Spin Cyclz

I believe this may be the only RANS Alterra 700X in France.


One front chainring with a chainguard.


Forget if Francois is using the new Shimano Alfine 11 or perhaps the 8spd.


More pix when his assembly is complete.

Hi Nanda,

The plan was to build a very good commuter bike. At first I wanted a Nuvinci n360 and the bike to be completely built in the States, then shipped to Paris. That proved to be too expensive because of the import taxes.

So I just bought the frame. I had a very good deal on a second-hand Nuvinci n360 in France but ultimately I had doubts on the seller who replied very shadily by email. I thought I wouldn't take any chances and I settled for a new Alfine 11 that I bought from Germany (poison-bikes.de, these guys have great bikes, prices and awsome customer care).

Other components are : an aluminum fork and flat handlebar, 39T chainring, Avid BB7 disk brakes (with Tr!ckstuff centerlock adapter for rear), Schwalbe Marathon supreme tires, anti-theft quick-release axles...

I chose large BMX/downhill style platform pedals because they're just great with any shoes (commuter bike!) in any weather conditions.

The bike will end up cluttered with rear rack, fenders and U-lock for utility, which is a shame really because I love the clean looks of it at the moment.

The build has stalled for now because of a missing part but I hope I can get this ready before Christmas. That'd be a wonderful present!

I just bought a second chain. The first one was too short (package listed it as 116 links, but as a matter of fact it was 116 half links, of course). I installed it and took the bike for a spin around the block. It was night, chilling and raining, but I was SO COMFY on the bike ! I am so glad. The Alfine 11 is smooth as silk. The alterra seat is a wonder, just as good as the Zenetik's. The bike feels long but handles nicely. I love how I can pull on the bars and transmit so much power to the crank arms.



I installed my lights, rack and whatnot, so it's ready to go for commuting. I packed tools in the frame pack because I'm sure I'll get to tweak stuff along. Biker friends were eager to try it, and agreed that the comfort of this bike cannot be compared to the even the best of diamond frame city bikes.

The weather will be getting very cold starting next week, so possibly only have a week at most of using my Marathon Supreme tires. I'll install Marathon Winter studded tires as soon as the first ice appears.

You'll notice the weird attachments for mudguards, that's because the disc brakes made the intended attachments impossible. But it's solid enough.

I also found a clever bell that clamps to the brake levers. Very instinctive reach for emergencies, and allows to brake and ring at the same time. I also have a useful mini mirror to keep tabs on trafic behind me.



Last but not least, I have a rear rack with a bag, a necessary evil in this season to carry warm clothing and the mandatory biking rain coat.



Despite all the junk I attached, the bike is fast.

Looks great Francois. What size tires are you using a 700x32-35m? This setup should be perfect for commuting, and running around town, and a bit more purposeful then your Zenetik eh?

That's right Nanda, these are 700x35c tires. Very smooth rolling, and they have a good grip on wet pavement, which is a must where I live.

The bike is indeed a pleasure to commute with.