Hi Dom,

Thanks for the new bike. It was quick and easy to set up on Saturday morning, and after a bit of tinkering I took it for a quick spin to make adjustments and take photos.

I then took it for a 30km ride on Sunday, and have to say I was blown away by the speed of it on the rough gravel I took it along (I bagged PB’s on all the gravel segments!).

The Redshift Sports seatpost was impressive, if a little strange, as I’ve not ridden a bike with any form of rear suspension before. As for the frame size, it’s spot on, and I’ll be upgrading the stem with a Redshift one of the same length shortly.

Thanks again, I’m going to have some fun adventures with it!"

Ian

Hi Alex and the team Mason,

I received my Mason Resolution 2 bike yesterday ... It is magnificent

I already did a first little road test yesterday afternoon, and it works perfectly.

I wanted to thank you personally and all of your team for the work accomplished and for the efficient monitoring of my file throughout the manufacturing process.

I will not hesitate for a second to advertise around me, to extol the merits of your brand of bike, rest assured!

Again a big thank you and congratulations to you for your work.

Sportingly,
Serge

Hi Dom,

I hope you and the Mason team are all keeping well and that even with lockdown you have been keeping busy with new orders.

I just wanted to write and thank you again for our wonderful bokehs. We have had them 9 months or so now and what a wonderful 9 months!

I’ve been in love with cycling for a few years now but my bokeh has taken this to a whole new level. Clive has been cycling for many years and owned many bikes and I know he feels the same.

I never want to ride anything else, I do of course, (occasionally...rarely!!) but then I cycle past some interesting looking track or other and am thinking ...I wish I was on my bokeh!! Well to be honest even without seeing a track...I just always want to be out on my bokeh, (ask Clive!!) I feel a part of it, it’s so comfortable to ride for mile after mile, it’s so much fun, it puts a big smile on my face, it’s given me so much confidence off road too.

When we are ‘flying‘ down a more technical steeper bit (which I would not have previously felt happy doing) Clive always says ‘trust in Dom’ and we ‘let the bikes go’, because the bokeh just finds its way down over pretty much anything and I always feel safe and in control. (Of course we are not reckless but I remember from our first bokeh trial coming down off the South Downs and how I came down the track much faster than I would have ever previously felt comfortable to do so!) I am much braver than I was, the bokeh inspires me with   confidence.

Clive and I have been having amazing fun going off exploring miles and miles off road (and on road) and also enjoying bike packing which we are loving - the bokeh is so stable even with all the bags on, it handles so brilliantly even when fully loaded. I keep plotting new routes using OS maps as I just get so excited about finding new places, new tracks, recently I have been brave enough to go off solo whilst Clive is working, (he follows me on a tracker so he knows I’m ok) and I would never be brave enough to do that on any another bike! Well to be perfectly honest I wouldn’t want to do it on any other bike! I just want to ride my bokeh, me and my bokeh!

I really love the 650 wheels (the WTB Venture tyres are fab too), the 650s were such a great choice and so versatile. I have to say I loved them from the moment I tried them. Though not saying we won’t buy the 700s aswell at some point too ....!

We cycled all through last winter in the wet, the floods, the mud, ice, the dirty roads... whilst our cycle club buddies went onto Zwift as the roads were so bad.  We didn’t just get through the winter, we absolutely bl@@dy loved it, out on our bokehs. Not only that but we even went off road in the wet soggy winter too, down tracks and canal paths, we have found the bokehs to cope amazingly with muddy territory more suitable for MTBS. Without a puncture too!! What a bike!!

I had a guy on Insta liking my pics and asking me (us) about our Bokehs and the 650s, tyres, sram etc just looking for advice really as he was already looking to order a bokeh ....and then seeing his pics when it arrived and he loves riding it so much! It’s difficult for people to know just how fabulous a bokeh is until you own one.

You might remember when I ordered mine I couldn’t sleep until 3am with excitement looking at the pictures, I still get excited, I so love the Element grey, the copper and mustard detailing. It’s just soooo beautiful.

I didn’t go out to exercise at the beginning of lockdown as I was so anxious about Covid - I’m asthmatic and it scared me - but Clive encouraged me to get out cycling (we used to go at 6am to avoid anyone!)  and since then we have been out on the bokehs constantly and it’s like my daily injection of happiness. Puts a big smile on my (our) face!

So I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you for designing such a beautiful bike which is fabulous to ride because our bokehs give us so much pleasure, I can truly say I (we) have never had so much fun.

You and the team do such an amazing job and I imagine it’s been pretty tough during lockdown but I do hope things are keeping really busy for you.

Apologies for my very long email but it’s very heartfelt as my bokeh gives me so much happiness (and Clive his) and I just wanted to say a big thank you from us both. I’m copying Clive in incase he wants to add anything (??!!) but I just wanted to write and let you know how much we are enjoying your wonderful bokeh.

With very best wishes,
Tiggy (and Clive)

Hi Dom thanks very much for the bike. I must say its the nicest bike I've seen in a very long time The finish is second to none, I really like the tube profile and the way the decals are placed all around the frame, so subtle especially on the Fork. It really has a lovely shape complementing the frame. The cable routing is perfect. I thought there might be cable rub off the frame with the euro setup for the brakes but no. It just works. The Frame badge, very nice. The finish kit works superbly, especially the front mech. The new Shimano front mech’s are normally tricky to get right in my experience, this bike is spot on. I really like the placement of all the bosses for carrier and mudguards, definitely a 4 season bike. Perfect for Ireland.
The wheels are lovely.

Now to the ride, My partner, Niamh is comparing the Mason to a Carbon Cannondale Synapse. She is very comfortable on that bike. From the first spin she complemented the planted feel and She flew around the bends which goes to show the confidence she had in it straight away. On the club spin today, everyone was in admiration of it. It’s her favourite bike.

Call me fickle but I spent hours fitting the mudguards and then felt they spoilt the beautiful lines so I took them off again.

For a quote the bike looks amazing but you don’t really appreciate the full beauty until you take it for that first spin, wow thank you very much for all of your hard graft at the design table.

Please find a couple of pics taken in Castle Combe
Best regards,

The bike excelled at everything. Long days in the flat lands chatting to my mates and I kind of forgot about the bike, no niggles, no twitchy-ness, just there, doing it's thing. Same can be said of climbing, until you decide to race your mates for the summit, then suddenly, it accelerates like stink, gone is the steady long distance feel, it just wants to go! As for descending, I am quite a confident descender, but this thing corners beautifully, pick a line and it holds it, get it wrong and overcook it, the bike seems to forgive.

I am truly impressed with the bike.

Not every day in Mallorca was hot and sunny, the photo attached was taken on a day of torrential rain, a day when I gave up riding after an hour or so when I realised that the streams I appeared to be riding in were covering not just the tyre but the rim as well. I can have that pretty much any day at home! It was however a nice chance to test the brakes, again, nothing exciting, they just get on a do the job as well as they do in the dry.

