Every now and then I come across a bike that is just too cool not to share. Recently, Chad over at Red Barn Bicycles built up a killer Vassago Fisticuff commuter. This amazing ride is decked out with the latest in wood components to create a one of a kind ride.
From Chad’s blog:
I just finished up Roch’s new Vassago cyclocross/commuter/dirt road /do everything bike…..this was a really fun build and i was able to work with a few new products that I’ve never seen before. For starters, Woody’s wood inlay fenders were a treat……I did have to slightly modify the rear fender so that the front derailleur could swing far enough to work with three front chainrings. I opted to use a small mallet and wood chisel to remove just enough material…..smoothed it back out with a couple of files and then finished it off with dose of varnish. I hated to cut into a $150 set of fenders, but hey….someone had to do it !
Also…since budget was still a priority (complete bike for under 2K), this was also my first experience with the knock off Nitto mustache bars. The Dimension bars were labeled that they were not compatible with Shimano bar end shifters, a small gamble worked out on behalf of price reduction and our set of shifters installed just fine. We also saved a few pennies with the use of the Dimension seatpost. Ironically though…..the budget was blown wide open with the use of the Brooks B17 saddle and matching Brook leather tape (the 8 inches of spare tape was used to wrap the chainstay).
For more information, check out the Red Barn Bikes Blog or contact Chad at Red Barn Bicycles.
Nice, well though out bike! Except a “wood” bike should be built with gumwall tires and brake hoods. And since I’ve become a self appointed critic, your “belt” doesn’t match your “shoes”. By this I mean that your seat post and stem are black, but your components are silver. On a properly aesthetic bike, they should match (preferably silver).
It’s a very nice bike and I’m being overly critical. I wish there were more bikes like yours on the road.
Last suggestion: Ditch the ugly black cages and get some Nitto’s or Salsa’s in silver. And get a big brass bell!