BASSI has become one of our tried-and-true favorites, and we’ve built plenty of original bikes packed with the styles we love to recommend. Following the recent release of the Rachel, we’re excited to unveil our latest original build, this time based on the Montreal!
A timeless, old-school look
Steel frames really shine with their slim, elegant lines, and this one pairs them with a threaded headset. Inspired by classic touring bikes, the Montreal has tradition built right into it.
Trouble-free shifting with bar-end shifters
Staying true to its inspiration, we went with bar-end shifters. Sure, the classic look is part of the appeal, but the biggest reason is their simple, reliable design—they’re a dependable choice for long rides and everyday transportation. Since the shifters are mounted on the downtube rather than the handlebars, swapping bars down the road is easy, too.
A dependable ride starts at the wheels
We built these wheels around the Cliffhanger, one of VELOCITY’s toughest rims, and made them even tougher with the addition of eyelets: the Standalone 001. Durability at the wheels is essential for a bike you can ride for years without trouble.
The secret of the Montreal
Does that dropout shape look familiar? That’s right—it’s the same as the SURLY Cross Check. This frame can be built as a singlespeed or with gears, and its 132.5 mm dropout spacing lets it fit a wide range of QR wheels, from road to MTB. It’s no exaggeration to say this frame offers endless build possibilities worthy of the hall of fame.
Now that the Cross Check has sadly been discontinued, we have a feeling the Montreal, with its matching dropout shape, will step up as the next-generation fun machine. Personally, I’d love to build one next with an internally geared hub.
A well-balanced cockpit
We installed the NITTO Mod177 Noodle Bar. Its beautifully balanced backsweep and flare have won over countless riders. We set the bar width at a generous 460 mm so you can enjoy everything from paved roads to trails.
BASSI BIKES Montreal / Circles Original Build
SIZE : 52
COLOR : Black
SPECIAL PRICE : ¥324,500 (tax included)
| Handle | NITTO Mod177 Noodle Bar |
| Stem | SIMWORKS Gettin’ Hungry Stem |
| Wheel | SIMWORKS Standalone 001 & VELOCITY Road Hub |
| Seatpost | SIMWORKS BY NITTO Beatnik |
| Crank | SUGINO Vp |
| Components | SHIMANO SORA |
We highly recommend it for anyone looking for a hard-wearing bike for everyday use that can also take you farther afield on days off, including on off-road rides!