Custom x-small mountain bike

Lyra needed a mountain bike that would give her top tube clearance and with the bars able to be positioned lower than the saddle – at not much over five feet tall this just isn’t possible with current available production bikes that all have tall suspension forks. The answer was a fully rigid bike, featuring a custom fork with a very low crown height, and a headtube just tall enough to join the top and downtubes to. Big volume, tubeless tires run at low pressure will provide plenty of suspension for an 100lb rider, augmented by a titanium handlebar and seatpost for a bit more passive ‘give’.

Most likely the stem will end up without the spacer, but better not to cut the steerer until the position is definite! With XT cranks, XTR for the rest of the drivetrain/wheels and SRAM XX brakes the total weight came in at 18lb. Asymmetric seatstays allow for room for the chainstay mounted brake caliper.

“I am totally satisfied and happy with my bicycle. Most importantly, I now have a bike that fits. I can stand over the top tube and feel comfortable in my riding position. I am also very impressed with the amount of vibration dampening/suspension that the bike has without a suspension fork. I think that the ability to ride with low tire pressure coupled with the titanium seat post and handlebar actually provide me with as smooth a ride as my previous hard tail mountain bike. Additionally, the bike is LIGHT. It’s great to be able to load and generally handle my bike. Lastly, my bike is georgeous! Thanks Rob!!!”

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