Ken's Soma ES

Ken's Soma ES Build

The ES can handle some gravel roads thanks to it's above average tire clearance!

Frame packs are perfect for minimal hammock camping time.

Nice work dude! Looks like a fun ride.

Andrew's Soma ES

Evan,

This past July, I sent you some information on my Soma B-side 26" build.  Here is my new Soma ES build.  It too is a bit different.

I have not owned or ridden a traditional road bike for over 20 years.  I was looking to replicate the type of bike I road some thirty years ago, but at the same time, I wanted to allow for a few contemporary updates. Since I already owned two Soma mountain bikes (Groove and B-Side), looking at a Soma Smoothie seemed to be a logical place to start.  I eventually settled on the Soma ES model as it was a better fit for me, and would accommodate the vintage parts I planned to use, as well as providing the possibility of 32c tires.  I love a frame that allows for options. 

 

I tried to keep with silver components for the most part.  In the end component choices were ultimately dictated by what I already had, and what I knew I personally needed.  As I get older, comfort tends to be an ever increasing consideration.  The final result seems to have nailed what I was after: speed and a plush ride.  ES is short for Extra Smooth, I would have to say that is an understatement.  This bike just seems to float over the pavement.  Besides the Prestige steel frame, I have to credit the 23mm H+Son box section rims and 28c Panaracer tires.  I knew from past experience, a good box section rim with a high thread count tire can yield a very plush ride.  

A special thanks to Adrenaline Bikes of Orange, CA for all of their input, and for the great deal on the frame and fork.  This is the second Soma frame I purchased from them, the other being the B-side.

Thanks,

Andrew

Specifications:

· 46cm Soma ES frame with IRD Mosaic 57 Carbon Prestige fork

·  VO Grand Cru headset with carbon and alloy spacers

·  170mm XTR M900 Crank with 46, 36, 24 Race Face chainrings with Shimano UN73 BB

·   Shimano M900 front derailleur, Shimano XT rear derailleur with XTR pulleys

·   Shimano Ultegra 9spd cassette – 12x27

·   Shimano Dura Ace Shifters with Paul Thumbies and custom fabricated cable routing

·    Tektro 737 brakes with Koolstop salmon pads and Tektro brake levers

·    White Industries hubs – 32 hole / 14g butted DT spokes / H+Son TB-14 rims

·   Panaracer Gravel King 700x28c tires

·   Uno carbon seat post with Blackburn saddle

·   Planet X stem with FSA Wing Pro handlebar, double wrapped

Paul's Stanyan 1x9

Hello!

I noticed that you have a habit of posting customer bikes on your blog, so I thought I'd send in the Stanyan that my local shop, Love Bikes, just finished building for me here in Pittsburgh, PA.

It's a 54cm frame with a 1x9 setup, mainly for cruising around downtown Pittsburgh. It's got a Velocity A23 wheelset laced to Shimano 105 hubs, a Shimano 105 rear cassette/derailleur, FSA Gimondi single speed crank, Tektro brakes, downtube mounted shifter, and a handful of small parts from Origin8 (seat post, bars, brake levers). It's been super fun to ride around town so far, and I can't wait to put some more miles on it. The frame is surprisingly light (my whole build probably weighs somewhere around 25lbs), super responsive, and fun to ride.

Thanks,

Paul

Minimalist 19 lb. Smoothie Build

Quick picture at work of my Bk/Wh Smoothie. Love this bike! Simple and fun.

- 1x10 SRAM Force & DuraAce drivetrain w/ DYI brake mounted Sun Tour friction shifter.

- Cane Creek headset, brakes, brake arms

- Velocity A23 1400 gram wheelset

Sub 19 lbs on a tight budget!

-Nick

REI in Northville, MI

Hayes's Smoothie

Hey SomaFab!

I figured I'd shoot you a photo of my 2014 Smoothie build for your blog, if you want it. I've had it built up for a bit over a month now, and I'm loving it so far. Long rides, road races, gravel, mud, rain, anything I throw at it, it takes in stride and with an amazing ride quality. Photo attached.

Build specs:

2014 Smoothie Frame, Slick Black, 58cm virtual

Matching Tange Fork

SRAM Red 10spd Shifters, Yaw Front Derailleur, Exogram Standard Crank/BB
SRAM Force Rear Derailleur, and Brakes
ZIPP Service Course SL Stem, Seatpost, and H-Bar
Shimano 5800-105C pedals
Fizik Arione saddle
DT Swiss R1950 wheels
32mm Avocet gumwall slicks

SKS Raceblade Long fenders with custom modified brackets

Complete weight right around 20lbs, it'll get down to 18 or less with the ENVE 2.0 fork and handbuilt wheels to come!

Thanks,

HK, Portland, OR

Ole's Smoothie Build

Hi Evan,

I went with your advice and got a 52 Soma, got it through Harris Cyclery in Boston. Very happy with the choice and initial rides are very promising. Please find a few pictures of the build enclosed.

Bikes name is TURID

Happy 2014 and thank you for supplying a great frame! 

-Ole, Norway & Boston

Thanks for sharing Ole!