Two flavours of custom Hog's Back
Tom and Joel’s Hog’s Backs Open images in a new tab to embiggen These two customs we built this Spring are wonderful examples of what we often make for the bespoke-bike-wanters out there. They’re also a sneak peek of what we’ll be doing for our stock Hog’s in the future! Tom's Graveler First off, Tom’s ride: he’s obviously a tasteful cyclist, since he had us make a silver polished custom, giving his HB a classic look, despite being fully modern, with tubeless wheels and the dirt-drop Cowchipper bars from Salsa. Mind you, he couldn’t resist specifying the MKS Bear Trap pedals, a neo-retro throwback to 80s mountain bikes, from the same company that made the originals. Classic silver looks, totally modern machine: BB7 disc brakes, SRAM Apex transmission. The Bassi Classic Narrow-wide crank may look old-school, but it works perfectly with 1x11 bikepacking transmissions. The Bear Trap XC-III was brought back from the 80s by its original manufacturer, MKS, at the request of Japan’s famous Blue Lug bike shop. These Ultradynamico tires, also made in Japan, were set up tubeless at Tom’s request, but of course work just as well with innertubes. The handsome bronze-finish valves are made in the US for Discord Components. Joel's Tourer This second bike is Joel’s, and he intends to ride it in his native Rockies, doing sections of the Great Divide trail, a network of off-road routes running in the wilderness from Canada to the Mexican border. To be happy riding everything these routes will throw at him, Joel wanted wide-range gears, which he’ll get with this 46/30 double crank and 11-36 cassette, for a super-low gear of 22.5-inches and a respectable top gear of 113-inches. The 9-speed Shimano Deore derailer (my favourite in the whole wide world) will happily wrap all those gears, and will be shifted with the reliable and straightforward Microshift bar-ends, as is normal for long-distance touring bikes. This build is very close to how we intend to build the Hog’s Back (road/touring version) in 2023, which will replace the Sporter with its gravel Apex transmission. We’ll also use more silver, like on Tom’s bike. Stay tuned for that, since nothing is set in stone yet and there’s still most of 2022 to get through! A Hog’s Back for all roads and off-road: 700 x 44C tires will roll over even nasty stony dirt tracks, while staying road-comfy, and the long wheel base on the Hog’s Back will enhance the comfort and handling. I also suspect Joel won’t stick with just one bottle cage! The TRP RRL levers are, in the words of Julian sitting next to me, “absolutely sick”, and I stand by those words, too! You can install them properly on both compact bars like the Cowchipper, and curvy traditional ones like a Nitto Noodle, just by swapping out a little spacer block to get the right angle. The strange curves in the lever’s arm give you good leverage both on the hoods and in the drops. The drilled arm is strictly æsthetic, calling back to the “drillium” parts racers enjoyed in the 70s. The shifters at the bar-ends are convenient to access while riding, and these Microshifts are thoroughly reliable. The left lever is friction-type (really micro-ratchet) so you can easily adjust the position of the front derailer, doing away with rubbing from temperamental indexed derailers. The right-hand shifter in indexed to match the rear cogs, but if Joel feels like it (or needs to on the road) he can also switch it to its friction mode. The Easton EA90 cranks are our favourites for those who want a versatile, narrow-width (Q-factor), lightweight crank. It’ll take basically any 30mm bottom bracket and the rings are easy to swap for any Cinch-type replacements. The Shimano Deore M591 derailer is just incredible, and this wide gearing isn’t even close to pushing its capacity. All the adventures this bike will go on won’t even cause it to blush. Photos by YT
Van's Hog
Van asked us to put together his dream bike using the wonderful platform that is the Hog's Back frameset. His request: use all the super special bits from the USA and Japan; and make him feel like he's back in his BMX heyday. With plenty of Paul Components, White Industries, and Sim Works, this balleur build also apparently wheelies like a dream (under no circumstances should any Bassi bicycle be wheelied -ed). Expect to see this stealthy whip loaded up with some lowrider panniers this summer for weekend cruises outside the city! Build Spec Bassi Hog's Back Frameset, 47cm, Matte Black Chris King Nothreadset White Industries BB/Crank/Chainring SRAM Apex transmission White Industries XMR Hubset Velocity Blunt 35 Rims Sim Works Super Yummy Tires Paul Component Love Levers Paul Component Klampers Sim Works Little Nick Stealth Sim Works Rhonda Stem Sim Works Froggy Stealth Seatpost Brooks C17 Special Saddle MKS XC-III "Beartrap" Pedals Photos by #lightbro @killiskii
Francis' Pandemic 'Noni MTB
Francis came to us to build one of the very last Marinoni mountain bikes ever made. Now, about a year later, he came back to pick up a pair of MKS Beartrap pedals. We love how this one is starting to show signs of wear!
