Optimustic Attitude

It's been almost two months since I got my new Optimus Ti frame all built up and rolling.  I've got way more than three hundred miles on it now, so allow me to throw out my ten cents (you know the two cents is free).

Funny not funny, I did a podcast interview months ago that may or may not ever see the light of day.  Perhaps it will kill this particular pod for good, just like when I did a never released interview with Fat Cyclist right before he pulled the plug in 2016.  Who knows?

Anyhoo, during the interview, at some point we talked about bikes, specifically (I think) any bike I was excited about.  I described my ultimate endurance XC single speed that I would never end up building because what would be the point of it?  I already had my bases covered with my Vertigo and Radimus, but if I could have something...

It would be a 120mm front travel, modern geometry, titanium single speed.  For "racing."  Because I'm an "athlete" who needs "performance."  I just couldn't justify the expense or another bike in the house.  

Then I got bored (very bored) with my Epic EVO, hadn't ridden it with gears since November, and only rode it as a single speed eighty or so miles in early 2024.

Combine the fact that the Epic EVO was just devaluing as time went by, both Fox and Industry Nine had released some new components that piqued my interest, and the whole project wouldn't cost me all that much once I sold some shit, and... potential energy met catalyst.

I asked for this.  Dunno why.  Mebbe to help me keep track of which ti single speed I was grabbing off the wall.

Kilos because I can't get it to swap back to pounds, but converts to a little over 4.5lbs with a drooper housing, seat collar, and all the slider hardware installed.

The first ride back in September, leaning against Bob Ross Rock.

The handling felt pretty natural, as the geometry is pretty close to the Radimus, aside from the 20mm shorter travel fork.

Not stock hardware, but the kinda stuff I pay attention to for no real good reason at all.

Reverse panel this time because I needed my third Vassago frame to be "different."

This is the first iteration of spacer arrangement I went with.  I'm now on my f̶o̶u̶r̶t̶h̶ f̶i̶f̶t̶h̶ s̶i̶x̶t̶h̶ seventh installment (sorry, I've been working on this post for three weeks) of shifting them from top to bottom trying to find the absolute sweet spot before chopping my steer pipe with a blunt hatchet.

I'm kinda stoked Tom went back to the old head badge design.  It's classic, what can I say?

How do I like it?

I'm smitten.  I knew I would like it because a wise cleric told me that it would fill a void in my soul.  Even before Western North Carolina closed, I knew I'd be choosing this bike over the others for 90% of my riding for awhile.  Closer to the handling of my Radimus while being closer to the weight of the Vertigo.  It's predictable.  It's fast.  It feels... natural.

And it feels totally different from the other two single speeds that look almost exactly like it. 

For those that are keeping score, that is three titanium single speeds owned by the same guy who drives a fourteen year old car.  You have your priorities, and I have mine.

And for those that sweat these things, the build is thus:

Frame: Vassago Optimus Ti

Fork: Fox Step Cast with Grip SL
Wheels: 24 spoke Industry Nine SOLiX m UL300

Tires: Maxxis OG Forekaster 2.6/Aspen 2.4 with Vitoria Air-Liner Light XC insert (rear)
Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120 brakes w/TruckerCo organic semi-metallic pads
Handlebars: Santa Cruz carbon 780mm

Stem: Industry Nine

Grips: ESI Racers Edge

Bottom bracket: Cane Creek Hellbender 70

Headset: Cane Creek 40

Dropper post: Fox Factory Transfer 180mm

Saddle: Ergon SMR3
Pedals: Shimano XTR

Cranks: Race Face NEXT R

Bottle cages; King titanium

Chain: KMC X9SL
Cog: Wolf Tooth

Seat post clamp: Wolf Tooth
Bar end plugs: Wolf Tooth