BBS: Tell us about your new bike!
Dien: It’s a Soma Smoothie frame with a matching Soma steel fork. It has Ultegra 11-speed drivetrain and brakes. Stem and seat post are both matching Thomson parts. It’s a silly reason but I picked Thomson because one of my favorite philosophers is named Judy Thomson. The headset is Chris King with Salsa bar. The seat is the canvas Brooks Cambium and I taped the handle bar with matching tape. It has Continental 4Season tires for New England roads.
BBS: How does it ride?
Dien: It rides incredibly well! The whole thing weighs just south of 21 lbs but is sturdy and responsive. The bike really wants you to go faster. I love it. I ride it mostly on nice days for long rides.
BBS: How was your experience building it here?
Dien: The whole experience has been incredibly fun and rewarding. This is my first new bike in 26 years and I wanted to learn how to build one as well. People keep coming up to me and tell me it’s a work of art. I just love the way it fits and I know exactly how to tweak it and maintain it.
BBS: Thanks Dien – enjoy riding it!
