Saga DC Touring Frameset

Candlestick Point

We introduced the Saga Disc around the same time as the Wolverine. People wondered why we decided to make two different models that look so similar at first glance, and honestly we weren't sure whether we would sell enough of the Wolverines to justify it. Well as it turns out, the Wolverine has been our best selling model several years in a row, while the Saga Disc sells about as many units as the cantilever version. It's a respectable number compared to some of our weirder models like the Mini Velo or the Tradesman, but nowhere near as popular as the Wolverine. That said, we feel that there are advantages to the Saga that might make it a better choice for some riders.

2009 Saga Build from Pedal Revolution in SF

To really explain what the Saga is all about we have to take it back to 2009 when we introduced the original cantilever version.

Ocean Beach SF

Back then disc brakes for drop bars were far from commonplace, and while they worked well for our Double Cross DC, we felt that long distance tourists would benefit from the ubiquity of mountain bike rim brakes which can be found on almost every continent (maybe not Antarctica, but that's why we have fat bikes now right?).

De Young Museum Golden Gate Park SF

At the time people wondered why we were making another rim brake bike when the Double Cross already had plenty of tire clearance and rack mounts. And it's true, lots of people use the DC or for that matter the Smoothie ES for loaded touring no problem. However, when one of our customers told us he was planning to cycle across Eurasia and wanted to build the ultimate touring rig it got us thinking about how we could improve the design for fully loaded riders.

San Bruno Mountain Park

One of the simplest features that often gets overlooked is the kickstand plate. For most "serious cyclists" a kickstand is a useless accessory for kids bikes and beach cruisers. For loaded tourists it means not dumping 50+ lb. of gear on the ground every time you need to take a leak. It's also great for bike selfies. Since rear panniers often get in the way of the pedals, the chain stays are longer. This allowed us to use a proper mounting plate which prevents you from crushing the chain stays by over tightening the clamp.We also use a beefed up head tube, which makes a big difference when you need to keep two loaded panniers and a handlebar bag going straight over bumpy dirt roads.

Oyster Point, South San Francisco

When we designed the disc specific version we used one piece boomerang shaped dropouts, which work perfectly for mounting racks and fenders without the need for a bunch of flexible spacers to clear the disc caliper. They also allow you to install a Rohloff OEM2 bracket without needing a clunky torque arm strapped to the chain stay.

The disc fork is basically the same part that comes with the Wolverine. It uses a super tough Tange crown lug, which offers plenty of tire clearance and not a lick of shudder under heavy breaking. Sure, it's stiffer than the Classic Curve forks we've started speccing with a few of our other models, but come on, this is a loaded touring bike. Your tires should offer plenty of suspension, and if they don't we recommend you dispose of whatever Schwalbenental boat anchors you've got on there and try a pair of our new 42mm Shikoros or New Xpress 1.75ers.

Golden Gate Park SF

So this year we decided to combine both versions into a single model the Saga DC. Predictably there was some resistance to this. Like the Lannisters and the Targaryens, both houses have their champions, but we ever the pragmatists said f-it. It's a touring bike. It's going to have racks, bags and bottles on it, so you wont even see the brake mounts.
Looking at it another way, if you are like us and we suspect that you are, you're probably going to change your bike around a few times. Sometimes you'll want to use those Phil Wood touring wheels you took off your old Paramount 2 years ago. Sometimes you're going to want hydraulic 1x11. Done and done. If that really bothers you, and you don't think you'll ever take your bike apart, you're in luck because we still have traditional Saga complete bikes in British Racing Green. You know what else? We've got more Wolverines coming soon too. That said, if you want a bomb proof touring frameset you can't do better than Thee Olde Saga. Seriously, I've been riding around on our demo bike and even with 42mm Supple Vitesse SLs there's nowhere I can't ride this thing.

Brisbane CA

Since we know that some people just aren't going to be happy with surplus brake mounts we've decided to offer an upgrade discount on replacement forks for anybody with a Soma frame. 1 fork per frame (and you have to send us the serial number). Stay tuned for more details on that deal.

Welcome Commuter Cycles to the Soma Family

Commuter Cycles in Brunswick, Australia bills itself as a "bike shop with a difference".

"We offer tailored servicing and repairs, reliable accessories and good value replacement parts. We take great pride in our workmanship and think bright lights, panniers and mudguards are cool. At Commuter Cycles, the workshop is the shop, so you deal with the same people who look after your bike.
Better still, Commuter Cycles makes looking after your bike easy by offering courtesy bikes, opening early and closing late, and we’re conveniently located next to the Upfield bikepath and Brunswick station."

