After the somewhat laborious negotiation with the insurance company on the bike that was totalled, I decided that this build would take another direction. Nearly 60 days into this build, I think I am entering the home stretch. Three parts on back order, the rear shock is being built as we type and one part yet to finalize on spec'ing. Nonetheless, I think we've achieved the point where form meets function. This principle states that the shape of a object should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose. And so the ultimate commuter is born.
Some might wonder what the title of the post has to do with a bike build. Well, from the Saturday Night Live skit, more cowbell has been described on how to make something a bit better. In this case, a bit more cowbell.
Some might wonder what the title of the post has to do with a bike build. Well, from the Saturday Night Live skit, more cowbell has been described on how to make something a bit better. In this case, a bit more cowbell.
One of the reasons that this build has gone so smooth, is the learning curve of the available marketplace. Collectively, Bruce and I have spent the last 5 years sampling industry and stressing their products to the max. Here are the top manufacturers worth taking a look. These are sorted in the order that I go after specifying parts. If multiple vendors have the same item, the higher on the list usually wins.
Scheffelmeier Mettall --This man is extraordinary with a welder. Limited parts offering, but you won't be disappointed with his old world craftmanship!
Wunderlich America --A nice selection of kitting. Tends to be higher pricing, but we've yet to have an item that does ooze quality. Elegant.
Twisted Throttle-- Another powerhous/parts giant. Carry many different manufacturers. Twisted Throttle supports many dual-sporting events as a sponsor, so I do support them when I can.
Wolfman Luggage -- A true waterproof soft luggage
Woodys Wheel Works -- When you really need the strongest rims for your riding
Touratech USA--Another parts giant. While they stock a wider selection of kit, I find some of their engineering a bit crude.
SW Motech--Initially, I shied away from them, but found them as one of the few suppliers for my G650XC. I've been very pleased with their crash bars.
HDB--These hand gaurds can take everything you can throw at them and more. I've used them on 2 builds, but I thought they were much like killing a fly with a hammer for the F700
Twalcom --Their tool box for the R1200 is the snizzle!
Scheffelmeier Mettall --This man is extraordinary with a welder. Limited parts offering, but you won't be disappointed with his old world craftmanship!
Wunderlich America --A nice selection of kitting. Tends to be higher pricing, but we've yet to have an item that does ooze quality. Elegant.
Twisted Throttle-- Another powerhous/parts giant. Carry many different manufacturers. Twisted Throttle supports many dual-sporting events as a sponsor, so I do support them when I can.
Wolfman Luggage -- A true waterproof soft luggage
Woodys Wheel Works -- When you really need the strongest rims for your riding
Touratech USA--Another parts giant. While they stock a wider selection of kit, I find some of their engineering a bit crude.
SW Motech--Initially, I shied away from them, but found them as one of the few suppliers for my G650XC. I've been very pleased with their crash bars.
HDB--These hand gaurds can take everything you can throw at them and more. I've used them on 2 builds, but I thought they were much like killing a fly with a hammer for the F700
Twalcom --Their tool box for the R1200 is the snizzle!