This post has been
sometime in the making. Main factors being available time, a nasty injury and resources to
complete the latest bike build. Thankfully, it’s been worth the wait, but I’ll
get on to that later....
There’s been a rant
before on this blog about SRAM and my recent experience of setting up Force Hydro Brakes hasn’t made me any more enamoured. The simplicity of fitting
and maintaining Shimano brakes didn’t prepare me for SRAM. I’ve worked on cars
and bikes and am well aware of the hazards with DOT. There was no way I was
going to entertain a spillage ruining the stunning finish on my flare orange Mason Bokeh. It was
time to set up stall and make sure that everything was in place for any
potential spills and leaks. What I wasn’t prepared for was different Torx sizes
for the threaded barbs. A T8 to remove old barbs from the hose (had to trim the
length) and a T10 for fitting the new one! SRAM, do yourselves a favour, spend
less time on the marketing of fancy names for connections and invest more
thought in the system.
On the subject of fasteners, one thing that has
always troubled me with current bikes and components is the sheer number of
fastener types. Where possible, I aim to have my bikes set up with all the main components benefitting from one type and size of fastener. It won't be long until the Torx
hardware is removed and replaced with Allen fasteners.
With the workshop
already resembling a Jim Dine tool painting, it was time to start assembling the
bike. Those of you that have enjoyed fitting internal cables will know all too
well that it can be a tricky task. My memory had taken me back to working in
the shop on 'day glow' Klein’s with internal cables, oh the joys! I don’t
envy frame designers and builders with the task of keeping up with the proliferation
of cables, hoses, wires and ‘standards’. Thankfully, Mason’s approach has made
the experience easier and a small bag of fixtures and fittings provided evidence
of their attention to detail and consideration.
I’ve been singing the
praises of Hunt Wheels over the years and the final piece in the build was a
pair of 650b Hunt Gravel 4 seasons. I decided to go for tyres that are more suitable
to the local conditions than what's specced on the Mason 650b build. WTB's Ranger 2.0 popped on without any issues. There’s plenty of clearance up
front, but less so at the back. I’m not expecting any issues, but
have applied helitape to keep that lovely paint looking fresh. It really is a
wonderful hue of orange, not too dissimilar to my Cannibal Orange LeMond.
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| I couldn't resist |
The first ride covered
well-travelled local paths and roads. I was on borrowed time, otherwise the
option to travel further afield would have been taken without a second thought.
Initial impressions. The 650b set up does encourage you to venture off onto the
MTB trails and I was quickly finding out that the set up would benefit from
different gearing. The gearing wasn’t detracting from the bike’s capability, it
was my lack of fitness. I’m
running a 40T up front and 11-36T at the back. I’ll either go 40 or 42T when time
and funds permit.
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| It's so capable, even stands up on its own |
There’s been a
considerable amount of virtual and physical space granted to the Bokeh. The reviews
pay tribute to the fine features, build quality, handling, adaptability etc,
etc. For me, it was pure and simple, the bike made me smile and I thoroughly
enjoy being back in the saddle, albeit too briefly. Inevitably, a test ride does result in a few wee tweaks to
the set up, but riding the Bokeh did remind me of my old (missed) 29er SS, in that
there was a requirement for a bit of finesse and forward planning (gears, or
lack of!). My Trek Stache on the other hand, and not surprisingly, is the
antithesis of this approach and just rolls over whatever lays ahead. Add to
that the recent fitting of Maxxis Minions and dog walkers could be forgiven in
thinking that a moto has been in the woods. To be fair to the Bokeh, this was
only experienced on very muddy, rooty singletrack trails. When it was out on
the open, gravel, fire and sealed roads, it didn’t display any traits or
required input that would make you think that this type of frame and set-up
was a victim of attempting to meet too many demands.
I do intend to try the
Bokeh with 700c, a pair of Hunt 4 seasons and WTB Nano 40c will provide a base
for comparison. However, taking into account the fun of the initial test ride, that post and comparison may be sometime coming…