Keen shop here....  One of the shop folks rides a Grand Randonneur to work. Plus they had the sense to order multiple Soma Wolverines in September. (We are currently suffering a Wolverine drought)

Only the Hits

Tomorrow is my last day as the ambassador of all things Soma. It's been almost 3 years since I moved back to California and I've loved every minute of it. But now it's time for me to begin something new and time to bring in some new blood at Soma. If you're interested in joining the team, email your resume to mary (at) merrysales.com and let us know a little bit about yourself and your experience in the bike industry. 

Since this will be my last opprtunity, I thought I would take a moment to share some of my favorite Soma products from my time here.

The new Chrome Rush frameset epitomizes everything I love about track bikes. It's clean, simple, versatile and strong. The threaded fork, s-bend chainstays and side tacked seat stay caps allow it to run wider tires, but still gives you a pure keirin style look.

Before I started at Soma I knew I wanted to make a 650b randonneuring frameset. When I learned we were already developing one with Mike Kone from Rene Herse I was ecstatic. We've made a few improvements since the first run, and I think the new framesets look absolutely fantastic. The Grand Randonneur sets a high bar for the industry.

When we redesigned the Soma B-side I knew we needed to make something that could handle the steep, gnarly Norcal singletrack I grew up riding, and this bike does not disappoint.  By going to an hourglass head tube we made it compatible with a wider range of modern forks, and while the B-Side was one of the earliest 650b mountain frames on the market, it's still the best.

Lauching our sister company New Albion Cycles was one of the most exciting projects I've had the pleasure to be a part of. From designing the head badge, to building the first Homebrew, it's been a real education. I think the Privateer is the very best value in a steel frameset on the market today, and I'm incredibly proud to have had a hand in it's development.

The New Albion Starling is quite a looker, isn't it?

The Soma Wolverine is relatively new, but already it's been making waves in the dirt touring community.  What started out as a belt drive version of the Double Cross has evolved into a completely new beast. Call it Monstercross, Gravel Grinder, Adventure Tourist, or Nouveau Audax if you want. We just call it good fun. The first batch is already sold out, but there are more framesets in production.

One of the most exciting aspects of working at Soma is our strong relationships with our Japanese component vendors. Working with Panasonic to develop new Soma tires has been one of the most rewarding jobs I've had in the bike industry. The Cazadero mixed terrain tires started as a sketch on the back of a piece of scratch paper, and now they're hitting the gravel all over the world. That just blows my mind.

One of first brand new tire designs I worked on was a collaboration between Soma and Ocean Air Cycles. I had already ordered the New Xpress 37c tires and Rob was one of the first people to try them. When he came to visit us on his way back from the Seattle Bike Expo he showed me some of his sample bikes and we chatted about what we liked best about Panaracers tires. He loved the light weight and supple chasing the B-Line tires, and he challenged us to offer up a 700c version. Since there wasn't an existing mold for that size we convinced Panaracer to make a new one especially for this tire. Needles to say, it was a big hit.

When the first batch of Grand Randonneur frames was complete, I knew the next step would be to make the perfect tire to pair with it. We asked our people at Panasonic for the lightest, supplest chasing they could make and designed a brand new tread pattern that would be super light, but with minimal rolling resistance. After 6-7 months of discussions we arrived at the design which became the Soma Grand Randonneur tire. We decided to offer 2 versions and 3 color options. The blue lable touring version is super tough with thicker tread and reinforced sidewalls, while the green lable is the lightest 42mm tire ever made. I knew we had hit the nail on the head the moment I held them. Now there are many new randonneur tires on the market, but the Grand Randonneur is still the benchmark for high volume 650b tires.

The biggest project I took on during my time at Soma was speccing out the Soma complete bike line. I'm proud to say they are the very best stock complete bikes available today. We worked with our favorite component makers like Sugino, Tange and Suzue to put together my dream build kit, and offer it at a price that's impossible to beat. I can't wait for the 2015 bikes to arrive. They're even better than before.

In addition to bikes and tires I got to design a number of interesting small parts as well. The Soma Stainless Porteur racks were so popular we decided to expand the line with a number of other models. For the Champs Elysees mini racks we used Japanese standard mounting dimentions so they would work on forks designed to accept Nitto racks. Accordingly, many of the Soma forks now feature mini rack eyelets as well.

After working in bike shops for years, I know exactly how frustrating it is to try to mount racks to bikes without the proper braze ons. That's why I made sure the Champs Elysses racks had adjustable tabs and axle adapters so they could be use with practically any bikes. I think they look really terrific.