My thoughts thus far on the bike are that it is an eminently capable bike that just gets on a does it job with no fuss whatsoever. I barely notice it a lot of the time. It's comfy and efficient, it stops as well in the wet as the dry. Only when you want to turn the wick up does it suddenly let you know that deep down it wants to (as you say) make progress.

I'm really enjoying the Resolution. Since it arrived I've hardly been near any of my other bikes.

I knew from shooting the video in March that the bike would look great and that you'd put a lot of thought into every aspect of the design. But of course you never really know how how well a bike is going to ride until you get in the saddle.

I think you've nailed it with the Resolution. It has all the positive qualities associated with good steel bikes without the negatives. It's a really smooth ride but very responsive. The front-end stiffness is especially impressive. The combination of hydraulic discs, 28c rubber and a great fork make for confidence-inspiring handling. You can brake late and really lean it over.

On the hills, it rides like a much lighter bike. I took it up Barhatch Lane last weekend, which is one of the hardest climbs in Surrey with a 21% gradient near the top. Despite being quite unfit at the moment I rode my second fastest time, going quicker than I've been on several carbon fibre test bikes. I've only set a better time on my own 7kg race bike.

"I absolutely love the Resolution. I'm better at buying bikes than selling them, so I have six in the shed. But since I bought the Mason I've ridden it for at least 90% of my rides.

It's so much more than a posh winter bike. I corner harder and faster on the Resolution than on any of my other bikes. I put it down to dependable brakes, sorted geometry and the extra grip from fatter tyres. I have so much confidence in the Resolution, which really comes to the fore on unfamiliar descents.

I have a particular training loop that I use for intervals, one lap full gas, one lap steady. I rode it on my carbon Trek one weekend and the Resolution six days later.

My Trek Domane is 2kg lighter than the Resolution. It's on 23c summer tyres. The Resolution is on 28c winter tyres with mudguards.

The wind speed for each ride was within 1mph and the direction was almost identical. I rode the loop five times and was quicker on all three of the fast laps on the Resolution.

I know my 'best' bike would've quicker still, but it has deep-section carbon wheels and is nothing like as comfortable."

It's rides great by the way. Initially the saddle was too far back but once sorted it's perfection. So accurate around the bends even in the wet - that was something I noticed today hanging on the wheel! everyone on the ride today was complementing the bike which I have to say is unusual in my cycling circles - often cynical race face types (and a cat 1 whippet which always livens the rides!) when it comes to others bikes, especially non carbon ;-) The wheels were remarked upon as well. I took the bike to my LBS (Stonehenge cycles) and the mechanics there who were very interested in finally seeing a Mason in the flesh also added it to their list of bikes they'd like, complementing it's understated-ness yet lovely finish and again, the wheels.

Axel: "Best bikes I ever ridden. Quality of bikes and service absolutely the over the top."
JCY: "I wish there is a 10* for me to choose from! You cannot get any bikes better than Mason! I did the 520km north to south light towers challenge in Taiwan a month ago. Was on the bike for 24 hours non-stop, it was so comfortable and I experienced zero pain after the ride. Also any riders whom is afraid of going downhill.... this bike is THE solution for you! Thank you for bringing this bike to the world!"

well 2 days of commuting (104 miles) and it's become my reason go to work :)
Without exception a superb ride. I really didn't notice the bike all that much which says just how good it is at doing what it was designed to do. Our route took in local city streets, some A and B roads, some cycle path and some unpaved tow path. Fitted with 30mm Strada Bianca's i just sailed along not really noticing anything other than the company, contry side and views. Happy to troll along at 30kph or stomp along at 50kph made no differnece - balanced poised, stable but quick to change direction if needed. Anyone who wants a do-it-all bike should really look no further than a Definition.

The only thing I think it needs is an "anti dust coating" :).

A bit more feedback for you on the bike. Did a 60 mile loop yesterday from Sheffield to Holmfirth, then back along the TdF stage 2 route from last year. Real mix of road surfaces from super-smooth-resurfaced-for-the-tour to crappy Yorkshire back roads, and gradients from 50mph descents (complete with longboards - goodness knows how fast it would have been without!) to the 30% corner on Jenkin Rd which just about broke some of the pros on the tour. Bike was just amazingly comfy with tyres at 80psi, with sharp and confidence-inspiring handling. Holme Moss into a raging headwind, both up and the hairy descent were interesting. Brakes are truly amazing - always a bit of spare power and the modulation is just great.

No doubt you’re still shifting them as fast as the Italians can make them,

Last summer, I built up a Definition frameset with the Tour of Flanders in mind. I rode the sportive on Saturday (just the short one, but with all of the famous cobbled bergs) and I’m delighted to say that the bike was all that I had hoped it would be.

Minor changes from what you might call a ‘standard’ spec are a Middleburn 46/30 chainset, which, paired with an 11/32 cassette gives an epically low bottom gear, which turned out to be ideal for the slippery cobbled hills. It also has a set of Hunt ‘Gravel Disc’ wheels shod with Schwalbe S-One tyres. I thought the wheels would be a little bit tougher, but more or less the same weight, and Schwalbe say that the S-Ones are designed for the Tour of Flanders. I ran them at 60 psi and they definitely gripped where others did not.

So, a great ride on a great bike. Di2 was impeccable, no problems, no punctures and the bike is still running like a watch.

2 rides in and I'm loving my ultegra di2 equipped resolution. The disk brakes are awesome especially compared to my v-brake cross bike. The di2 is probably not entirely necessary but it sure is snappy and the idea of it being hopefully almost maintainence free sounds great to me. Before I could mention the frame my clumsy fingers hit the wrong button. The frame is sublime, after only half an hour it felt like I was slipping in to a favourite armchair. Looking forward to many happy hours in the saddle

I meant to send you pictures of my finished Resolution frame build a while ago, but unfortunately I've been having too much fun riding it. I had such a smile on my face during my first ride. From that first ride it has been such a difference to my old 1980's steel bike, faster and much more comfortable. I've attached a couple of pics. the first is the frame built up, stripped back to the essentials, taken before i had even ridden it. The second was taken after a recent ride with all my usual kit on board.

Thank you again for all your help with my questions and problems whilst i was building the frame up, i really appreciated it. And I'm really enjoying riding the finished bike.

My Definition is on the road at last. What a superb combination of handling, ride, and performance! Comfort is excellent even on Berkshire’s extensive network of potholes (linked by gravel, skog, and the occasional ribbon of tarmac). It’s built up with SRAM Force 1...

Just a quick update on what my Definition and I have been up to…

Somehow the Definition, which was supposed to be a quickish bike for winter audax events, became the bike I go to for, well, pretty much everything, really.  We toured in France with a mahoosive saddlebag.  We rode audaxes up to 400km.  We pootled round the local lanes.

