“Weaver Cycle Works is a small, hard-working, one-man shop in Collingswood, New Jersey. I build bicycle frames that are meant to be ridden, and ridden hard for years to come. They are 100% hand-crafted, fully custom, steel bicycle frames that are made to fit. All of my frames are manufactured using high quality steel tubing and the best possible fabrication techniques.” – Mark Weaver
This example of Weaver Cycle Works’ handiwork belongs to Mr Peter Bakken, avid adventure type cyclist and photographer extraordinaire. While most of the media types were laughing it up and riding bicycles at the recent media preview for unPAved (Part One – Part Two), Peter was hard at work taking photographs of the scenery and riders.
Fortunately, Peter did manage to ride on the last day of the media camp, and despite the weather being a bit dodgy, his ride proved his bike doesn’t sit around looking pretty and clean, all of the time.
Starting at the front of the bike, Peter’s Weaver is kitted out with the ever-reliable Shimano Ultegra mechanical shifter groupset.
Above, a Thomson stem (made in Macon, Georgia, USA), keeps Peter’s Salsa Cowbell 2 handlebar securely locked in place.
Along with the addition of a very discreet Cat Eye bell.
Some bad ideas turn into good ideas, depending on your perspective.
Above, the Weaver Cycle Works headtube badge and externalized cable routing.
It’s hard to go past choosing a Chris King headset, and in Peter’s case, he’s chosen gold, which contrasts nicely with the livery of the frame.
Above, the Topeak frame pump receives the custom paint treatment to match the frame.
Peter eschews a carbon fork for a Weaver Cycle Works custom steel fork.
Going custom allows you to specify anything your heart may desire. Peter has been known for knocking out some seriously long bike packing trips, so little extras such as braze-on mounts are a handy addition to the fork.
Above, the rear derailleur cable barrel adjuster mounts neatly to a braze-on towards the top of the downtube.
Above, Peter has not consumed the 1x / single chainring Koolaid, and has chosen a White Industries VBC (variable bolt circle) 2x / double chainring crankset (48/32 chainrings). Be sure to check out our review of the latest version of the VBC crankset, the MR30. Shifting between the chainrings is handled by an 11-speed Shimano Ultegra mechanical front derailleur.
The rear derailleur is a mid-cage Shimano Ultegra unit, paired to an Ultegra level 11-32 cassette.
Peter’s gearing combo is the near perfect setup for all-round gravel cycling, especially if there’s plenty of climbing on the menu.
Classy dropouts with integrated mounting points and a removeable / replaceable rear derailleur hanger.
The bottom bracket for Peter’s White Industries VBC crankset is the company’s square taper unit. Square taper has been around a long time, and just plain works.
Above, there is a decent amount of tyre clearance between the Maxxis Rambler 700c x 40mm tyre inside of those chainstays.
Above, post-mount TRP Spyre SLC mechanically actuated dual-piston brakes, Salsa gold quick releases, and a TRP 160mm 6-bolt rotor.
Identical brakes, rotors and quick releases on the rear.
Industry Nine’s I25 TL Disc wheelset is a no-nonsense, reliable setup, tipping the scales at about 1,485 grams for the pair.
The rear wheel features Industry Nine’s 24 hole 2/1 lacing pattern – 16 spokes on the rear drive side flange, paired with 8 opposing spokes. Be sure to keep an eye on Gravel Cyclist as we are reviewing a pair of the company’s latest wheels, the Ultralite 235 CX TRA!
Keeping with the theme of the stem, Peter has chosen a Thomson Masterpiece setback seatpost, These seatposts truly are a masterpiece. Lightweight, and incredibly easy to setup and adjust.
Atop the seatpost resides an All-City Cycles Gonzo saddle.
This Weaver Cycle Works bike is one of two that Peter owns, and the older of his pair. We hope to feature his second and newer bike later in 2018.
Peter Bakken’s Weaver Cycle Works Custom Adventure Bike
- Frame: Weaver Cycle Works Steel, Custom. True Temper Platinum OX tubing for the main triangle, Dedacciai tubing for the rear triangle.
- Fork: Weaver Cycle Works Steel, Custom, True Temper Platinum OX tubing for the fork blades and steerer.
- Headset: Chris King.
- Stem: Thomson.
- Handlebar: Salsa Cowbell 2.
- Bar Tape: Salsa.
- Brakes: TRP Spyre SLC.
- Brake Rotors: TRP 160mm front and rear.
- Brake / Shift Levers: Shimano Ultegra Mechanical 2 x 11-speed.
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Mechanical 11-speed.
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Mid-Cage Mechanical 11-speed.
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra 11-32 11-speed.
- Chain: Shimano Ultegra.
- Crankset: White Industries VBC with 48/32 chainrings.
- Bottom Bracket: White Industries square taper.
- Pedals: Shimano.
- Wheelset: Industry Nine I25 TL Disc.
- Tires: Maxxis Rambler 700c x 40mm.
- Saddle: All-City Cycles Gonzo.
- Seatpost: Thomson Masterpiece setback.
- Bottle Cages: Unknown mixed pair.
That’s a sharp, capable-looking bike. Why the square-taper BB/crankset, d’ya think? I for sure don’t miss square-taper at all. Heavy, tricky to adjust, needs 3 very specific tools to work on the setup, and a tendency to loosen up.
Pete may have bought the VBC square taper crankset before the MR30 version became available. This bike is a couple of years old now.