Starting off with a bare 52cm frame and fork (medium/large), we agonised over the colour but settled on Champagne in the end, and we're so glad we did! The photos do not do the finish of this frame any justice at all. You must see this bike in the flesh.
With that retro paint job there was only one choice when it came to finishing kit. Ritchey Classic Headset, Stem, Seatpost, Saddle, Bar Tape and Venturemax bar. A great blend of performance and value, modern components but in a beautiful retro satin silver finish. We felt brown tape and saddle would be too much with the champagne and copper paint so opted for black. Subtle and classy!
This bike is designed to be ridden over a variety of terrains, so the gearing had to accommodate a wide range of ratios without compromising small jumps between gears. That ruled out a 1x transmission. We've chosen GRX 800 for derailleurs and cranks (with 600 'rings), and 600 series for shifters, chain and cassette. Offering a 30/46t x 11-34t for close gear jumps and all the range you'll ever need.
We really wanted some Ritchey Classic Zeta Disc Wheels to match the finishing kit, but unfortunately they wont be with us until April. For now the it's shod with some Shimano RS171's. Panaracer provided the rubber in the form of the highly venerated GravelKing SK+ in 700x43c because size matters. Tanwalls, naturally. These tyres rip off-road but roll almost as fast as a slick on tarmac.
One of the reasons we chose GRX for the gearing, is because the brakes are just so damn good. As this is a gravel adventure build we've gone for Shimano 160mm centrelock rotors front and rear with finned IceTech pads. Enough power to cope with loaded bikepacking bags but still lightweight enough for normal road use.
We believe we've created something very special here. Yes, it's a visually stunning bike but the ride is something you have to experience to appreciate. Luckily it's a demonstrator so don't take our word for it, come and take it for a ride!
Built from a bare 55cm frame and fork (large), the Super Professional comes in 3 colourways. We went for Basil with classic white panels. The Supe' is described by All-City as an "urban cross machine". The geometry is more playful than the Space Horse and great fun to ride.
The Super professional can be built with drop bars but we wanted to build this as an urban warrior so flat bars were the way to go. Ritchey provide the cockpit with a Comp Trail Seatpost and Saddle, and a Flat Bar, Stem and Grips spinning on a Ritchey Comp headset. We've left the bar at a whopping 740mm but we may get the hacksaw out yet! We resisted the urge to fit a dropper, but the frame has routing for one!
Simplicity is the name of the game here so naturally a 1x drivetrain was in order. A great reason to run flat bars is we can fit the Shimano Deore M5100 series 11 speed components. Almost all of the range of the 12 speed M6100 series but significantly cheaper and more robust for lower servicing bills. Shimano 600 GRX provide the cranks, with a 40t chainring which is ample for commuting.
Again, we wanted some Ritchey Comp Zeta Disc Wheels to match the finishing kit, but we'll also have to wait for those. For now the it's running the same Shimano RS171's as the Space Horse. This time though, the Panaracer GravelKing Semi Slick+ in 700x38c is a more suitable fit for the intended purpose. These tyres are bonkers fast on tarmac but will take towpath riding in their stride.
Flat bars not just give us more versatility when it comes to gears, but brakes as well. Shimano's entry level MT200 hydro's are actually more powerful then the majority of their MTB range. 160mm centrelock rotors front and rear for those moments a car pulls out in front of you without looking. The bike natively runs flat mount calipers, but we've adapted it to run these post mount brakes.
This bike in one word is FUN! It's got lightning fast reactions due to it's Cyclocross inspired geometry, but it can be calmed down by sliding the rear wheel back in the adjustable dropout if you want a more stable ride. Try it for yourself to find out!
The Revolution Workshop
16 Cossham Street, Mangotsfield, Bristol, BS16 9EN, United Kingdom
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