One of my favorite Soma products is our super affordable alloy front racks. I used to sell lots of them to people that wanted a front basket, but needed something sturdier. The new version has a longer tombstone to support a Wald basket and mounting points for zip ties to secure it.

Because Soma has such a close relationship with our component makers, we're able to come up with some off the wall product ideas and they'll make them for us. The Tanaka Decaleur was one such item. I wanted something that was sturdy enough for trail riding, but would allow me to attach my Ostrich handlebar bag without lowering my bars. The result was delightfully elegant, and I'm still using my original sample unit on my personal commuter bike. 

The most time consuming project I undertook was the Soma Champs Elysees low trail fork line. We went through many prototype samples before we arrived at a curved shape that lived up to our vision.

I've always been a single speeder at heart, and when IRD decided to introduce a mountain crankset I knew exactly what I wanted. The Mjolnir crankset combines the style of retro square taper mountain cranks with the strength of modern manufacturing techniques, for a result that's both super stiff and beautiful to look at. So far exactly 1 person has picked up on the comic book reference, but don't feel bad if you're not that nerdy. It's Mee-yool-neer. Not Majolner.

So many people asked whether the Mjolnir would work as a double that we went back to the drawing board and designed a 94mm version of the Defiant double as well. So far it's been very popular with randonneurs, tourists and even some roadies.

I'm excited to say there are a lot of really cool new products in the pipeline that will be coming out in the next year, including new compete bike models and the forthcoming Soma fatbike.

If you want to keep up with the stuff that I'm working on you can find it all at www.therubbishbin.net

Finn's Saga

Hey friends at SOMA, 

I recently had a ridiculous experience getting lost in the Cascades of Southern Oregon, on top of a mountain whose name I still do not know. Some erroneous maps and a wonky GPS sent my traveling companion and I off into a maze of "paved roads" which turned out to be long abandoned forest service paths, paved with nothing more than 4 inches of dust and scree.

I was riding a Saga, and rolling 2 inch tires and 40 pounds of gear, and it was only near the top of the Nameless Mountain that I had to get off my bike and push. The road eventually got so bad that we had to take our panniers off, and portage bikes and gear up the mountain separately - at the summit, we found a gravel road, and radioed out for water and an accurate map. 

My point is that I'm really fucking impressed how far I got up the mountain on what is not strictly a mountain bike. I thought you'd like a photo of the bike, who is named Sisyphus, and the absurd amount of dust it had accumulated by the time I'd hauled it up to the summit. 

Thanks for being rad (and local),

Finn Black, San Francisco

Daniel's Saga Touring Build

Hey guys!

My name is Dan Choma, and I volunteer at Lowertown Bike Shop in Saint Paul MN.  I finished my build on my Soma Saga just yesterday and am dumbfounded by how fantastic this frame is.  It’s like it’s not a new bike at all, but rather an old friend that recommends new trips.  This is going to be dangerous: I almost just kept biking on my commute in this morning.  Bravo on the fantastic frame!

PS.  I attached a picture of the bike.  I figured that I’ve sent it to everyone else I know, I might as well send it to the people who made it.  ;)

Daniel Choma

Adrian's Soma Saga Build

Adrian has been thinking about building a new Soma for a while now. So last week he finally pulled the trigger and got himself one of the Saga completes.

Right out of the box he upgraded the tires for some Soma New Xpress 26ers.

Still running the original Champs Elysees prototype rack on the rear to hold his Cardiff saddle bag.

Soma Vegan leather bar tape to compliment the brooks saddle.

We like the stock parts that come on these, but I got to admit these look real nice.

Saga Disc and Rush Framesets Now In Stock

If you've checked the Soma Store recently you may have seen a couple new items pop up.

The long awaited Disc Brake version of our Saga touring frameset is now available. It features the same geometry as the Canti Saga, but uses disc specific dropouts which allow the rear brake caliper to mount to the chain stays for easier rack and fender attachment.

Like the new Saga, Stanyan, San Marcos, Buena Vista and Grand Randonneurs, the forks include braze ons for mounting a mini rack, in addition to two sets of dropout eyelets. The fork crown is the same as the Grand Randonneur, and provides ample fender and tire clearance.

In addition to great stopping power, another benefit to running disc brakes is that they allow you to run 650b wheels on either the 26" or 700c size frames. We tried the new Soma Grand Randonneur tires on a 56cm frame and found they fit with ample clearance, even with metal fenders.

The Soma C-line tires also work great if you want to run 700c wheels, while the 1.5" New Xpress is a good option if you go 26".

