【BIKE of the WEEK】Shin Fabrication: Gravel Road

Concept: A bike for riding carefreely regardless of road conditions

The owner of this build already owns a Surly Karate Monkey, which they had converted to drop bars.
The term "speed" came to mind as a result of that conversion. Having a history of physical injury, the owner wasn't necessarily chasing extreme speed, but rather began searching for a bike that could glide over road surfaces more smoothly than their current machine, allowing them to participate in various events without limitations.

After going back and forth on many options like the Surly Midnight Special and All-City Cosmic Stallion, they ultimately decided to go for a custom order bike. Once it was discovered that Hattori-san, who heads Shin Fabrication, was an alumnus of their university club, there was no choice but to entrust them with the build. They compiled their various requests, and the bicycle completed is what you see here.

Components: SHIMANO GRX

To provide versatility across many foreseeable road types, we equipped the bike with a 2x Shimano GRX drivetrain.
Using the outer ring for high speeds—where a 1x setup couldn't keep up—and the inner ring so you don't have to push too hard on climbs. It’s a simple concept, but the 2x setup undeniably has great advantages. While it adds one more point of adjustment for shifting, the benefits are without a doubt significant. Additionally, the GRX brake levers feature a flat surface that makes them easy to grip, allowing for delicate lever control.

For the handlebar, we chose the WHISKY PART CO. No.7 with a 24° flare angle, which prevents the hood position from feeling too far away while providing a solid hold on the bike when in the drops. It’s perfect for on-road touring, and won't break a sweat when venturing off-road.

The Charm of Custom Order Bikes

A custom order bike is a dream bike. That's a fact, but more than that, if you have a clear idea of where and how you want to ride, you can create a bike that embodies your vision as much as possible.
Putting these tires on this frame to ride your favorite routes just the way you want—the stronger that desire, the more certain you are to get a bike that truly fits you.
Of course, the cost might be higher compared to mass-produced frames. However, if you are able to bring your vision for your bike to life, the value of that experience cannot be measured by a mere price tag.

I am sure that this owner will not only take pride in having built this Shin Fabrication Gravel Road but will also find daily joy in discovering new roads to ride on together.