My big event this year was the Wild Atlantic Way, a very hilly 2100km audax with a time limit of 7 days and 7 hours.  I’d been intending to ride my carbon bike on this.  After all, I’d used it on the 1400km London-Edinburgh-London and many 600km events.  I rode the carbon bike on a 600km audax in late May, but it left me feeling seriously beaten up, compared with my rides on the Definition.  So the Definition was my mount for the Wild Atlantic Way, the longest event I’ve ever attempted.

It performed brilliantly.  The relatively fat tubeless tyres gave a plush ride on Ireland’s lunar roads, the disc brakes allowed confident descending, and the handling inspired confidence, even when I was totally shattered.  And it was totally reliable.  My slightly peculiar SRAM 1x11 build also proved its worth — making decisionmaking on gears easier on the road and eliminating a potential mechanical snag.

I’ve really bonded with this bike…

I love the bike – simple as that! I’ve only managed about 400miles so far due to the dark mornings and nights, however it runs so smoothly and is very comfortable, no aches and pains at all. Wrapped in winter gear with cold Scottish headwinds I’ve smashed every PR on Strava. I did a fast ride on a 35mile route I used to do at 5am in the summer months. I did it this Sunday in traffic and wind yet still managed to hit an average speed 1.7mph faster than my best ever!

It was in my local shop yesterday getting the mud guards on, they commented it is the best designed bike for adding guards they have ever seen, when I collected it there was a little gathering around it! One commented that it’s the first bike that arguably looks better with guards, it is so well designed that they look part of the bike.

Its an unusual situation to be able to give direct feedback to the designer of your bike, so I'm taking the opportunity. sorry if its long-winded - ignore at will. please feel free to use anything as a testimonial, providing it reflects the gist of the feedback, or if you want a quote I'm happy to give one.

The bike is extraordinary - I've not ridden anything like it before, or rather I have, but never in one bike. Up to 20mph its stiff and responsive. I climb out of the saddle and it seems to encourage that. The wheels are the perfect match, with the whole setup being stiff, without ever being harsh. I'm heavy for a cyclist, but I didn't get any flex from the wheels and the telltale skimming of the disc brakes never happened even at full pressure. But on the flat or low incline, when you press on to 25 mph and up to 40 downhill, the forks take over - the bike wasn't set up right for me and I've never ridden it before and yet I've never felt so secure on a bike. Its a weird feeling - it doesn't feel like its on rails, just utterly stable and very fast. You expect it to feel sluggish because of the way it looks and the stability but it never does - you could take a nap at high speed and yet if you see a pothole, swerve without ever losing your cool. In fact I hit some big potholes at high speed down the hill in Redhill - I thought I was in trouble but the bike just carried on.

Its all down to the forks and then the geometry that lets them take the lead at the right point. I guess its all intentional but it is a strange and remarkable experience, nonetheless.

Garmin way-finding is very random and it always throws in a bit of unpaved road. I did a mile of rough track, with huge potholes and even some small dropoffs and the bike soaked it up like it was nothing. Yet on the flat tarmac, it goes like a rocket. Maybe it was the tailwind but there were sections it felt like I was being pushed along. I could genuinely sell both my race bike and cyclocross and be happy with just this bike.

Hi Dom - wanted to wait until I'd properly shook down the bike and had the fit bang on for me before giving any feedback...... it's exceeded my expectations on all levels out on the road - I concur with everything that's been said in the press so won't repeat again.

Sorry, bit of a delay for this as we were away for the weekend but managed to get out for a short ride on Sunday afternoon.

As mentioned before my road bike experience is very limited but ultimately the bike is everything I hoped it would be from a ride perspective and in certain areas it goes far beyond my expectations.

Also, after going through a fair few very expensive mtb frames over the years, the quality of the finish on the frame really is exceptional, from the paint finish to the choice/design of decal. The bike looks stunning and gets away from the awful 'stick on as many logos as possible' approach the big manufacturers go for. The cable routing details are a masterstroke, as are the location of the guard mounts. It even attracted favourable comments from my wife which, for all the various mountain bikes that have rolled through the door over the years, is unheard of!

In short it is a joy to ride and a huge credit to the hours you've undoubtedly spent refining the design.

Anyway, looking forward to many more miles on the bike, that's for sure, just got to sort my dodgy calf muscle out first which I pulled towards the back of last week; sods law eh!?

Just a quick note to say I've built up my Definition and done a couple of rides on it. What a machine! My list of requirements was pretty demanding: one bike to replace two: a steel audax bike (comfortable, practical but a bit heavy and flexy) the other a carbon fibre road bike (light and fun but no good for winter rides or touring). Well, so far I've done a short blast over the local hillclimb, and a long and slow all-night ride - you've somehow made a bike that seems equally at home doing both.

First ride was 31 miles on a fairly flat route that I cycle regularly. I was not disappointed, beautiful smooth ride. The bike feels really planted on the road and appears to need a little more effort to get it going but once it is moving it just rolls along with what appears to be less effort. I love my carbon Canyon but it felt today like I had left the BMW in the garage and gone for a spin in the Bentley, because it feels so smooth, distinguished and looks beautifully engineered. I am looking forward to getting it out on some longer rides soon.

Just as an aside – the bike continues to perform brilliantly, it is such an ideally suited machine to riding in our gritty lanes and countryside. Sort of makes you think that unless you are racing, why anyone would really want anything else.

Almost 12 months on you still get that unquantifiable experience from riding something that is just absolutely sorted and not once I ever thought that I should be on anything else! It is probably one of the reasons that keeps you in the saddle through the worst of the winter weather.

Wishing you guys continued success……

It's no lightweight but it has a strange affect, you get to places without noticing, the buzz and stress from the road surface don't fatigue, they're not there. Every other bike has a sweet spot, this one doesn't demand you to do anything, it just does exactly what you want.

Despite this supple ride it has handling which surpasses anything I've got in the garage (s-works Venge, wilier zero 7, foil). It not only turns better it is rock solid over bumps. I don't know how that happens, it's fast turning but stable, you can pick a line and hold perfect arcs rather than having to adjust it.

It handles so well. It really puts some of the big bike companies to shame and makes you wonder why other bikes aren't better too and why they all seem to make the same sort of bikes.

With 400km in the bag I have really got a love for the bike. It is so well balanced and smooth when pressing on through the country lanes swapping directions with ease and absorbing all the imperfections in the surface, the tyre and brake combination help this but you can really feel the poise if the frame shining through. I was lucky to enjoy 70km of dry sunny zero wind conditions yesterday and as I silently made my way through the countryside I had a huge smile realising how special these moments are when everything is just right. Thank you for the super piece of design and engineering :)

I haven't bought an assembled bike in years. I love handpicking all the parts and making something that I think is truly special. I looked at over 30 builders before I decided on Mason Cycles. This is also my first modern steel bike and I'm never going back. Honestly, I never want another bike. I'm in love.

