Another problem is that the brake bridge is so low that mounting a fender with a 32mm tire (Compass Stampede) is just about impossible forcing me to go to a much less satisfactory 28mm tire.

This bike is actually a natural for cantilever brakes.I purchased this frame late last year.

Not to threadcrap, but I saw this build and I have a Ritchey fork as well which is a rarity these days as most builds seem to feature Enve.

They’re short and shallow, with a gentle curve. Slightly extended head tube allows bars to match seat height without looking goofy. I like the IRD steel fork. Excellent geometry.

I've set it up with a Shimano triple crankarm set. Anything flexier, like the heavy, 32-spoke traditional hand-builds that often grace this kind of bicycle, would have robbed the Soma of some of its purposefulness. Been doing some singing reviews here so check these out while you're at it: I purchased this frame late last year. The Smoothie is its road race frame, but it still offers mudguard and rack mounts, boosting its versatility. They twin with the frame to bring out the best in each other. Not too slack, not too flighty, just right. Consequently it was necessary to purchase some center-pull brakes (Gran Compe 610s) to gain access to the left boss and even then attaching a rack is hard. I also bought the matching ES steel fork. It is a better choice for recreational riders who have no plans on racing. I take itto the grocery store, the office and a century is coming up!Get the latest road bike reviews, news, race results, and much more by signing up for the Roadbikereview NewsletterGet the latest roadbike reviews, news, race results, and much more by signing up for the Roadbikereview Newsletter© Copyright 2020 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Jamis Quest and Specialized Roubaix Triple. The Fizik Ardea saddle has more than average padding. Handles a wide variety of tires, racks, panniers, fenders. The seat collar is also integrated into the frame, which in practical terms is neither here nor there, but it looks great.

Not a feather weight but reasonable for the price. I wanted to have the handlebars at the same height as the saddle, room for fenders and 32mm tires, provisions for rack and fenders, something suitable for commuting, running errands, centuries, double centuries, and maybe even PBP!

Being a custom build, you’ll be able to specify a compact, traditional or pro-compact chainset, along with whatever block takes your fancy on the rear. Raising the rack bosses another 1-1.5" (as is done with the Soma Smoothie) would be a major improvement as would providing a bit more clearance for the rear fender by redesigning the fender mount on the brake bridge. The frame is welded; the fork crown is lugged. This "weakness" comment is not a biggie; just build around it.

The weight of the complete bike without pedals came in at 19.7 lbs with a 54 cm frame. It rides stable, comfortable, and is fast enough. Out back there’s plenty of space for wider tyres or mudguards, along with rack mounts. The front is more flexible side-to-side, although this only becomes noticeable when sprinting and even then not really to an annoying degree. 73 degree parallel, 43cm chain stays, 70mm BB drop… throw in extra beefy rear triangle tubes and you get a solid spirited ride with just the right balance of handling, stiffness and comfort. The Dhb Classic jersey gives you plenty of high end features at a budget price I give it a 100 percent recommendation. The geometry yields a comfortable and fast ride. Lightweight, comfortable, breathable bibshorts for 90% of rides We were keen to find out if practicality and excitement are mutually exclusive or whether a bike can really provide both. It’s also absolutely, mid-70s Stevie Nicks-level gorgeous. The skinny tubes led us to suspect it might be on the flexy side. Great for folks who are going to have one bike.I bought this bike fully built up - it was the last floor model for 2006, and I'm really enjoying it.I got to take it for a two hour test drive and found the steel provides a nice smooth ride and the more relaxed geometry is great. The Soma Smoothie that I tested was built up very middle of the road with an ITM Basic carbon fork, Shimano 105 components and a set of hand build wheels with Alex Pro 28 rims. Soma is a small brand based in San Francisco.

It is delivered in near ready condition though I took it to a bike shop to have the head tube and bottom bracket checked for proper tolerances. I was not satisfied with the repair and after a few weeks of being ignored, I finally got a new frame. It is delivered in near ready condition though I took it to a bike shop to have the head tube and bottom bracket checked for proper tolerances.

I use a l20mm stem to get the 'bar out there at sufficient distance. The geometry yields a comfortable and fast ride. Drop outs could be better constructed but, so far, no problem.I saw a SOMA Smoothie Frame at Bicycle Outfitters in Los Altos and thought it was one of the nicest looking frames I'd seen. This is likely attributable to the 73 degree head angle and the long fork.

It's very well put together and fit me perfectly. No alignment or fit and finish issues – a smooth build. Smooth, stable, comfortable, and fast too. I prefer the Jamis Quest and Soma ES to the Roubaix.I bought an ES in 2005 for a commuter. I really liked the finish, it exceeded my expectations for the price point. Been doing some singing reviews here so check these out while you're at it: Bought one of these recently and wasn't massively impressed. Welds are exceptionally clean and uniform and the paint is too, including a nice clear coat over the decals.IRD fork is tight, making fender mount w/ 32c Pasela a challenge. The frame does a fantastic job of drowning out the chatter, making pockmarked roads feel more like freshly-laid tarmac and is definitely the most comfortable on test.