Sarah's Platypus
Sarah was looking for something to complement her trusty Velo Sport commuter, her only bike at the time. Upon hearing news about us becoming Rivendell dealers last year, the choice was clear. She devoured Grant’s literature about steel frames, long chainstays and friction shifting. Sarah knew what she wanted: something for pleasant outings, day rides and maybe the occasional overnighter, that would not limit her outfit choice, and nothing black! The current supply-chain woes have tested the patience of even the most monk-like among us, and the Platypus was no exception. As time went by, the ever-extending delays started to make the bare lime-olive frame hanging on our living room wall feel like a cruel joke about something that’s destined to forever be just beyond reach. The arrival of the Ultradynamico Cava Races a few months later, the final pieces of the puzzle, finally marked the end of the wait and soon enough, all the parts that had been sleeping amassed in a plastic bin started to pop, thread and slide into place. As the bicycle started to take shape, we had totally forgotten just how long the wait was. It was worth it. With the Platypus moved in to its new nest, we could finally take it out on the rides we had planned all summer. “I never knew a bike could be this good!” If you want your own Rivendell foreverbike, make sure to contact us. We have an exciting schedule of arrivals planned throughout the next year, supply-chain willing. Photos by our well-dressed bud, @jochhoo
Richard's tout-terrain Ogre
Richard has been bringing his Kona Humuhumu that’s been through the pits of hell and back a few times to the shop for a while now. Anybody that’s seen/worked on that bike knows that he doesn’t go easy on his equipment but will do anything to keep it rolling! So when he came to us to build this surly Ogre this past summer, we knew he’d go for a no-nonsense, built-to-last spec. Pics by @Jochhoo
Zig-Zag Deluxe
Open the pictures in a new tab to see larger versions Éric, a colleague of our beloved Sam M. from his other gig, reached out this spring to get a road bike. His only request? Something that would last a lifetime, with components of the utmost quality. Luckily, Sam is an expert in quality and guided him in his choices so that everything would be just so, aesthetically and functionally. He steered him towards the All-City Zig-Zag, a road frame with plenty of tire clearance, a carbon Whisky fork, and a lightweight but stiff tubeset. Orange and red highlights are everywhere, from the fancy bits like the White Industries crank cap and Paul brake pad adjusters to the matchy-matchy valve caps and cable ends. The result is a dreamy bike that rides like a cloud and looks like an autumn day in the countryside. It's not every day that we build a high end road bike, but when we do you can count on us to do so competently and tastefully. Our priorities in this kind of custom assembly are largely informed by our preferences in touring bikes and city bikes - durability and comfort have got to be a priority. The Zig-Zag was an excellent candidate here because of its tire clearance. Gone are the days of 25mm maximum width tires. Quebec countryside roads, with their nefarious rough surfaces, call for the extra cushion these 35mm Soma Shikoros. Along with a comprehensive M.U.S.A. component kit, a wide gear range for climbing or descending anything that might tempt Éric, and a bombproof handbuilt wheelset, this bike should outlive and outlast ninety-nine percent of off-the-shelf road bikes sold in 2021. Catch this fireball rolling through the country, and until then, enjoy the photoset below! Specs All-City Zig-Zag frameset White Industries headset White Industries bottom bracket White Industries R30 crank, 48/32 chainrings MKS Gamma pedals SRAM Force22 and Rival22 drivetrain Paul Klamper brakes White Industries CLD hubs Sapim Race spokes HPLUSSON Hydra rims Soma Shikoro tires Sim Works Anna Lee Stem Sim Works Marcella handlebar Fizik Terra bartape Sim Works Beatnik seatpost Brooks C15 Carved saddle Atwater Booty Bag Deluxe pics by @jochhoo
A tall 'n' handsome Appaloosa
Open images in a new tab to see full-size Gerald, a long-time customer of ours, caught word that we had a Rivendell Joe Appaloosa in his size and approached us for a very special build. Having mainly ridden his Opafiets around Montreal for work, a major priority in this custom bike was comfort, but also the ability to ride long miles efficiently. The Appaloosa was an excellent candidate, so after some back and forth with Gerald, here's what we came up with! Specs Rivendell Joe Appaloosa frame and fork, 60cm, Burnt Orange Rivendell Silver crankset, 178mm arms, Wolf Tooth Drop Stop chainring MKS Gamma pedals SRAM Rival1 drivetrain Velo Orange hubs HPLUSSON TB14 rims Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass Endurance tires Tektro CR720 brakes Nitto Technomic stem Nitto Noodle handlebar Lizard Skins DSP bartape Brooks B17 saddle Velo Orange Fluted fenders Velo Orange Constructeur rack Crane E-NE bell If you'd like a similar build, reach out to us by email, and leave a comment if there's something you like, or something you'd change! Pics by @jochhoo
