Once destined for Panama, the original person requesting I send this bike down to Central America in the end did not feel up for the task. Since then I have kept this NS Bikes R.A.G. +1 (Road & Gravel…) in the back of the shop with the intension of one day building it up and get it out to someone who would appreciate this machine. I already had an idea as to what I thought the build would be.

To keep it within range of most folks wallet, I thought it best to keep it with mechanical shifting. SRAM AXS would be out of the question. Although it is mechanical, Campagnolo, with its EKAR Gravel groupset also would be rather expensive and not as well known to folks here in the southwest. (At least I haven’t seen many of this group on riders’ bikes.) Decidedly I opted to build it with Shimano’s GRX 11spd. gruppo with a mix of Full Speed Ahead wheels, Shimano Pro handlebars, seatpost and bar tape. Rolling on 45c WTB Riddler rubber with the rider perched on a Brooks’ C15 saddle, comfy enough to handle some of our almost-MTB gravel trails.

I’m quite sure that Steve has been putting this machine through its paces as he has now been somewhat converted over to the wide-tire side of riding. Having previously only ridden on nothing bigger than a 700 X 28c, he let me know of the many pluses of riding riding bigger tires, given all the many types of surfaces we have here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. One person upon seeing the bike at Tesuque Village Market told me that it resembled something from Star Wars or Mad Max, I can’t remember which one he said.

I’m not sure if NS Bikes is still making this model anymore so it was good to get my hands on one of these budget gravel frames for someone. While it may not get all the eyes checking it out compared to something a bit more lavish, this bike is solid choice for who is getting started on their gravel/all-road journey. Oh yeah, don’t forget the tire sealant…

 

-Clemente