The Bike

John’s Soma Double Cross Build

(Be sure and check out the pictures below - double click for larger size)








1) Soma Double Cross Frameset with matching tange fork


a. size 58cm weight is 4.4 lbs; fork weight not included
b. Color is British Racing Green (almost looks black)
c. Tange Prestige heat-treated butted CrMo steel front triangle; butted CrMo rear end
d. Clearance for 700x38c tires with fenders
e. Rear hub spacing fits either road or mtn. hubs (132.5mm)
f. Matching lugged crown steel fork with eyelets for front rack and braze-ons for low-rider panniers.
g. 1-1/8" size headtube - w/ extra height.
h. Headtube diameter Size: 1-1/8" size headtube - w/ extra height so you use less spacers
i. Seatpost Size: 27.2mm
j. Bottom Bracket: English Threading/68mm shell
k. Front Derailleur Style: Bottom-Pull This frame has front derailleur clamp size of 28.6mm (1-1/8”).
l. Axle Type: Quick Release

2) Headset: IRD Techno-Glide 1-1/8"threadless

3) Wheel Set:

a. Rims: Velocity Dyad silver rims 700c (36 hole rear (O/C) and 32 hole front). The Dyad is a very tough rim for loaded touring, commuting. They hardly ever develop cracks. The V shape eliminates the need for reinforcing eyelets at the spoke holes.

b. Hubs: White Industry hubs 36 hole rear/32 hole front hub

c. Hope Quick Release Skewers (Silver): The Hope Quick Release Skewers are high quality skewers with stainless steel rods. The Hope Quick Release Skewers also feature CNC machined aluminum levers giving a smooth, positive feel. (One 100mm Front, One 135mm Rear)

d. Spokes: Wheelsmith DB14 stainless steel spokes with brass nipples

e. Tires: Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Road Bike Clincher Tire – Folding 700c x 28 The Grand Prix 4 Season tire is a top level all seasons clincher with exceptional winter and wet condition performance and further improved sidewall durability.

The last minute before my Great Parks trip I switched tires to Continential Top Contact 700x32 - these are more of a true touring tires.
f. Tubes: Continental – 23/28

g. Fenders: Honjo hammered 43mm

4) Rear Rack - Tubus Cargo

The Cargo is great for heavily loaded panniers. The Tubus Cargo's rated capacity is 90 lbs. Without a doubt, this is the most stable rack you will find. It's made of tubular chro-moly steel; weighing 18oz.

5) Front Rack - Tubus Tara Low Rider

The Tubus Tara may be the strongest low-rider rack made. The stabilizing loop that crosses over the tire adds strength and rigidity to the system. The low-rider mounting system keeps your load's center of gravity down, improving your bike's handling. This is your best choice for long self-supported bicycle touring The Tara's rated capacity is 40 lbs. The Tara has extra mounting tabs for mounting fenders directly to the rack, there is plenty of clearance for tall tires and fenders within the rack.

6) Water Bottle Cages - Two (2) Water bottles Moderniste cages

7) Crank: Sugino XD600 full-sized Triple Crank Sets 48-36-26 (175mm) It has silver arms with alloy ramped SuperShift chrainrings, steel inner ring and it uses standard square bottom bracket spindle, 113/118 mm

8) IRD bottom bracket (size 113/118)

English (68mm) shell, 1.37x24tpi.

9) Shifters – 8 speed Shimano Dura Ace barcons mounted on Paul Thumbies

10) Cassette: Shimano XT Cassette 11-30T Silver

11) Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT, 8 Speed, SGS (long-cage), Silver

12) Front Derailleur: Shimano XT - Silver

13) Chain: – Shimano 8 speed HD-70

14) Brakes: Tektro CR720 Cantilever - Silver

15) Brake Levers – Cane Creek SCR-5 "Æro" levers with black hoods.

These are super brake levers for road bikes, made by Tektro. These low-friction levers have a high mechanical advantage, and can significantly upgrade the braking performance of an older bike without changing the calipers. They bear a very strong resemblance to Campagnolo Ergo brake/shift levers, only without the shift mechanism. Riders with large hands tend to find these especially comfy. They're very well made, with resin bodies and cold-forged 6061 aluminum levers, shaped for left/right hand individually.

16) Handlebars: Nitto 177 "Noodle" Bars ( 44 cm)

This handlebar combines a large roomy radius of a deep drop bar, and a relatively flat, hand-supporting upper curve. There is a 4 degree flare to the drops. It has been wrapped with Cinnelli natural cork tape. Few products in the world are as classic as Cinelli Cork. It's been the leading choice for handlebar wrap for decades. The natural cork construction is soft, it absorbs sweat, and it's sufficiently grippy so your hands won't slip.

17) Stem: IRD

18) Saddle - Terry Titanium Fly (Changed to Brooks Saddle B-17)

19) Seat Post - ST seat post size – 350 mm ST 6671

20) Pedals: Shimano SPD 525 w/platforms

21) Brass Bell: Japanese brass bell, pre-mounted on a 10mm headset spacer. A simple and perfect little bell with a sweet ring-a-ding ding.

22) Panniers – front and rear (not shown)

a. Deuter Rack Pack I (rear)
b. Deuter Rack Pack Cycling Panniers - Universal Front
c. Otlieb Handlebar bag – black medium


Here are some pictures of my Soma touring bike. If you want to see a larger version of the picture just double click on it.