For the first time in 2014 the Rush is available as a frame and fork set, with a matching chrome threaded fork. We also reworked the rear end with some new chainstays and seatstay caps to increase the tire clearance. These new framesets can be built up using a true NJS approved parts kit, including a quill stem like the Nitto Pearl or Jaguar, and an ISO threaded headset like the Tange Levin. They could also be built up with front and rear brakes using the Soma Housing Clips and a Nitto Technomic or Soma Sutro stem and Lauterwasser Bars for a more upright "Path Racer" style build. How ever you like to ride, the 2014 Rush is designed to adapt to meet your needs.

Stay tuned for updates on the Champs Elysees forks, Wolverine Framesets and the Battle Axe fatbike project coming later this year.

Arthur's Soma Saga

I took a couple of photos on my "maiden" voyage. I have tagged my build with a model name that may be a bit odd (I thought about Roubaix, but did not want Specialized to send their lawyers after me!)

Soma Saga dell'Orso which is a google translation from English to Italian for " Soma Saga (story) of the Bear" ... Bear because Arthur (my first name) has its roots in various words for Bear, not that my parents thought I would be a bear. Anyway if Specialized can have model names ... so can I. And I think its better than "invented" names like Treks Domane!

  

Later on, I will send you a list of how I specked it. The first ride was really good (40 K with several very good climbs in the WV hills). The only problem was one of the windiest days we have had so far ... slowed me on down-hills (without brakes) and nearly stopped me in my tracks on one gentle climb when a gust hit me suddenly. I am thinking the wind was a stand-in for loaded touring packs! These photos were taken at French Creek, Upshur County, West Virginia. The churchyard is French Creek Presbyterian (over 100 years old), no longer activde. A nice point of interest for a "touring" bike to stop. Its a regular ride for me.

Arthur

Another Gorgeous Saga

When it rains it pours! But that's cool, we've got fenders. Here's another awesome Sage build sent in by Steve.

Hope your wife is stoked dude! That build is wicked!

A better picture of Steve's Smoothie.

And here he is with his ES. Gotta love those fenders!

You can check out his blog here >>> http://singularitas.org

Xinjiang Traffic Jam

Eleanor Moseman and her Soma Saga made their way into the city of Urumqi this week -- in Xinjiang Province in Western China.
And she shared this video on her Facebook page. (Gets more interesting at the 50s mark)
The place is generally very arid so I am surprised to see all the snow. You may remember this is the place with all the riots a couple years back between the native Uighurs and the Chinese. Xinjiang is also where they filmed The Kite Runner, though that was in a different city. "After 10,000 miles toured and 3 years lived in China, Urumqi gets my vote for the best city with night markets and street food."

Bust Magazine Features Eleanor Moseman and her Saga

If you've been following our blog, you'll know that Moseman set off on an ambitious trek across China, Mongolia, and Russia back in April, a mostly solo journey close to 10,000 km in length. She had too cut her journey short (if you can call 7600 km, short) to take care of an emergency in Shanghai where she calls home, but she vows to finish what she started in the next couple of months. We applaud Moseman on her physical and mental tenacity and Bust Magazine for recognizing what an inspiration she is.
Click on the image below to read the article by Pheobe Magee.


(We gave her a Soma Saga for the ride,
which she calls "Lieutenant".)

2Wheels4Girls Update: Kidnapped Somewhere in Northern China

"Lieutenant" (her Soma Saga) has been her "only friend"
in the past two months. Photo taken somewhere around HaiLa'er

Eleanor Moseman has faced almost everything a solo journey by bicycle can throw at a person.
The standards like fatigue, loneliness, sleeping every night in strange places, sun/windburn, and of course getting caught going pottie along the road. Then there are the worrisome and annoying things like your fingers going numb by holding onto handlebars so many weeks in a row and "bugs, bugs, bugs".

But while the road and nature can take a toll, the most dangerous element, unfortunately, can be the people you meet on the journey. Meeting new people is supposed to be one of the delights of such adventures. And while that has been true for the most part in her first 5500 km, that little nightmare of a possibility that you don't want to think about happened to Eleanor a little over a week ago. A man offered to treat our wary traveller to dinner and find her a place to sleep for the night. And then things went wrong. You can read the rest on her July 8th blog post.

Armed with just her Soma Saga, a tent and a camera, American Eleanor Moseman is on a solo cycling odyssey from Shanghai to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and back again. 2wheels4girls project, 17,000 mile bike ride across China in 9 months, is intended to inspire girls to fulfill their real potential and raise money for organizations promoting education for the disadvantaged.