First it spoke to me aesthetically. Because I have a background in web development and graphic design the way it looks was very important. The graphic layout, typeset and colors appealed to me. The website really allowed me to research the bike to no end. I was able to see the bike from all angels. I spoke to a few bike owners via Twitter and got some good feedback. Read the road.cc reviews and I felt comfortable that the ride would fit how I want to enjoy cycling. Then the multi-port system means I can run the cables anyway I want. Dom and Cal answered all my relentless questions and when I had a shipping hiccup they bent over backwards to get it corrected. Finally, the idea that this is a four season bike built to accept larger tires and mud guards if needed really fits with me wanting to have generally less stuff.

Morning Dom

Hope you are well
I finally got the Definition finished this weekend and can happily say that it was well worth the wait. I am well renowned at work for buying bikes that look to be perfect on paper and then selling them a week later when they come up short… Therefore swinging my leg over a new steed always fills me with a little trepidation lol.

I wasn’t feeling that great this weekend having had a sickness bug, but I was determined to get out for the Definitions maiden voyage and had signed up to a local Sportive ‘the Igloo’ by local events company Dark and White that we work with. What doesn’t kill you and all that…

From the off the Definition felt very familiar which is always reassuring. I think that may be partly due to me having had a few Racelights in my time but I think most other buyers will feel the same. Everything about it felt right and it didn’t have any quirks to the handling at all. In fact it just flew everywhere! It was held back slightly by my increasingly empty legs as I hadn’t really eaten anything for 2 days and hadn’t risked anything that morning or during the ride. I’m sure you wont mind me comparing it to the 4S which is probably my benchmark do it all Alloy framed bike. I was a little worried that I would miss the speed of the 4S but the Defintion didn’t disappoint on that front, offering similar blistering pace but with a much more comfortable ride (which was the only downfall of the 4S). Downhill it was confidence inspiring and uphill there wasn’t any flex to be felt. Matched with the HUNT Aerolite wheels with 28mm tubeless tyres the way it rolled on the flat and downhill was like nothing I have experienced before, I’m a large tyre, tubeless convert! So far then all round total ‘grail bike’!

Next I plan on going to see my mate at Alpkit to get some custom black and possibly pink stitch.. frame and bar luggage made. Then I am going to get myself off on some mini weekend adventures utilizing white roads and trails as I think it can easily handle some light off-road action.

Anyway cheers again for designing the bike I have been after for some time but nobody made until now! J

All best
Matt

From the very beginning I knew this was something special. The customer service and follow up is the best I have experienced, truly passionate about bikes and cycling. Shipping flawless and assembly easy, with only a little bit of tweaking needed. First ride done on the roads of KL, what a bike! Smooth, steady, speedy, solid, silky, and stealthy.....I had people asking about the bike and marvelling at shops, traffic lights and coffee shops! Thanks Mason am looking forward to more riding and wonder what I'll do with my other bikes.

I have been on a over 3 week trip with my Mason and now I am back home.
First I want to thank Mason Cycles for that amazing bike! You cant image what routes I had to ride. I never thought that would be possible with a roadbike. But this Mason is like a roadbike, crossbike, mountainbike in one :-D and so comfortable that also after 3 weeks I have no problems with my body (besides the legs ;-)

Hi Dom—Finally got to put a reasonable ride into the bike. All the hype is real. What an amazing ride. Granted, I’m coming from a nearly 30 year old steel bike—but a very nice and sporty one—but the Resolution is like a different kind of vehicle altogether. I can’t wait to take it up Baker—which has ramps of 17 or 18 percent, or so they say—but it was a joy to ride on shorter local hills today. I love having the slightly longer chainstays and the bigger tires are a revelation. I also see what your friend in the Rockies meant when he said the bike made him want to ride longer—there is something about it that really just feels good.

Hopefully the weather will change in the coming week to permit longer rides, but I’m glad to have gotten in one on the only nice day in a long time.

I’ve attached a pic—perhaps a Mason bike’s first glimpse of Pacific Ocean waters? Feel free to social media it!

Cheers, 

Chris

Hi Dom

180 miles riden and Amelia (Resolution) just gets better and better.
All I've had to do is:
Rear mech has been adjusted to account for cable stretch; it's perfect.
Saddle position is nearly confirmed; I've raised the bars by 10mm and moved the saddle forward from my normal position.
Handling is phenomenal, comfort is superb and it goes like the clappers (showing my age again).

It's brill; other riders who have heard about the brand are universally complementory when they see it in the flesh, and those who haven't are, generally, blown away by the looks, finish and lightness.

Right; as there is bugger all chance of me getting a discount I shall stop making your head size expand and get back to putting more miles on it.  One last complement; when my Speedplay pedals engage I get this really nice, metalic "t'clang" noise; so much nicer than the dull "th'bonk" one gets with a carbon frame. High praise indeed;-]

Bloody good bicycle - well done...

Dave

Hi Dom
Thought I would send you a couple of Mason Resolution shots.
The first one is from the Tour of the Peaks where I tested out the wheel upgrade, thanks to Tom and the guys at Hunt Wheels. The Carbon 38's really suit the bike.
The second one is from the Tour of Cambridge where again the Mason powered me to a GB age group place (unfortunately I can't get the Australia in September this year to make use of it!!)
I am also commuting to our office in Tring (an 80k round trip) on the Mason at least once a week.
You really have produced the most comfortable all round bike I have ever ridden.
So what's next? I have seen teases of what looks like a Ti frame.....should I plan to buy another bike this year?

Hope all is well with you.

Regards
Daniel

Hi Dominic and Callum,

I have finally finished my bike after making a 150 GBP mistake by destroying a thread in the lever by force fitting a wrongly sized brake hose. Anyway that's the price for learning :)

I'm really happy with the result and as you can see in the attached image I have used very much the same finishing as in your full bikes. I have installed sram rival 1 and the combination of 1x11 and hydraulic brakes are excellent for my commute.

I have done the first 100 km, and it is a pleasure to ride, extremely responsive and I can really feel the bike in the turns.

Thanks for your assistance during the build!

Enjoy the weekend,

Jacob

So, it's the time of year for the 4Season bit of the resolution to come in to play once again... mudguards on and rolling on winter tyres. It is awesome to see everyone else begrudgingly dragging out their old winter hacks (which most of them don't like!) whilst still riding about on the bike I love!

Have had a brilliant summer on the resolution, did the Fred Whitton, and the Tour of Wessex - both for the first time, and loved them both. Have attached a couple of pics. The bike continues to bring me a whole world of pleasure. (apologies for soppy bike love gushings...!) but I've never owned a bike before that I'm so happy with 'just the way it is' and I'm still adjusting to not having a constant yearning for N+1.  I know you're moving onto new projects, and the Bokeh looks bloody awesome, but for now I'm still a 100% satisfied Resolution owner.

