/ best for me?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

I’m 5’7 and the medium fits me well. I’d say a small would fit you, but it’s always best to try one out at a local bike shop for fit if you can. That’s what I did, then ordered the frame in my size to build it out.

[@foot_fault]

@@mattdesmondwashere If you don't mind me asking- Why did you pick 650b? I am trying to decide for myself which wheel size I will want. Also, I'm 5'9- think a med or large frame for me? Thanks so much- excellent build video!!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@foot_fault I like the lighter weight and responsiveness of the smaller wheels. Plus, I already had 29er bikes. I think 650b looks more in proportion with small frames.

[@X_TUDO]

Greetings from Brazil! I want to buy the same frame but here in Brazil we don’t have…

[@mattdesmondwashere]

There are lots of other options these days including vintage frames that are comparable. I hope you find something awesome that is available where you are.

[@timmcdermott815]

Awesome build right up to the point when you put muc off dry chain lube on. I cried. Still, nice bike though!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Haha. I've been experimenting with different lubes lately. I usually use the finish line ceramic stuff, but I like how the muc-off smells. It doesn't really last as long or stay as quiet.

[@timmcdermott815]

@mattdesmondwashere i loved all of that xtr, and watched you pain stakingly clean that chain. Now i want you to google Muc off dry lube solidifying. You're just creating more work for yourself. Anyway, its still an awesome bike!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@timmcdermott815 I haven't had that problem, but I lube very often and sparingly so goop doesn't build up. I've also tried waxing chains, but for me it's too much of a mess and pain to deal with. When wax wears off, it's pretty immediate and you really need to re-wax or lube it right then. I might try a wax based drip like Silca SS next.

[@merrillaldrich9170]

Looks so good!

[@Plast_and_Cars]

Дуже гарний велосипед простий і надийний без лишніх наворотів!

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Спасибо!

[@FreeSoul.7]

Can i ask you about the price of this bike . ? thanks

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Hi. The frameset from Surly is $599 USD and the final total build (including the frame and tax/shipping on parts) cost $3650 USD. There are obviously many ways to keep the price down if you want to build a similar bike, but I went for the best parts.

[@FreeSoul.7]

@@mattdesmondwashere thank you so much . And do you build for us too or that was only for yourself ? Where do you live ?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@FreeSoul.7 Built it for myself, yes. I built it as an all-road tourer. I’m from the USA. Midwest.

[@FreeSoul.7]

@@mattdesmondwashere Ah ok. Thanks . I would like to have something like that if you make it . But i am in the EU . Very nice bike . I enjoyed to see it and you enjoy it to ride too . Succes

[@johnd.6253]

What is the headest spacer kit you are using here?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

It’s from White Industries.

[@jimr513666]

Just wondering, did you use frame saver?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Yep

[@seraphan6]

Use what works for you, but maybe fancy cleaning supplies aren't necessary. Try simple mineral spirits for your solvent (cheap, effective, low environmental impact) and basic dish soap for washing (with a little help from a citrus-based degreaser if you need it).

[@jmilton5842]

What kind of rim tape is used?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Not sure. It was installed by Velocity. Well applied and very sturdy it seems.

[@reserva120]

Allan Desmond was here..

[@telaker9747]

My dream bike

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Mine too. 😆

[@pedallinraw]

SURLY 🤘🏻….Only advice i can give is before assembly would have been a good idea to block up all the holes then fill the frame with a pint of boiled linseed oil for rust prevention! turn the frame around letting it flow everywhere then just drain and let dry … nice build though …i’ve an Ogre 🙂👍🏻

[@mattdesmondwashere]

I did use frame saver on this frame. The inside is also ED coated, so it's pretty much going to last forever. Thanks for watching!

