Strong Frames Inc.

[Carl Strong]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

Man, that is so cool! A few quick questions regarding this post (and a few others).

1) What is the gearing on that Monster Cross bike? I thought about that type of build for awhile. For me the limiting factor was the gearing. Here in NorCal, our gravel is really very steep dirt. So, I wouldn't want anything more than a 32t up front, even given a massive pie plate in back. But that precludes riding extensively on asphalt. I think a double chainring works best for a drop bar bike, at least where I live. Thoughts?

2) I notice some of the bikes have a much more pronounced TT slope. Is that by request? I worked with my builder (some dude named Erik...you might know him) to get less slope.

3) Your head badge. One of the best in the business. Classy, classy, classy. It would make my top five in a heart beat, along with Breadwinner, Ahearn, Moots, and Alliance (a little "home team" boosterism there...but still true)

Hi XXwindad,

1) The monster cross is a couple of years old so it has a SRAM Force 1 drive train with a 10/42 cassette and a 40 tooth front ring. There are a lot more choices available today than there were then.

2) The slope is entirely up to the customer. I have a look I prefer, but if the customer wants more or less, we make it happen.

Not sure who this Erik dude is that you are talking about....

3) Thanks, Mike Cherny does those. He did the Ibis Handjob. Been at it for a long time and does a great job.

[sw3759]

second that remark about the head badge! one of the best ever ! the one and only regret about my Strong is that is doesn't have the headbadge.

question to Carl...
would it be too diifficult to install one myself.never tried to tap titanium,those 2 screws are pretty tiny.guessing it could be a bit tricky?

[robt57]

Originally Posted by sw3759

second that remark about the head badge! one of the best ever ! the one and only regret about my Strong is that is doesn't have the headbadge.

question to Carl...
would it be too diifficult to install one myself.never tried to tap titanium,those 2 screws are pretty tiny.guessing it could be a bit tricky?

I remember my father-in-law, a Rolls Royce Machinist in the day, said tapping titanium was his least fav thing to do. But he used some awful small stuff too.

[Carl Strong]

Originally Posted by sw3759

second that remark about the head badge! one of the best ever ! the one and only regret about my Strong is that is doesn't have the headbadge.

question to Carl...
would it be too diifficult to install one myself.never tried to tap titanium,those 2 screws are pretty tiny.guessing it could be a bit tricky?

If you have the right drill, tap and a steady hand, it's not to bad. If you are handy, I can walk you through it. You can also send it to me for installation if you want.

[robt57]

I want one of the 20th ani headtube badges. [insert stinkin badges joke here]

Even nicer than the Pewter ones, in Sterling Silver I think too.

[robt57]

For the record, I almost got that exact head badge [still attached to 1/20] recently, but chickened out...

[Carl Strong]

Originally Posted by robt57

For the record, I almost got that exact head badge [still attached to 1/20] recently, but chickened out...

That bike is doing hard-time right now on my Wahoo Kickr. We're getting snow as I write this.

[robt57]

Those shots are AWAYS supposed to be in the big ring, just saying.




I still have my computrainer in duty. SS mounted, it makes me work no matter how much I downshift anyway.

[sw3759]

Originally Posted by Carl Strong

If you have the right drill, tap and a steady hand, it's not to bad. If you are handy, I can walk you through it. You can also send it to me for installation if you want.

thank you Carl.yeah i knew i could send it to you but would rather try it myself since i do all my other work to my bikes.
i will contact you to get the specifics on the correct drill bit and tap,unless you sell a kit with the badge.lol,likely thats a bit much to hope for.

that 20th head badge is really a show stopper! very well done

[Carl Strong]

Originally Posted by sw3759

thank you Carl.yeah i knew i could send it to you but would rather try it myself since i do all my other work to my bikes.
i will contact you to get the specifics on the correct drill bit and tap,unless you sell a kit with the badge.lol,likely thats a bit much to hope for.

that 20th head badge is really a show stopper! very well done

I can sell you the drill and tap, I stock them for myself and have plenty

Thanks!

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by Carl Strong

That bike is doing hard-time right now on my Wahoo Kickr. We're getting snow as I write this.

This work out set-up speaks volumes. It says "I want to strip away the excess." It says "Gimme Earth Tones." It says "Vinyl or Go Home."
Might I suggest:

[Carl Strong]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

This work out set-up speaks volumes. It says "I want to strip away the excess." It says "Gimme Earth Tones." It says "Vinyl or Go Home."
Might I suggest:

Great suggestion! It just so happens I have that...on vinyl

[Carl Strong]

I have a lot of really nice builds in process right now. Luckily I'm not having any trouble bringing in parts. Seems most of my suppliers are doing a good job working in this very challenging environment.

I thought I'd post this bike today because I especially like it. It's a gravel bike that the owner bought with both 700c and 650b wheels. It was designed to fit up to a 40x700 or 48x650. Shown here with the 650's.

[herb5998]

gorgeous build!

[robt57]

It's too small!