If you're into bikes (even a little bit) you know that "new bike day" is pretty special. It's like getting a new toy - but this toy takes you on adventures, wherever they may be.
In our case, 'new bike day' meant a new bike for our business. Ben was looking for something that could "haul boatloads of wine, gin, tools and bits and bobs" - everything you might thing a tour guide may need during a Newy Rides tour.
It was important that the bike could double an urban commuter, cargo transporter and fun machine (for off-the-job adventures).
When we first moved to Newcastle, we discovered a great little bike shop, Ghost Gum Bikes, that is focuses on getting more people riding bikes, keeping their gear in tip top shape and promoting a strong local riding culture.
A nice little post on Ghost Gum's Facebook wall speaks to exactly what the shop is all about:
Way back around 1997, we first found out about an awesome new trend in cycling (or so we thought) Single Speed Mountain Biking, a friend of mine Dave, younger brother Andy put us onto it and informed me about the Surly 1x1 and the future was paved from there.
Since then a Single Speed has been in the fleet, serving a constant reminder that you don't need all the modern wizardry in modern bikes to have fun riding bikes.
Since then I found out about what I like to call the Godfathers of modern Mountain Biking, Charlie Kelly, Gary Fisher, Tom Ritchey, Joe Breeze ( the man who manufactured the first known MTB) and their friends from Marin County California, and realised we and many others to come were doing what a lot of young men do, just having fun in the scrub.
So I guess what I've found is as long as you're equipment serves the purpose, it's not always about the bike but it's about "whoever has the most fun wins".
The Bike - Fairdale Weekender Archer 2022
We settled with a Fairdale Weekender Archer 2022 which is part-commuter, part-gravel bike and an all round great ride.
Fairdale have an interesting story, hailing from BMX origins, they are a bike builder from Austin, Texas dedicated to providing high quality bikes for the everyman.
Starting with a bare frame, Ben masked up all the holes you don't want any paint and gave it a base coat using Black Friars paint by Spray.Bike. Once the paint is dry we put vinyl pieces all over the bike giving it the black confetti effects.
After a few coats of Goldhawk paint by Spray.Bike, we removed the masking to let the black confetti effect to shine through. Finishing with a coat of gloss (Spray.Bike) the bike was ready to be built.
Spray.Bike make purpose made bike paint. With a powder base you can expect a dribble-free finish and a great result with some practice. They have a huge range of colours, prepping and finishing products. Great gear and have a friendly, Melbourne-based distributor (and online store) that will help with any queries.
Bike Specs
Frame: 100% Chromoly, Disc, w/Rack and Fender mounts (M/L/XL 700c Compatible)
Fork: 100% Chromoly. One-piece machined steerer tube
Handlebar: Fairdale Archer v3, Aluminum
Stem: 70mm, Forged Aluminum (60mm on XS)
Headset: FSA, Sealed Integrated, 45º/45º
Brake Lever: Promax XL-91
Brake: Promax DSK-717
Grips: Fairdale Swan
Saddle: Fairdale Logo Seat
Seat Post: Micro adjust, 27.2mm
Seat Clamp: Fairdale, 30mm
Cranks: FSA Vero Pro 1X NW (XS,S =165mm, M=170mm, L,XL=175mm)
Chainwheel: 42t Narrow-Wide
BB Parts: FSA
Pedals: Odyssey Twisted PC
Rims: 27.5"/650b, 32-Hole, Aluminum, Double Wall, Pinned Rim, Tubeless compatible
Front Hub: Sealed Bearings, 32-H, Alum. Shell, Disc Brake Mount, w/Allen Skewer Axle
Rear Hub: Sealed Bearings, 32-H, Alum. Shell, Disc Brake Mount, w/Allen Skewer Axle
Tires: Continental Dbl Fighter III, 27.5"/650b x 2.0 (27.5” x 1.65” Maxxis Overdrive on XS/S)
Chain: KMC X9
Cassette: Sturmey Archer, 11-36T, 9-Speed
*Cassette Alternate: Microshift CS-H093, 11-42T, 9-Speed
R. Shift Lever: SRAM X5 Trigger, 9-Speed
*R. Shift Lever Alternate: Microshift Advent Trigger, 9-Speed
R. Derailleur: SRAM X5 Long Cage, 9-Speed
*R. Derailleur Alternate: Microshift Advent, 9-Speed
Shift Cable: Fairdale
Extra Additions
Surly Sunrise Bars
Hydraulic brakes
Front porteur rack
Rear pannier rack
Basil black messenger pannier bag
Basil Crate M
Fairdale skaterack + custom painted skateboard signage
Custom paint job by Newy Rides - paint by Spray.Bike
Check out the video below
Cheers to Maisey and the lads at Ghost Gum Bikes - great result! Stoked.
Drop in, say g'day, get your ride serviced (or buy something new) and support your local bike shop.
Ghost Gum Bikes
5 Park Avenue, Adamstown NSW 2289 (02) 4952 5222
Ride often!