Custom Tsunami build

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fa63
Posts: 2533
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:26 am
Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

So, I have started the process of getting a custom geometry aluminum road frame built by Tsunami bikes and wanted to share the excitement :beerchug: Based on my conversations with the builder (Joe) so far, it sounds like it will be a pleasant experience. Anyways, here is what the geometry and the color scheme looks like at the moment:

FA-Custom Geo.jpg

Basically, a tall 56 cm frame to give me the handlebar height I want without having to resort to a spacer tower. I plan on going with a bright metallic blue finish, except leave it metallic silver for the chain and seat stays. The build list looks like this at the moment:

Frame: Custom Tsunami
Fork: Not sure (Enve 2.0 or Ritchey WCS UD)
Headset: Chris King Silver
Brakes: Planet X CNC
Crankset / FD: Shimano Dura Ace 7800
Shifters / RD: SRAM Red
Seatpost: PMP Titanium or Ritchey Classic
Stem: Ritchey Classic Silver
Handlebar: Easton EC90 SLX3
Saddle: Specialized Romin Pro
Wheels: Undecided (I might splurge for a set of custom built Ambrosio Nemesis tubulars using Dura Ace hubs, but other suggestions are welcome)

I will update this post with weights and other details as the build progresses.
Last edited by fa63 on Tue Jan 24, 2012 6:07 pm, edited 10 times in total.

by Weenie


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philhul
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Location: Newcastle, UK

by philhul

Can't wait to see the real thing. Must be great to have a frame custom made to your exact requirements.

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fa63
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Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

Deposit has been placed so here we go!

On a bright note, I sold off a bunch of old unused parts sitting around in my garage and I have already generated enough money to pay for the frame. A couple more items and I should be able to go for a Enve fork for this build.

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Powerful Pete
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Location: Lima, Peru and the Washington DC area - it's complicated.

by Powerful Pete

Most excellent. It was a blast to follow the last Tsunami build here. Really quite excited about this one...
Road bike: Cervelo R3, Campagnolo Chorus/Record mix...
Supercommuter: Jamis Renegade...
Oldie but goodie: De Rosa Professional Slx, Campagnolo C-Record...
And you can call me Macktastik Honey Pete Kicks, thank you.

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jmilliron
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Location: Denver, CO

by jmilliron

Nice! Sounds like it's going to be a sweet setup.

Keep us updated.
2013 Wilier Cento1 SR || 2009 Ridley Crossbow || 2011 Yeti AS-R 5 Carbon

hidayanra
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Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 1:15 am

by hidayanra

yes - that's looking great.
I'm deciding whether to start one myself... I'm excited to follow yours!

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LouisN
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Location: Canada

by LouisN

What's the tubing .

louis :)

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fa63
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Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

I was out on a cruise boat with no internet access for the last four days so didn't get a chance to update or answer questions, but I have made a couple minor changes to the geometry and I am waiting for Tsunami to get back to me with the final drawing before I give them the go ahead to start building the frame up. As far as the tubing goes, if I am not mistaken it will be 7005 aluminum with S-bend chainstays, straight seatstays, and bi-ovalized aero profile down tube. Will post pictures when I start getting them in.

As far as the fork goes, I am now torn between going with a very lightweight Ritchey WCS Carbon UD fork (supposedly comes in under 300g) and a slightly heavier but better reviewed Enve 2.0. Opinions are welcome.

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Powerful Pete
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Location: Lima, Peru and the Washington DC area - it's complicated.

by Powerful Pete

Ahhh... thanks, I was beginning to lose hope!

Thanks for the update!
Road bike: Cervelo R3, Campagnolo Chorus/Record mix...
Supercommuter: Jamis Renegade...
Oldie but goodie: De Rosa Professional Slx, Campagnolo C-Record...
And you can call me Macktastik Honey Pete Kicks, thank you.

bricky21
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Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2010 3:28 pm

by bricky21

fa63 I had a ritchey wcs fork on my Merlin and I could not say enough good things about it (285g. cut to 215mm). The enve 2.0 may perform as well but it wont be better. It will come down to price, and look.

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fa63
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Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

bricky21 - Good to know the Ritchey fork worked out well for you. I think you are right; it looks like it will come down to looks as to which one wins out: straight legs (Enve) vs. curved ones (Ritchey). At the moment I am leaning towards the Enve, but we will see...

Here is the final geometry that we decided on, a slightly slacker STA so I can get the setback I need (10.5cm) using a ~25mm SB seatpost and slightly longer TT to compensate for the STA:

CustomGeo.jpg

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fa63
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Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

Here are a couple pictures of the frame in the jig that I just got from the builder:

Image

Image

:D

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LouisN
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by LouisN

Did I miss something, or it's going to be ISP ?

I personnally wish he'd use tapered headtubes once in a while, with integrated headsets. I know CK are a classic, just an opinion...

Those "building process" pics are cool !!! :thumbup:

The downtube looks just like my Proxydium.

Louis :)

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fa63
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by fa63

No ISP, he just hadn't cut the seat tube to length yet in those pictures.

As far as the headset goes, there is the option of an integrated headset, but I chose not to go with it due to personal preference.

by Weenie


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fa63
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Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:26 am
Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

Quick update:

Just got these from the builder, the frame is almost ready for paint:

Image
Image

Now to choose which color to go with. I have been thinking of doing a metallic blue with silver seat and chain stays. But I am not sure which blue to go with:

Bright metallic blue:
Image

Or a darker blue:
Image

(Yes, I like Corvettes).

Suggestions are welcome.

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