This bike was built with the thought in mind that here in the northwestern US, there are more miles of logging roads and forest service roads than there are paved roads. So why not build a camping bike that can truly endure the long out-back haul. This bike was built with an up-right touring geometry, and adds some elements of the 29er mtb. There are a lot of pragmatic details, like the extended rise of the stem, and the stem shifters, the so called "Dust Stop." These work out really well, and are quite comfortable for shifting. The 2-plate fork crown is a new version of an old style, supplied by Pacenti Cycles. The seat stay bridge was built to complement the style of the fork crown. This bike has clearance for big fat 29er tires, or can fit moderately fat tires and fenders. This one is built for linear pull brakes, and there is something to be said for the simplicity of the function, but for a bike of this type I’m incline to say that disc brakes are the way to go. A good set of mechanical disc brakes are as reliable as v-brakes, require fewer pad changes in wet weather, have consistent stopping power, and best of all they don’t wear out your rim wall. I built this one for myself and I must say that this is one change I might have made. The racks are very utilitarian. The front is a porteur style with lower rails on the front and sides to which bungi’s can be attached without getting in the way of the load. The rear rack has a lock lover u-lock holder built in, and has braze-ons for a velcro strap to keep the lock shackle from rattling. I loathe that sound. The pannier rails on the rear rack are quite low to keep the weight down, and there’s a blinkey light mount on the back side. This bike has Phil Wood touring hubs built into Mavic 719 touring rims; older XTR front and rear derrailleurs and Dura Ace 9-speed bar-con shifters on the stem. The cranks are Sugino XD with a triple chain ring. There’s a frame pump that’s tucked under the top tube and is painted to match. It’s so secure on it’s braze-on that it doesn’t even need a strap to hold it in place. The head tube badge is a laser engraved titanium spork. And yes, it’s attached with a wing-nut so that it is removable, and therefore it’s a fully functional head tube badge. Pull it off, have some camp-fire food, and put it back when you’re done. I have a few of the head tube badges remaining. They only get to be used on very special bicycles, like this one. One thing I especially like about this bike is that it can be stripped down and fat tires put on and it’ll double as a mountain bike. It’s geometry isn’t set for really technical riding, but it’ll eat a trail up, no problem. This is definitely one of my favorite bikes.