[@imstillhereileft7530]

I watched it twice already, beautiful build , gave an idea how to upgrade mine , btw , how much this it weigh? Cheers

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Hi. The bike without racks and bags is 27.5 lbs. With all bottles and racks and bags shown in video 4 but no contents is 39.7 lbs. I have not fully packed it for a big trip yet, but am looking forward to that.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome Build :)

[@SeventhTenant]

Great build, bike turned out amazing, congrats! Myself I wouldn't go for XTR as I'm not a racer and they are simply not cost effective, I always choose XT. But yeah XTR has this wow factor. Funny you chose some cheep shimano rotors that can be used only with resin pads and may be detrimental to XTR callipers' performance.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

This was definitely not a budget build. If I was doing that, I’d get a stock complete build and just change a couple of parts out. The xtr’s are 4 piston and came with resin pads, they will be fine and probably overkill for my use. I wanted big brakes for loaded touring which is why I went 180mm front and rear. I feel like the rotors are not going to make a difference. I just always wanted XTR and yeah, probably not the best for longevity or durability.

[@supayam9978]

What the name of handlebar?

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Velo Orange Crazy bars.

[@joelhgarcia]

What a deafening silence vlog. = )

[@alexanderjendreck6356]

Every thing looks good xt and xtr but then the rotors rt-56 just gut some RT-M905 look better brake better nearly no heat is building up😮

[@mattdesmondwashere]

There will be heat buildup with 250 pounds total of weight on the bike while touring.

[@alexanderjendreck6356]

@@mattdesmondwashere so why you chose them my customers dont get under rt-70 nothing with out ice tech

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@alexanderjendreck6356 I will probably swap them out if I have any issues and maybe try something else next time. I do like the way these look. More oldschool.

[@alexanderjendreck6356]

@@mattdesmondwashere I get that they look more classic but in my experience is a one piece brake discs are really not good for heat but i ride on my Light bike some carbon ti rotors also on the same brake 🫣

[@cristianmartinezfarran4335]

Increíble! Excelente! Preciosa!

[@tingidol7275]

beast !

[@gu1m1ch3l1n]

Perfect 😍

[@FreeSoul.7]

wooooooow excellent

[@johnbravo7542]

You should really consider getting proper cable cutters instead of tin snips that squash the cable when cutting.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

They are on the list. Just never got around to buying them yet.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

…And I bought a pair. Good to have in case I shorten my cable housing more after fitting bags.

[@jonmarshall1502]

@@mattdesmondwashereI use a pair of nail clippers, works nice, cheap and cuts flush with no sharp edges.

[@CHIP543]

Снимаю шляпу 👍

[@aemscor]

Why using steel and heavy bike when lighter and cheaper alternatives available

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Weight is not everything. Steel is durable and can be repaired easily unlike Aluminum or carbon fiber. It’s also much less expensive. This bike is not even heavy at 27.5 lbs. without racks. I have lighter bikes and this one is just as enjoyable to ride. In fact, I like it much more than the carbon Cutthroat that I used to have.

[@aemscor]

@@mattdesmondwashere thanks for prompt response

[@pioneersgraphix]

Very nice*

[@jj20real]

Wow Amazing🎉🎉👍🇮🇩

[@eisernerbursche]

Such a nice build! However, the BB UN300 just doesn't fit this at all. That's about the crappiest part of your build now :(

[@mattdesmondwashere]

I wasn't sure on the BB width, and the UN300 is inexpensive to swap out to test chainlines with and very available locally. I've never had a problem with one and they spin really nice. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I wasn't about to spend $200 on a bottom bracket for it to not work out width-wise. Thanks for the comment, though!

[@hamzazk9240]

This build is sooo beautiful it made my cry😅 This is joke okay🙂 I am not the type of guy who cries over a bike build

[@Manetty6]

Dude, I'm literally impressed. Building such a hipster bike and you didn't made those crappy mistakes. Like: shitty, facking: expensive cable brakes, bar end shifters, 3 or 2 front chainrings, old derailleurs with extension link, tubes and ofc facking NKS pedals.

[@serkandogan9163]

👏👏👏

[@Imjustdviewer]

You have my support 💪🏿 does the legend reply back

[@janullrich7341]

asleep

[@ggez-yc1ui]

xtr won't help with the weight of a steel frame 🤡🤡🤡

[@mattdesmondwashere]

Heh. True. I just wanted xtr. It doesn’t make a difference at all.

[@hambonelouis]

Won’t hurt neither!