This past weekend was another opportunity to take some long bike rides, get off the beaten path, and do some exploring. I was up on the North Shore of Massachusetts, and the area provided some great rides along the beach, through nature refuges, and over gravel roads.
Stopping to take in the views is a necessity. It was a bit cloudy, but my new friend the seagull approved.
All along the coast were some interesting boardwalks. I guess the clouds scared away the beach-goers, as it was surprisingly empty out there as I rolled along the paths.
The various inlets in the nature refuge were a habitat for many waterfowl and seabirds. Ducks, geese, herons, and even swans were spotted during the ride.
Into the woods for a bit before we get onto the gravel.
Gravel roads; exactly what I built this bike for. The gravel bike, or the “all-road” (whatever you want to call it), is made to perform and feel like a road bike with the ability to take you on any terrain you can throw at it. I built this Montague FIT folding bike frame with a SRAM Force groupset, drop bars, disc brakes, and 33c semi-knobby tires.
This part of the day’s ride was incredibly fun. Some sections were pretty loose but for the most part it was flat and fast. The carbon fiber fork on the FIT, and the carbon Whisky 7 rims combined to do an excellent job of damping vibrations from the rough road. It was impossible not to smile while pedaling through this stuff, kicking up dirt and laying down a few skids just for fun.
After a long day of riding, we needed a swim, some BBQ, and a bit of summer celebration. The next day, I headed back to Boston on the Commuter Rail train, with my FIT folded right next to me.
This bike looks fantastic! It is exactly the type I am after 😀
I am drooling over the components you have on your bike. Gum wall tires are the best! Looking forward to getting a FIT frame and building it up just the way I want. No cheap stuff.
I dont suppose you care to supply details on the components you used for your build?
Thanks
Andy
You can find info on this build from some other posts here on the blog. This first one has a complete parts list:
https://www.montaguebikes.com/folding-bikes-blog/2014/06/folding-gravel-bike-build-part-1/
https://www.montaguebikes.com/folding-bikes-blog/2014/06/folding-gravel-bike-build-part-2/
https://www.montaguebikes.com/folding-bikes-blog/2014/06/folding-gravel-bike-disc-brakes-and-drop-bar-levers/
it looks fantastic,,
after i saw this ficture
i also want to change my FIT handle to dropbar,,,
so can i ask your bikes stem angle and length?
The stem on this build is 100mm in length with a 6 degree angle. You may find that a different size or angle is more comfortable for you though!