A week on from my flying visit to drop by and collect the bike, I just wanted to send you a proper thanks for all that you have done both to build the bike and ultimately having the ability to have brought such an ideal bike for me to market.
You've had plenty of positive comments in the past two years since I started following the brand, but until you take the plunge and get your own you cant quite know how good a bike is.  Well after prepping the bike at 6.30am last Sunday I got to confirm what I was hoping.  I knew the wheels would be great, already having other versions, but the whole package delivers such a positive ride, confident handling and supreme comfort in a stealthy unassuming package.  I normally build a bike myself, or strip and rebuild them even new, but South Coast Bikes really have exceeded my expectations of the care and attention in putting the bike together.
I could waffle for ages, but just to basically say thanks very much to South Coast, Hunt and all involved at Mason.  I don't see me parting with this bike unless I cannot turn a pedal any more.
The most important thing now is to get the miles in and see how far this new leg-iron takes me.  Oh and whether it needs a Bokeh to keep it company in the garage!

Again thanks for everyone's efforts, being so patient with my order over the last few months and to the brands continued success.

Hi Dom,

I had a great weekend with the Bokeh and put over a 115 miles on it. It's everything I hoped for - comfortable, fast and rides beautifully both off-road and on Tarmac. So much so that I did my first Metric century on Saturday!

I am so unbelievably happy with how it rides it's nuts.
Dom's going to kill the N+1 market if he's not careful, he'll create a W+1 market where W=wheels.

That's a mid compact 52-36 at the front and an 40-11 at the back, it's got an insane gear range as you'd imagine. With the clutch at the back on the XTR rear mech it will handle cross chaining also, not that you would but nothing breaks at 52/40. It's smooth as.

I now have what I'd hoped to achieve when I bought it the Bokeh which is a summer 'road' bike that'll go anywhere and a winter 1X, just need the 650B wheels and i'm there.

And it looks the sh*t.

...loving it. So nice to be able to go places that I just wasn’t able to go before. Came to work via the canal footpath this morning, which was ace.

I final got around finishing my Bokeh build the previous weekend :) 

It was quite the learning experience with no previous knowledge in hydraulic setups or tubeless wheels/tyres. But it all worked out. I put in 270 km in the past 1,5 week giving it a good rattle across some cobbles and on the single track and dirt roads close to home. I also had a 134 km road tour in the weekend. I am still trying to fine tune my position.

The bike looks absolutely stunning, I do love that orange paint job! The hunt wheels roll super smoothly, especially with the WTB 34mm Exposure tyres, but I don't think for a second that they are slow! I will do a test soon if I can feel the difference with my carbon Cube and high rims, but to be honest I doubt I will. (I do wonder if I will keep it in the long run.)

I am quite pleased with my own build, the shifting is sharp and swift and the brakes are super powerful. The Bokeh has been great so far and once I dial in the last adjustments i am confident it will be fantastic! 

Thank you again for your time and help along the way. Proud to be a Masonite now :)

The Bokeh is really impressing me. I rode about 100k over 2 days on Saturday and Sunday.  
I rode a mix of road and forest trails covered in snow and ice. 
It's responsive, comfortable and so quiet. 

Bokeh and I are doing great. A funny thing has happened, on every ride we end up exploring tracks, getting lost and having great fun. 
In 2 weeks Bokeh will take part in the Tour of Flanders and we might pop over to take part in the Tour of Wessex.  

For riding on mainly country roads with a bit of track/bridal path type activity, I've settled on some Schwalbe s-one tyres, running tubeless, and I am certainly discovering the qualities of the bike and am enjoying riding it - I did 100km yesterday on very varied terrain, road, gravelly / muddy tracks, the south downs way.

The 30mm S-ones were not quite big enough for some of the terrain, but I remained upright all day, just about! (probably due to the fact that the ground was still fairly firm in most places due to the cold) It was certainly fun though. And this is the first time I've had disc brakes, thru-axles and tubeless tyres - all of which are brilliant and making me re-consider what to do with my other bikes!

I'll be having some more adventures and probably will invest in some 650 wheels and bigger tyres for fully off road trips, as I personally think that's where the bike's strengths lie...

...I'm starting to see how it can introduce me to new 2 wheeled fun in a variety of ways, which I guess is one of the main points of the bike!

Thank you for the link. I only had my phone on the trip so I didn't take too many pictures but here are a few. It was quite a long trip trough europe so I was very glad to have a 34-40 bottom gear with 13kg of luggage on the back. I have to say once again that I am loving this bike, it truly is a very fast continent crushing ride no matter the road surface. I even did a bit of enduro single track and managed not to fall off which I was quite happy about. 

Thanks for a perfect one! Can't be happier! There are bikes and there is MASON! Greetings from Lithuania!

You have an unfair advantage... Thanks Mason Cycles team for a perfect bike! #Technoramarace #Lithuania #Masonbokeh

Just a to say that I'm so pleased with my Bokeh. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun on a bike. From chasing down roadies to gliding over bridleway tracks and even a few easy mtb routes. The bike is awesome. 

Thanks a lot

Andy | Bokeh Force 650b

Hi Dom, Cal, Alex,

BOKEH  is truly amazing!

BOKEH  is beautiful, stable, safe brake,
More importantly, this bike is free!

I have not been able to go to places where the scenery is still good....

I thank all the MASON cycles.

I hope all is well at the other end of the South Downs. 

What a bike. The only way I can describe the Bokeh is this: 

Mason have designed MY bike. For the riding I do, in the area I do it, in the style I ride, it is quite simply perfect. It feels like you guys have followed me around, noted down everything about my riding style then said, “let us build YOU a bike”. 

Simple as that. It is bloody brilliant. 

As you know I have been lucky enough to own one of the most expensive off the shelf bikes (S-Works Tarmac Disc and certainly the level of customer service doesn’t even come close to you guys - it is decidedly lacking even when you have shelled out a small fortune on a bike) with some of the highest end components and I honestly think it can’t compete with the Bokeh for how/ where/ when/ long/ short I ride. The Dura-Ace Di2 and Hope wheels compliment the bike perfectly and I am really looking forward to trying other wheelset (Hunt tubeless) combinations out in the future.

The bike is rad. You guys are rad. Mason is a rad company and I am genuinely very very happy to have supported you. Thanks for building my bike. 

Regards
Ben Tiratsoo

Bokeh Force/650b

Pic of bike attached is overlooking Blacksod Bay...

It’s beautiful. Took it for a spin today on a small mixed road/off road loop around where I live next Alexander Palace, Muswell Hill. Some lovely sections of single track around the hill, very short but still better than being on the road.
 
Even before taking it for a ride you just have to look at the fork and you know this bike means business. It is amazing. Properly gob smacked. There are some tasty, steep rooty muddy sections. It climbs better than my xc mountain bike. Even with the Comets. Must be the weight placement over the front and all the power just goes down and pushes you up.
 
Going down. It’s not a mountain bike with that rigid fork, so line choice is very important but it is pretty close. Was quite comfortable getting airs of small drops at speed. The bike is so stiff, but so comfortable. You can really feel it by the way it tracks down the trail and goes where you point it. Thru axles. Can wax lyrical about them. What is with some people and progress, or lack therof.
 