Étienne's Classic Tourer Hog's Back
Étienne's pink Hog's Back is one of the last of that colour way to leave the shop. He opted for a classic European style touring configuration - alt-bars reminiscent of northern Euro trekking/butterfly setups, components from Shimano's hard to find in North America Deore trekking group, and four panniers. Those panniers are special - made in Sherbrooke by Arkel, Étienne has had them since forever and has toured with them in Europe, with patches from everywhere he's been! Spec Highlights Bassi Hog's Back frameset, piggy pink, 54cm Cane Creek 40 headset Shimano T4000 crankset, derailleurs, and shifters Sun Ringlé Rhyno Lite rims Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires TRP Spyke calipers and levers Surly Moloko handlebar Brooks B17 saddle Vintage Arkel panniers Classic touring pics by @jochhoo
Nicholas Bersier's Basket-Packing Hog's Back
Nicholas wanted the full kit: dynamo, rack, basket and fenders. We used the Wiggler stock configuration as a starting point and spiced it up here-and-there to make a fully capable touring and commuting machine. Spicy bits include: Sim Works Half-Moon Rack (he later added the rear Off The Road rack to match the front) Wald 139 Shimano Alfine Dynamo Hub Supernova E3 Pro 2 Schwalbe G-One Allround 27.5x2.00" Axiom Flascheguard 27.5" x 70mm Brooks B17 Standard Brown Photos by Thomas Tessier
A lovely Platypus with VO, Soma and SimWorks
Open images in a new tab to see all the film grain Our first Rivendell build for a client is a refined and elegant city bike with parts built to last. When Carol approached us to get herself a new bike, we had just received our first shipment of frames from the legendary Rivendell Bicycle Works based out of Walnut Creek, California. After some hesitation for our own Rachel frame (and of course we would’ve been just as happy), it only took Carol seeing photos of the Platypus to make her mind up. We were very happy to build her an honest-to-younameit Riv with classic and robust parts so she can go ride around the Upper Canada Village out there in Morristown, Ontario in all her comfortable glory. Here’s how we built it up: Rivendell Bicycle Works Platypus frame and fork in Lime-olive, 50cm. FSA Duron X 1” headset (those are actually included with the frame). Vélo Orange Grand Cru face-plate quill stem. Vélo Orange Curvy Bar. Brooks Slender leather grips. Shimano BL-R780 brake levers. Shimano BR-T4000 V-brake calipers. Kalloy 26.8 seatpost (also included with the frame). Brooks B17s saddle Soma Weymouth 650b rims laced on Shimano Alivio hubs. Sim Works The Homage tires in 650b. Narrow-wide Bassi crank. Sim Works Bubbly pedals. Vélo Orange fenders. Soma Champs-Élysées front rack. Wald 137 basket. Photos taken on the always lovely Portra 400 film by the always lovely Fabien
Harley's Technicolor Hog's Back
When Harley came to us for a versatile tourer slash townie slash singletrack shortcutter, he knew as well as we did that the Hog's Back would be a great fit. By adding a few purple ano Chromag and White Industries bits, Harley wanted to hearken back to his roots as a West Coast mountain bike grom. A Velo Orange Curvy bar and Brooks Cambium saddle keep things comfy, and a Rogue Panda Designs top tube bag is the cherry on top of a funky fresh build. Scroll through for pics of Harley showing off his MTB prowess on our favourite local, Mont Royal. SPECS Hog's Back frameset VO Grand Cru headset White Industries G30 crankset and BB Chromag Scarab pedals SRAM 1x11 transmission Alex MD21 rims laced to Shimano M525 hubs WTB Byway 650x47 tires Chromag Ranger stem VO Curvy bars Chromag grips Bassi seatpost Brooks C17 saddle Avid BB7 brakes All pics by the shredder behind the lens, @jochhoo
Brett's Hog's Back Chasse et Pêche
Brett has been a bike messenger in Montreal for 7 years now. He's also been touring all those years on brakeless fixies and big dumb cargo bikes, but that all changed when he got himself a Hog with big plans for practicality. Since he bought the bike last year, it's evolved with the addition of every single orange bit and bob he could get his hands on. Brett likes orange things, and his aesthetic muse for this build is a pickup truck covered in Bass Pro Shop hunting and fishing stickers. Brett hopes they'll let him into the forest this hunting season with a bike covered in real tree camo and hi-vis orange. The build features a full run of bikepacking bags courtesy of @sinkholemontreal. Pro pics by pic pro @jochhoo
