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Soma custom bike builds

Abby's Soma Wolverine build

What drew you to build this bike up, with the parts you’ve used?

I’ve always wanted a Soma bike and after getting the fork originally for a different build I decided to also build the frame up. Originally, I build it up with the group set from my old commuter bike, a 1x GRX Di2 setup. But soon after using the bike a bunch more, especially loaded up as a bike packing setup I decided to go down the 12 speed MTB setup. The wheels were custom built as I wanted to have my own set of custom wheels. I also have a 27.5” wheelset for it, but sadly due to stock shortages no cassette for it.

 

Was there a particular intention for this custom build?

I wanted to build a super versatile bike that could be used for both commuting and bikepacking.

 

Having built it up, is there anything further you wish to change or experiment with?

For now, I’m loving it and it’s feeling super perfect, the only thing I’m going to add is a basket to the front rack

 

Any particular rides you’d like to do with the bike, or have already done?

I’m planning out a multi-day bikepacking trip out west of Gisborne ending at my partner Eve’s Mum’s house. I’ve also just had way too much fun riding this thing through mud

Frame
Soma Wolverine V4 Type-A

Fork
Soma Unicrown 15x100mm

Rims
DT Swiss G540 (700c) or DT Swiss EX471 (27.5”)

Hubs
DT Swiss 350

Tires
Vittoria Terreno Dry 700x38c or Vittoria Mezcal 27.5×2.25”/2.1”

Handlebars
Surly Moloko

Headset
Cane Creek 40

Crankset
Shimano XT M8100 (175mm) w/ 36T chainring

Pedals
Shimano PD-M9120

Cassette
Shimano XT M8100 10-51

Derailleur
Shimano SLX M7100

Brakes
Shimano M8100 Brakes

Shifter(s)
Shimano XT M8100

Saddle
Brook B17 Honey

Seatpost
Thomson Elite Offset 27.2mm

Stem
Thomson X4 90mm

Frame bags
Ortlieb Framebag RC

Rear bags
Ortlieb Seatpack Medium

Accessory bags
Ortlieb Gravel panniers, Ortlieb Fork Pack Plus Large,

Other accessories
Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt, Tubus Logo Evo Rear rack, Soma Lucas 3 Front Rack

Evie's Soma Grand Randonneur build

What drew you to build this bike up, with the parts you’ve used?

Before this my only bike was a classic Peugeot road bike, and I wanted a more versatile bike which could handle gravel trails and the road, and carry a decent load to be able to commute. 

 

Abby suggested the Soma Grand Randonneur, which I liked, and we chose the rest of the parts to complement that frame.

 

Was there a particular intention for this custom build?

I really wanted a do-everything bike. A big emphasis was just comfort – I’ve never really owned a bike that fit properly before so it’s a very nice change.

 

Having built it up, is there anything further you wish to change or experiment with?

The combination of drop bars and front rack means finding an appropriate basket or bag is going to be an interesting challenge. 

 

Next year I’m going to be studying Product Design so if the opportunity comes up I’m sure the bike will end up as a bit of a test-bed for parts of my own design.

 

Any particular rides you’d like to do with the bike, or have already done?

I rode to and from work at Green Street! Getting home was a challenge – almost entirely uphill up Mount Alexander Road, but I managed it. 

 

I’m also looking forward to doing the Maribyrnong River Trail on an appropriate bike. 

Frame
Soma Grand Randonneur

Rims
Mach1 Maxx 650bx25

Hubs
Novatec 6 bolt Front, Bear Pawl 6 Bolt Rear

Tires Panaracer Gravelking SK 650x48b

Handlebars
Deda Piega 400mm

Headset
Tange Falcon 1” Threaded Headset

Crankset
Shimano Deore M6100 (170mm) w/ 32T chainring

Pedals
Ryfe Ghostrider

Cassette
Shimano Deore M5100 11-51t

Derailleur
Shimano Deore M5100

Brakes
Shimano M8100 Calipers

Shifter(s)
Shimano GRX 810 Brifters

Saddle
Specialized Power Comp