The sizing is spot on. Much better than my current soon to be sold road bike!
 
So happy. Going to save up for some Hunt CX30 Gravel/Carbon Rims. Fit them with Sector 28 and that will be it for the summer Sportives. Just swap the wheels and go. Two bikes for the price of one.

Greatly appreciated and a big big thank you to you, Cal and Dom.
Great bunch of people you are and here we have our fantastic bikes to gallivant around the tropical jungles.

We are planning some shorter rides to start with and see where that lead us………..

Hi Alex, Call and Dom,

first of all: I'd like to thank you very much for helping me out with my Bokeh-fork so quickly. I received the fork last Wednesday, built it in Thursday and rode my bike again on Friday. Now it is perfectly silent as it should be! So, the problem is solved.

I'm enjoying every ride on it so far (though... I haven't had much time to ride it, unfortunately). It is really a bike which asks "Why shouldn't you go over that gravelroad" "Why shouldn't you turn left/right/whatever... just because you can". That is something which makes a bike special (apart from it being beautifully crafted, of course ;-)). It is a truly magnificent bike which I'm very happy with!

And than, I got some nice new bottles which I thought were out of stock! I was a bit disappointed when they weren't there, but this was a very nice surprise! I'm very happy with them as well, and it shows how much attention you pay to your customers. Besides from making magnificent bikes, your customer service is also magnificent. I believe that is something which makes Mason truly unique. Thanks a lot!

Oh, and I added some pictures to show it off, off course. One I had send you a while ago, the other one is from last Sunday in a typical Dutch countryside ;-)

Best regards and thanks again,

Gert Jan van de Lagemaat

I received my Bokeh frameset yesterday and I have to say it’s a thing of absolute beauty, I can’t wait to put it together and take it out. The finishing and detailing is amazing.

Great couple of first rides on my new bike.  Weather cooperated with the delivery so I took the morning off to ride.  Everything I hoped for and more! The bike performed flawlessly throughout.

Gents

Here you go. New Bokeh propped up against wall sheltering from hurricance force wind / horizontal hail on moor top. Through the gloom across valley is Grinton Moor of TdF fame....

Definately a #bokeh kind of a day!

Oh yeah, and she rides great too! I've just got to stop trying to push brake lever when I change gear.....

Take it easy guys, Happy Christmas. You've certainly made mine....

It rides real nice, bit slower than my road bike on tarmac (no surprises there) and a million times better than my cross bike when the going gets tough.
 
Managed to ride down a steep track on the Bokeh I’ve never managed previously on my cross.
 
Plus, the paint jobs lovely!

Hi Dom

Very quick first ride feedback.

Last night was the first time I have taken a brand new bike out (for the first ride) at night. I usually like to hoon about in the daytime first!

Anyway, my first reaction was honestly that is felt as if I was pulling on an old pair of slippers (and that's a good thing). I could have been riding the bike for years if you know what I mean. There were no quirks to get used to, no surprises, no fuss and....given the old slippers analogy, no issues with comfort either. Sadly, my Garmin had packed up and so I have no real idea of how fast it was. It felt so easy though. My riding buddy was puffing and panting to keep up (more so than usual) so something was going right!

After the first ten miles we hit a proto quagmire and I feared the worst. It was however quite relaxed and I got through the mud with minimal trouble...until the tyres were unable to maintain grip that is. The next challenging section was some uber fast singletrack but I opted not to push too hard. The mud alternated between greasy hardpack and firm, semi dry which was brilliant. I didn't want to put the hammer down only to pile into a tree if I lost grip on a surprise slippery bit. The only mini issue I had was on a slow and very tight section, and the bike seemed to take it very wide unless I muscled it round. I have the feeling however, I was asking it to do something for which it was not designed! Otherwise, it loved being thrown about.

Climbing was fine, given the limitation imposed upon the bike by the rider! The only significant effort was a nasty, offroad hill but it coped admirably.

Sorry Dom - i never sent any pictures of the Bokeh, this is her tonight in Shenzhen with Hong Kong in the background, she is being used on everything from rutted paths to China roads, not sure which are lumpiest, fantastic.

I have started riding several times a week mainly on the Bokeh, 74km round trip, smooth and so comfortable.

Thank you for a lovely bike, Malcolm

I really really like it – on the right trails it’s an absolute blast (too rocky and rooty is a bone shaker but that’s fairly obvious) – genuinely want to keep going and going.
 
My best mate lives in France and he came over a few weeks back and we rode a 3ish hour loop Dorking, Ranmore, Leith over to Peaslake and back over Ranmore – we shared the Bokeh and both had one of those fist pumping best rides ever type afair. 
 
He wants one and I’ve been stopped in the hills by others asking about it – it doesn’t get any better than that…..

Hi Dom, Cal. Just a quick note to say got the Bokeh together today and out for its first ride - road, disused quarry, rooty and rutted tracks and it took it all in its stride. Really impressed with it. I've been looking for a genuine 'do it all' bike for probably the last 7 years or so and this is might be as close to my perfect bike as it gets. Cheers. Mike

Finished the TCR a couple of days ago after a pleasingly smooth race. Once again the Bokeh gave a 10/10 performance showing this bike really is capable of mastering a bewildering array of terrains/challenges... #deathofN+1

Hi Dom, Cal

Just a quick note to say that the Bokeh is exceeding expectations. After having fun with the mountain bikers on Swinley Forest's Blue and Red trails I've recently popped a set of Clement Xplor MSO on the 700c wheels to have a run around on and after a painless tubeless installation on the Hunt wheels, a quick tweak to the caliper alignment, the Bokeh does not disappoint. The 700c wheels totally transform the bike, turning it from a proper brute on the trails to a sophisticated and capable multi-surface, mile-eating machine.

A set of SKS Blumels unfortunately arrive in the next few days and a rack shortly afterwards to take our Yepp kiddie seat for even more adventures now with kids in tow. I'm looking forward to seeing how the Bokeh takes to that!

Sorry I don't have any photos as I daren't take my phone with me on the trials (I have a long and expensive history with phones on or around bikes). Rest assured you'll be the first to get copies when I do get some action (or even just muddy) Bokeh time.

All the best,
Neil

Just a quick one to say thanks. The bike is stunning. It's reinvigorated my love of two wheels.
I find myself thinking about cycling 24/7 like I used to. Which was what I'd hoped.
As for the reactions of my friends and family, well each and every one of them has seen the bike and swore with a mix of appreciation and jealousy. But mostly because it's the best looking bike they've ever seen.

I absolutely love the bike ! Went out Sunday with the guys and kept my own no problem at all on 28 tyres - it's gorgeous to ride and floats on air on the 35s ! 

