Another day, another build? This one is a bit more personal—and far more intentional.
While the Surly MS Hot Mayo somehow chose me (it was originally meant to be for sale, but it looked so damn good and fit me perfectly), this build was researched and planned from the ground up. The goal: performance and sustainability.
The Bombtrack Arise is the perfect blank canvas; simple, versatile, and ready to take on some of my crazier ideas, a.k.a. new tech. It’s meant to be a commuter, a workhorse, and a capable tourer, but those sexy thin tubes are just irresistible. And the sliding dropouts? They really mess with your head because of how many possibilities they open up.
The head tube still runs a standard size, but it’s workable enough.
PERFORMANCE = CARBON + UDH
Yes, we needed to shed some weight.
We reused the ever-reliable and stealthy Scope R4.A wheels paired with Pirelli Gravel M tires. They perfectly fill the visual void within the Arise’s slender tubing.
For the fork, we swapped in the adventure-ready and character-filled Rodeo Labs Spork. Perfect timing too—they released a standard steerer version that works beautifully with classic frames.
The Evade Components Drop Wing Prototype shapes up the build and gives it that unmistakably fast look.
Yes, this frame can run the SRAM UDH system. Paragon Machine Works makes a clever UDH insert specifically for the Arise’s sliding dropouts.
Also timely, SRAM released an affordable left-arm crank power meter, giving better visibility into rider performance metrics. We paired it with an aero chainring for a cleaner overall look.
SUSTAINABILITY AND SERVICEABILITY
The sustainability side of the build revolves around a gem: the SRAM Force AXS mechanical brifters. They can command the XO UDH rear derailleur while eliminating messy brake fluid, making the system easier to service and far more travel-friendly.
Since it runs a cable braking system, we paired it with the strong and reliable Growtac Equal calipers to complement the Force–XO UDH setup.
Of course, we added Chris King Sotto Voce headset and bottom bracket—because some things should simply be bombproof.
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Love this build?
Drop by Dave Bikes, where we welcome crazy ideas.
See you soon.
— GGG