I’ve had this beautiful TET frame for several years and even had most of the parts I needed to get it assembled but just never got to it. Well, with our plans to offer a Classic Teesdale Mountain Bike I figured I’d better get this one rideable for testing purposes.
Since I already have a Bontraeger that is set up pretty well for the single track I decided to set up the Teesdale as an urban assault bike / commuter rig for the time being. This is partly due to the fact that I have a sweet Teesdale fork that I had made at the same time and don’t really want to shell out the $$$ for another suspension fork. Besides, light weight is great! When I get my fitness back some I think I’ll want a rigid fork trail ride anyway. I like the precision of a rigid fork and, coupled with a nice fat front tire, the weight savings is a great bonus.
This TET frame was made with Columbus Nemo tubing while our new Classic line will use a sweet True Temper spec but the geometry is very close to what we are using on the Classic. BTW, the first 3 Classics will be available about mid-August!
This particular frame was built before disc brakes became all the rage so I used a Shimano BMX rear V-brake and paired that up with a set of old school Paul Component Engineering Stoplights that I had in the parts bin. Both ends are well balanced and remind me of how good a well set up canti or V-brake can be. Comes with a weight savings too. Nice.
The drivetrain is using Shimano XTR derailleurs from about 1997. They were new so you know they rock. Sachs twist shifters, a Profile crank, RaceFace BB and Vuelta chainrings round out the drivetrain.
A Dean ti seat post from an old race rig and, of course, a Flite saddle keep my butt off the rear tire.
I am still messing around with the stem. Right now it is a Profile BOA 120mm/20d rise but I think I may stretch it out a bit. Gotta wait for the stomach muscles to get stronger though! The handle bar is a Ritchey rise bar.
I also haven’t settled on a wheel set yet. Currently it is Sun CR-18s with XT hubs but I have a set of Cane Creek Aeroheat wheels that will probably get the final call. One thing I am pretty set on is the tire choice. As long as this is going to remain pavement-focused I am going to stick with the IRC Metro Duros in the 1.5 size. At 80PSI they roll well and still absorb some shock.
I only have about 60 or 70 miles on it but so far all the parts are playing nicely together and I am super happy with the ride. More as it comes.