Dear Dom, Cal and everyone else at MasonHQ, 

As you have seen on social media: I final got around finishing my Bokeh build the previous weekend :) 

It was quite the learning experience with no previous knowledge in hydraulic setups or tubeless wheels/tyres. But it all worked out. I put in 270 km in the past 1,5 week giving it a good rattle across some cobbles and on the single track and dirt roads close to home. I also had a 134 km road tour in the weekend. I am still trying to fine tune my position (perhaps one more spacer below the stem etc..) 

The bike looks absolutely stunning, I do love that orange paint job! The hunt wheels roll super smooth , especially with the WTB 34mm Exposure tyres, but i dont think for a second that they are slow! I will do a test soon if I can feel the difference with my carbon Cube and high rims, but to be honest I doubt I will. (I do wonder if I will keep it in the long run..)

I am quite pleased with my own build, the shifting is sharp and swift and the brakes are super powerful. The Bokeh has been great so far and once i dial in the last adjustments i am confident it will be fantastic! 

Thank you again for your time and help along the way. Proud to be a Masonite now :)
 
By the way, if you have any picture of my visit to MasonHQ I would love to have it! :) 

Best Regards,

Sander Kommeren

I finally got my built Bokeh that I got as a frameset in April (cunning delay to stave off my post cycling holiday blues) and after the first ride I have to say it's an awesome bit of kit

Hi Dom,
Built up and first ride! At last a bike with cable routing as a proper design consideration.
Cheers,
Simon

Just rode the Bokeh 325km straight through (the night) on my longest ride yet. 650 X 45mm tyres, Gilles Berthoud leather saddle and a carbon leaf spring Ergon seat post makes this the smoothest, comfiest bike I've ever ridden, and I've ridden quite a few!

The bike has arrived and its beautiful. Thank you. 

Thought I'd give you an update on my Bokeh experience...

For riding on mainly country roads with a bit of track/bridal path type activity, I've settled on some Schwalbe s-one tyres, running tubeless, and I am certainly discovering the qualities of the bike and am enjoying riding it - I did 100km yesterday on very varied terrain, road, gravelly / muddy tracks, the south downs way, etc, etc and actually was probably very close to your barn (I think?) and attach a pic of the bike up on a field north of Lancing College. The 30mm S-ones were not quite big enough for some of the terrain, but I remained upright all day, just about! (probably due to the fact that the ground was still fairly firm in most places due to the cold) It was certainly fun though. And this is the first time I've had disc brakes, thru-axles and tubeless tyres - all of which are brilliant and making me re-consider what to do with my other bikes!

anyway, I'll be having some more adventures and probably will invest in some 650 wheels and bigger tyres for fully off road trips (as much as they can be), as I personally think that's where the bike's strengths lie rather than on more road orientated long endurance rides.

anyway, it's definitely growing on me and I'm starting to see how it can introduce me to new 2 wheeled fun in a variety of ways, which I guess is one of the main points of the bike!

The Bokeh with 650b x 47’s was the right tool for the rough North Carolina forest service roads I rode this past week.  Light climbing up and smooth rolling down. 
Thanks again.  Feel free to use the photo if you want.  This was taken off of Yellow Gap Road, Pisgah National Forest, North Carolin
Feel free to use the photo for your social media.  It was taken east of Danville, Ohio, on a route for a local gravel race scheduled in June: Funk Bottoms Gravel.

Adventures:  I will be doing the DK200 and possibly Gravel Worlds again this year.  Last time was 2014 for both.  Beyond that, mostly more local races / rides.  Maybe some bike packing in 2018.  TBD.

Tom

To conclude I must say the bike is absolutely brilliant!! I sold my cyclocross bike to buy this one, but I think in a few months I'm going to sell my roadbike as well because at the moment i have the feeling the Bokeh made it completely useless :). 
I fitted it with Shimano hydraulic brakes (rs-785 en br-805) and those are absolutely amazing, even with 140mm rotors the modulation and stopping power is fantastic. Also, the Bokeh frame is really really efficient! I think I've never ridden a bike that is as efficient as this one. It climbs so well, and going downhill it gives so much confidence. 

The total weight now is approx. 9.2kg with 33mm Challenge Strada Bianca tires incl. bottle cages, pedals, Garmin mount etc.

Hi Dom,

Thanks again for making this wonderful, so comfortable and desirable bike. 

It‘s a real beauty and once you ride it you’re so well you want to cross the country. You have really succeeded to create the perfect balance between design and ride feeling. This is made for travel !

Hello Dom, pictures of my just finished Bokeh ... I can detail the parts if needed ... It is incredibly responsive and comfortable ... It is very fun to ride offroad and efficient on road (and I roll knobby 42mm WTB Resolute for winter, not slicks).

Very happy of my purchase.

Thanx to all your Team !!

Cannot thank you enough for these beautiful bikes!! Got out today for a test run in the New Forest and my new Bokeh is so much fun to ride! John is unfortunately banged up at the moment having just broken his foot in a MTB race but he cannot wait to give his a spin as soon as possible! We look forward to the coming years of riding and racing this beautiful pair.

The bikes made it safely to Doha courtesy of Qatar Airways, and no problems with the customs form. In fact we‚ have just received a message from Julie that she has refunded the VAT back to my card, which is much appreciated.

The bikes are amazing, and we look forward to using them on our adventures this year. We will be tweeting and blogging, and will #masoncycles as appropriate.

Thanks again for making the purchase so painless, and particularly for providing us with all the information and benefit of your experience to enable us to buy in confidence without having the opportunity to test-ride.

All done, thanks so much lads - took it out this morning, wow! What an experience.

Just so different to my CX - I didn't expect it to ride quite so differently but it did, the lad who sold me it had spent so much on extras such as dropper post, Hope lightweight hubs. It's unreal - the 650s on this frame are awesome.

I'm lucky enough to own a Pinarello Dogma 65.1 road bike for racing and I thought that was cycling perfection, I think this Bokeh is its equal if not better because of its versatility.

Cheers and all the best

With best regards
Scott Crabtree

Hi Dom,

Great to meet you today, really enjoyed the chat & obviously, the amazing new Bokeh!

Am literally chuffed to bits with the bike, bit overwhelmed to be honest as quite humbling buying such a lovely bike - just need to use it & enjoy getting out riding.

Thanks again for today, for loading the bike into the car & for being such a nice person to meet.

Kind Regards

Wes

I just rode the bike to work after receiving the parts for it last night!

I enjoyed the ride a lot, and it looks so beautiful. Felt very planted and stable, but still responsive enough. It's a little on the heavier than the previous bikes I have rode, but none of them have disc brakes and run 28c tyres. The combination with the tubeless tyres and hunt wheels gave a very smooth and supple ride, definitely much different from my last aluminium bike many years ago.

So, it's the time of year for the 4Season bit of the Resolution to come in to play once again... mudguards on and rolling on winter tyres - sad times. However it is awesome to see everyone else begrudgingly dragging out their old winter hacks (which most of them don't like!) whilst still riding about on the bike I love!

