Indy Fab SSG with Gates Carbon Drive

Tim wanted something special...

Based on the Independent Fabrication SSR (Stainless Steel Road), the SSG takes the incredible Columbus XCr stainless steel tubeset but adds wider clearance and, in this case, a split in the drive side seat stay to accomodate a Gates Carbon Drive.

Obviously the paintwork is stunning. This is a great looking bike, that's immediately obvious. It takes a little longer to fully digest what else is going on with this phenomenal build.

Built disc specific with an ENVE fork, the Indy Fab SSG is stunning. Tim wanted to run Shimano's Alfine 11 speed hub gear, so the spacing and dropouts where custom built specifically. The Alfine is incredibly tough and almost entirely manitenance free, it's internal gears effectively shielded from the dirt and filth of the roughest of roads and tracks. It's possible to make it even more resilient, and lighter, by running it with a Gates Carbon Drive system, switching out the sprocket and chainring and running a carbon belt. No oil, no noise, less wear... We've built with UK made Middleburn cranks before and they offer great looks and great performance as well as something a bit more unusual. Tim went for Alfine Di2 for the very best shifting possible, so the frame also deals with the cabling for that. The bar mounted digital display is a nice touch, with gearing and battery info clearly displayed.

The Shimano R785 hydraulic brakes are powerful and fuss free. The Arch Ex 29er rims are super tough, lightweight, tubeless ready: what more do you want? This bike will see a lot of different terrain and a lot of different tyre choices through the years, but for summer use these Panaracer RiBmo tyres are tough to beat. VERY tough, great traction on a variety of surfaces.

The Fizik finishing kit keeps things very elegant up top and the Cinelli Caleido tape adds a touch more colour and some nice extra detailing.

This is a unique build with tons of character, a bike that will see many amazing years of adventuring and traversing roads less travelled. A joy to ride for years to come.

Photos: Bobby Whittaker / Bespoke Cycling.