7/14/22 9:54 AM

...I mean I pulled the trigger.

Dropped a deposit on a Pursuit frame this morning. I was really lusting after a Canyon Aeroroad, I've always loved bikes with aero tubes and wheel cutouts, but there are just too many other things you get with Pursuit.

In addition to custom geometry Carl will change the carbon layup specific to my needs/size, let me design my own paint job, let me determine the balance between tire width and frame size, etc, and I can pick my own bits instead of going with an off the shelf combination. Just too many positives for going with him. And, it's Carl Strong, one of the most respected builders out there. I know he's mostly on the business side now but I expect he still takes personal interest in QA and customer satisfaction and enforces his renowned standards of excellence.

Fully expecting not to be able to ride this until next spring. So it gives me time to build up the components I want.

7/14/22 3:43 PM

This development got me wondering, how does one "mold" a custom monocoque frame?
I can't easily fathom one-off molds...

7/14/22 5:14 PM

I think the Pursuit site has process pics...

7/14/22 6:00 PM

There aren't all that many true monocoque frames on the market. Most are either tube-to-tube or semi-monocoque frames that consist of monocoque-sub assemblies that are glued together, which is what Pursuit does:
https://www.pursuitcycles.com/blog/pursuit-cycles-tech-blog-1/our-super-secret-tricoque-tm-technology-sstt-14

7/14/22 8:15 PM

"monocoque-sub assemblies that are glued together, which is what Pursuit does"

That is what I thought.

I still like the bonded into carbon lugs, like the Look 585 I just sold and the Colnago EP I rode today. These both had a lively feel rolling. If that is a product of lugs, I dunno.

But really how dead monocoque frames feel seems negated with 40mm + tires @ low pressures.. That's IMO of course subject to what the ones I have rolled...

7/15/22 5:06 AM

With carbon frames, it's all about the layup and you can't attribute any particular characteristics to a specific construction method. You can create frames that ride similarly using a variety of construction methods. Different means, same end result.

7/15/22 9:02 AM

I wonder with the tube/lug construction if the layup in the tubes isn't more linear.

Colnago for example does some shaping in the tube to make them more beam like. Hex shapes etc. Seems that wouldn't be needed to make a stiffer tube/stay if they could add layers and angles of clothe, etc.

Unless they do both? I am sure this conversation has been had.

7/28/22 11:57 AM

Got the final bill for the Pursuit. Can one train effectively on a diet of instant ramen and financial anxiety?

Config- Campy Super Record EPS- yeah, yeah...i know what I said about electronic, I've talked to a LOT of local folks and basically got won over despite my concerns which, according to both you (collective) and them, really aren't that much to be concerned about
Zipp carbon/aero bars and stem
Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels
Some rather garish paint that I seem to like, final proofs TBD

7/28/22 2:01 PM

How garish, some nice work coming outta Dark Matter, I assume is painting yours?

7/28/22 4:00 PM

Those are just Fugly. But just IMHO.

For my new bike I just chose the standard orange and blue
panel (light blue, not Molteni). Not really into fancy custom paint.

Mine’s a gravel/commuting bike not a race bike like Rob’s.

7/28/22 5:36 PM

The older I get the faster looking bikes I need.

@poser on fast looking bikes...

I like them all. But do feel more and more like I look the part on the go fast stuff. The poser part I mean.

I do confess I got a price from Dark Matter to do up my Domane Classics in Trek kaleidoscope 1st light paint scheme. Sans the billboard DT 'TREK' yikes!

Kinda a modern up sideways down Lemond/Team Z. ;)

7/29/22 4:39 AM

Yesterday I rode to the Maine Governor’s house for a bike advocacy event. We were asked to identify ourselves by name, town, and bike color. Since I had my Checkpoint, I got to say “Cobra Blood.”

7/29/22 8:31 AM

I got to say “Cobra Blood.”

Wonder if that got you on any lists that might rhyme with "therapist posh lysp"

8/1/22 8:03 AM

Honestly don't know who is actually painting the frame. I'll post the proofs after they arrive.

8/1/22 9:57 AM

Those 2 Pursuit examples should both be Dark Matter work.

I got their contact info from Carl.

8/1/22 11:29 AM

I honestly really like the Sex Pistols one, but I'm not that into any one band or thing to brand my bike with it.

8/1/22 2:42 PM

Or get some Webb Space Telescope inspiration and do entire frame and fork in a Southern Ring or Carina Nebula motif. ;)

8/2/22 8:01 AM

Dooooood....if that would translate to skinny, round tubes you know I would. What Webb has found just in the first weeks is staggering....