For the second installment in our Race Metal Video Series with Miguel Ovalles, he walks us through his current bike and why he's set on racing a metal bike.
Hi Miguel! I think the squid bikes gravtron might be a good option. It's a more budget oriented 4130 cromo steel frame that happens to come with only a black ED layer and is ready for you to unleash your artistic prowess in painting it yourself!
First that pop into my mind is Fairlight. I’m not sure they are ”small” enough, but their steel bikes comes in a vast amount of sizes which should suit almost everybody. Otherwise going full custom also meet the three criterias.
Hello! I am so excited to see this series. I thought I was nearly alone. Done the Vaast A1, not gravel enough. Salsa Journeyer, a little too safe like the Grizl - My search continues. Canyon killing the AL Grail is a major disservice to the community for sure. #standertbikes would be a great choice, but the shipping kills me and I cannot see one from here. I have won a gravel race on AL and believe that with a carbon seat post and correct tires and bar, they are fantastic. Selling my Giant Revolt while I follow your series.
Stoked for this series! Would love to see you check out: Chumba, Caletti, and Blackheart! Selfishly because I've been interested in both their Ti and non-Ti bikes :) Although perhaps custom steel is too high a price point?
Another vote for Chumba. I went with them for all the reasons you articulated: small shop, real people making nice bikes, quality materials, and the pleasure of working with Vince Colvin and company to get the bike of your dreams!
I highly recommend Bishop Bikes out of Baltimore. This guy is talented and love challenges. He can build a bike anyway you like and the bike of dreams.
Hey Miguel!😊 Like I already commented in the first video, I would love to see you squeeze out the potential of the Standert Kettensäge. Its advertised as pure gravel race bike and for me it should also replace my pure road bike. So, selfish suggestion, but...yeah.🎉
Veloci Jimmy. Veloci is a very small brand, but with big background in Taiwan. Also very good selection of frames. And the rest is of course handpicked components.
I'd love to see a Sour Clueless, Wilde Rambler SL, or (another) Crust Evasion Lite build. The latter two manufactured by MaxWay in Taiwan, the former in Saxony (Dresden, Germany?). Currently I'm riding a custom painted Sour Big Fun (renamed Big Fungus w/morel theme) and a Foundry Overland Ti gravel bike. The Big Fun is lite for a steel frame and geometry is on point, also, its from the first batch of Germany manufactured frames. Lastly, I encourage buying used frames and components.
