Super Commuter: Independent Fabrications Club Racer with Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14, Gates Carbon Drive, and Dynamo Set-up

This custom super commuter is now climbing the hills of San Francisco, CA. The customer already rode with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 internal gear hub and Gates Carbon Drive belt, and while he really loved the drivetrain, he was less happy with the original frame. So, he came to us to discuss options for moving the Rohloff and belt over to a new frame. Besides wanting to re-use his drivetrain, the main goal of the bike was quick, responsive handling like his road bike to add a little excitement to his daily commute.

Independent Fabrications was high on his list due to the many choices available through their custom program, and he ultimately decided to go with a stainless steel Club Racer frame with a 3/4 paint job. We worked with him to spec the bike with commuting essentials, then dialed in the fit and got in touch with IF to work through the frame details.

Independent Fabrication in Newport, New Hampshire, builds all of their bikes to order. They are well known for both quality of frame construction and extensive custom paint capabilities.

Given the level of customization for this bike, Independent Fabrications was the perfect frame company for the build. They worked with us to use the Paragon Machine Works PolyDrop for Gates Carbon Drive belt insertion and built the frame with an eccentric bottom bracket for easy tensioning of the belt. They also integrated wiring for the dynamo-powered taillight, added Rohloff specific cabling, and gave it the custom paint job our customer wanted.

As the frame was being built, the Cycle Monkey Wheel House got to work. We specified Velocity Dyad rims for their blend of strength, durablility, and weight and used double-butted Sapim Race spokes with Sapim brass nipples for a solid, daily use wheelset.

For the front wheel, the customer chose a Schmidt SON28 dynamo hub for self-powered lighting of both the front and rear lights. This top-quality dynamo ensures that the bike will light up every time he pedals, so he can head for any destination safely with the road well lit and never need to think about charging a battery.

The rear wheel was outfitted with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14, which is a great fit for any commuter because of its durability, wide gear range, and consistent, maintenance-free shifting. With the addition of the Gates Carbon Drive belt, this is one of the most low maintenance and dependable drivetrains available. The belt has a usable lifespan at least twice as long as a conventional chain (and typically much longer) and does not require lubrication or cleaning.

This set-up is perfect for a hassle-free commute every day of the week. Whether you are heading across town or out of town, you can get on and get going without worrying whether the shifting is working.

In order to make this Club Racer the super commuter our customer wanted, we selected top-shelf components to complement the frame and provide a comfortable and reliable set-up.

This Independent Fabrications Club Racer turned out to be just the thing our customer wanted to ride everyday. IF's style and attention to detail is exemplified in this build.

Are you looking for the perfect commuter? Do you want a new bike that meets all of your needs and that you love to ride? Give us a call - we can help you make it happen.

Build Details:

• Frame: Independent Fabrications Club Racer
• Fork: IF custom steel fork
• Headset: Chris King NoThreadset
• Stem: Thomson X4
• Handlebar: Jeff Jones Loop H-Bar
• Shifters: Rohloff twist shifter
• Grips: Ergon GC1
• Seat post: Thomson Elite

• Saddle: Selle Anatomica X Series
• Front Hub: Schmidt SON28 Dynamo
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Race
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Velocity Dyad
• Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Supreme

• Cranks: Middleburn RS8 X-Type
• Pedals: Shimano XT
• Bottom Bracket: Chris King
• Chain ring: Gates Carbon Drive
• Rear Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive
• Chain/Belt: Gates Carbon Drive
• Brakes & Levers: Magura rotors (160mm, 180mm)

• Front Light: Schmidt Edelux II

• Tail Light: Schmidt SON taillight

• Fenders: Portland Design Works Full Metal Jacket
• Front Rack: Nitto Campee