Lorenzo's Rachel
Around the end of the summer, Lorenzo came into the store looking for a gem of a bicycle. After a quick discussion, we learnt that this bike wouldn’t only be used for simple commutes, but also to distribute a tasty treat throughout the city. The treat: homemade gelato made by Lorenzo himself. We therefore felt the need to build a comfortable and solid bicycle so that Lorenzo could deliver his Gelato al Ladro (@gelato.al.ladro) with ease. We introduced him to our Bassi Rachel, an elegant, versatile bike that is above all easy to mount thanks to the lowered top tube. A useful asset when the time comes to get on a bike loaded with gelato! In short, it was a perfect match that Lorenzo couldn't resist, in the same way we couldn’t resist his delicious frozen creations. When warmer months come, don’t hesitate to hit up Lorenzo for a delicious, Bassi-delivered snack! Photos by @jochhoo
Ben's Randonneur-MTB Hog's Back
Open pictures in a new tab to embiggen We've basically sold out of the first run of the Hog's Back (don't worry, we're getting more in late 2020), building most of them as our standard gravel-tourer. That doesn't mean we don't love custom jobs, though! Ben's HB is a perfect example: he's using a lot of our stock parts but brought us some of his for us to add or substitute. He Scotch-brited his Velo Orange fenders to dull them, he's using a comfy Selle Anatomica leather saddle, and his friend Max made him a custom randonneur bag, here seen sitting on a Velo Orange Campeur rack. We made Ben a custom Soma Grand Randonneur a few years ago, for good gravel and road long-haul rides. This Hog's Back is more or less a MTB-randonneur answer to that old build, for gnarlier routes. In Ben's words: Fun facts: it's so smooth and comfortable that I forget I'm riding it sometimes, really lets my mind wander and take in the scenery. And it descends rough stuff supernaturally well even with a full front load. That's the design intention for this frame, Ben nailed it! Thanks for the photos, Ben and Jo (@jochhoo)
Jenny's Hog's Back
Open images in a new tab to embiggen It was during the pre-COVID spring of 2019, on an Equipo Borracho group ride, that Jenny first thought about getting a Bassi Hog’s Back. On that day she had the good luck of tasting the sweetness of that beige baby when Julian lent her his prototype steed. Here's a fun pic of Jenny on Julian's bike and Julian on Jenny's bike from back in the day: Our camera guy Jo spoke with Jenny about her bike tastes and favourite types of riding. Here’s a little recap of that conversation. Jenny had been riding a classic Surly Cross Check for many years, taking it to the California coast, to Cuba, and on Ontario’s BT 700 bikepacking ride. She realized that for rougher terrain such as rural gravel roads and trails, a different bike would contribute to more fun. It was the toe overlap on that Cross Check that was most annoying to her (when the feet touch the front tire; caused by big wheels on small frames). She also longed for fatter tires and better braking. In the last few years, Jenny found herself riding more and more technical trails, dirt roads and eastern townships groads. One of her fondest memories is of the first year of the WTF Bikexplorers group rides. On the Montpellier VT area dirt roads, she found friendship, motivation and an amazing network of Women, Trans and Femme riders (she otherwise mostly bikes with men). In the COVID bike boom of 2020, Jenny pulled the trigger, bought that prototype frame and started talking at length about her new whip with Julian at C&L. Jenny has very specific tastes and wanted to make sure every single part was chosen wisely. The result in her own words: a modern-ish bike with classic touches. Some fun facts about the build. A Sram Rival/GX mix 2x10 drivetrain — when road and mountain parts mix for the better. Jenny knew she wanted lots of gear range for everything from open roads and tailwind to steep rocky mountain roads. A double crankset and 11-40 cassette would do the trick. We chose the new, rando-inspired Easton EA90 46/30 teeth crankset and pushed the rear GX derailleur’s capacity a bit. Some Tanglefoot wool tape, her faithful Brooks saddle, Stolen BMX pedals, fat 650Bx1.9’’ Gravel King tires, Salsa 46cm Cowchippers and a tiny 35mm MTB stem completes this Columbus steel machine. Add-ons include a Gurp Stitchworks stem bag and fanny pack, a Swift Industries Zeitgeist saddle bag in a Wald 137 basket atop a Soma Champs Élysées mini rack. Tying together the build nicely are the Shutter Precision dynamo hub and Son Edelux front light. Jenny’s shakedown ride on a 70km dirt/paved loop would confirm her carefully planned bike build, and she rode home happy. In her own words, it’s the perfect all-rounder! Photos and words by @jochhoo