Have had a brilliant summer on the resolution, did the Fred Whitton, and the Tour of Wessex - both for the first time, and loved them both. Have attached a couple of pics. The bike continues to bring me a whole world of pleasure. (apologies for soppy bike love gushings...!) but I've never owned a bike before that I'm so happy with 'just the way it is' and I'm still adjusting to not having a constant yearning for N+1.  I know you're moving onto new projects, and the Bokeh looks bloody awesome, but for now I'm still a 100% satisfied Resolution owner.

Just a short note to say thank you for the Definition frameset safely delivered and now expertly built up by Dave Gale at Chaingang Cycles in Hereford. Dave says he's met Dom a few times in the past as he's a Kinesis dealer, and was so impressed with the Definition that he wants a dealership!

As someone who runs his own architectural practice, I've spent a lifetime sweating the details and I know the amount of thinking time this needs. I can see and appreciate the amount of thought that has gone into the design of this frame. It really is impressive and I'm really pleased to own it (and hopefully more …).

I've just returned from my first shakedown ride and I'm even more impressed. Having spent 8 years with a titanium Van Nicholas, I knocked 5 minutes off my 65 minute training loop (with 300m of climbing) and that was without really trying and with a few emergency stops to bed in the disc pads.

Hi Dom and Co,

I thought you would like an update on my Definition - I quickly found that the XT setup was under-geared - a reflection on just how fast this bike is compared to my previous one (where the XT was just fine) and so, after 1000 miles or so, I decided that the frame really demanded the best, and, with full eTap Hydro becoming available, that was what it had to be!

Again built to the highest standard by Chaingang Cycles in Hereford, we've also fitted a Sugino OX901D Compact Plus+ 46/30 chainset, Ultegra 8000 11-34 cassette, 140mm XT rotors, 28c Schwalbe Durano Raceguards and a full contingent of Mason multiport blanks!

Without pedals, weight is now 9.35kg. Really loving it all, thanks again,

Tim

Hey Cal,

It took a week but I finally found the time to get out for a proper ride today. The bike feels great. I rode a little bit on everything from dirt roads to awful asphalt to great asphalt and was perfectly happy almost all of the time. I might think about shortening my stem a little bit, but so far I just can't get over how nice everything feels.

Thanks for everything, I'm really looking forward to riding this bike for a long time. Maybe with a new fork at some point. 

Tim

First ride was 31 miles on a fairly flat route that I cycle regularly. I was not disappointed, beautiful smooth ride. The bike feels really planted on the road and appears to need a little more effort to get it going but once it is moving it just rolls along with what appears to be less effort. I love my carbon Canyon but it felt today like I had left the BMW in the garage and gone for a spin in the Bentley, because it feels so smooth, distinguished and looks beautifully engineered. I am looking forward to getting it out on some longer rides soon.

I have one more little piece of feedback for you having now had the mudguards fitted for a good number of weeks. They work a treat but having installed them with the small plastic fittings/brackets that you supplied on the front forks I reckon the fittings could do with a little more lateral stiffness to help hold the mudguards more solidly in position. The front guard is not as stable and rattles a bit when riding where as the rear one is solid as a rock. I have double checked everything is tight and torqued so I am going to try installing the plastic fittings with a washer under the bolt head as I think that might help to support the bracket. Ideally I should have tried them before cutting the mudguards stay rods because I would have be able to attach the rods directly to the fork but cannot now as the rods would be too short.  Not a big deal really and definitely not a complaint but it just goes back to my paranoia of bike noises I guess. 

I love how these long guards keep 90% of the muck off my feet and the chainset etc. They got a good testing last week in some of that less than pleasant weather.

Anyway I have now wracked up my first 1200 miles on the Resolution. Just wanted you to know that this bike is not collecting dust in the garage. It would have done more miles but I still get the old Carbon thing out when I have a lot of hills to do as it is about 2kg lighter and you notice the difference going up. Having said that I recon this bike is as fast if not faster than the carbon on the flat and definitely faster downhill due to its sure footedness and great power transfer.

On another note I have unearthed a little known feature of the resolution. It turns traffic lights green! This is due to the fact that it is steel and has a greater effect on the proliferation of traffic lights with loop detection sensors in the road. I had cause to complain to my local council about a particular set of lights that would not change to green for me when on the Carbon bike. See their reply below which is pretty crap as my carbon bike does not have a problem at other junctions. I have since tested the same junction traffic lights with the Resolution and bingo, green lights!

STEVE MOORE - Resolution.

First ride across town this am, and LOVE it….the most surprising part so far has been the speed up the hills, it feels like the transfer of power from my old legs through to speed across the ground is far more efficient than what im used to. The roll out without pedalling also surprised me at how smooth it felt, with very little friction. Very happy.

Hi Tom and Dom,

Daniel and I thought you may like this photo. Mason bikes, Hunt Wheels and Hunt kit after an epic on the pave of Paris- Roubaix. 

We can both honestly say that bikes, wheels and clothing all performed flawlessly over the most gruelling roads in cycling. 

Keep on doing your stuff, it works!

Kind regards

Stephen

Simon vK. Resolution 105/Hydro.

And so I am back from my first local ride, a regular 25 mile loop I do that I know very well with a mix of terrain.  

I'm so pleased with the Resolution, it was like riding a magic carpet around the lumpy New Forest roads, comfortable whilst active and rolls and climbs so well it feels really light. And great to look down at the clean frame, the asymmetric Hunt wheel with bespoke disc, the fabric seat and tape, Morvelo apparel...it all goes so well as a sum of parts. Kind of took out the hectic feeling of a carbon ride without compromising the feeling of being connected in the experience. And no internal cable rattle - just the sound of progression. Sweet. 

That's a genuine offer for a visit, hope you take it up, there are some great routes from my home covering coastal routes and into the depths of the National Park without any A roads.  I had a friend down from Scotland recently and we had a fab two days showing him the sights from coast to Forest. 

Simon

Hi Dom,

I’ve just seen your email for the new BOKEH, It looks very nice. It prompted me to drop you a line to let you know how pleased my wife is with the Mason Definition I bought her almost a year a go now - your sizing was spot on. We took the opportunity to cycle to our French home in the Dordogne at the beginning of August. The racks are now off and its great just hooning around the quiet roads around Sarlat. We had many admiring comments and discussions with other riders on the way down - fast disk endurance bikes are not that common in France. 

Anyway, I just wanted to say how pleased we are with it I love my Tripster, which is even more fun on 650b wheels, but I now feel a Resolution coming on…….50th birthday in September and large hints have been dropped! Fingers crossed. :)

Cheers,

Simon.

Simon has just ordered a Bokeh and says this...

If I love it half as much as my Definition, I’ll be a happy bike type.

Took it on it’s longest ride yet on the 4Shires Sportive out of Moreton-in-Marsh on Sunday. The course is, basically, brutal with 2500m of rise. I even managed to ride out and back so just shy of 200k for the day. The bike held up better than me by the end ;) It was always a good ride, with 25mm Schwalbe tubeless… The 30mm s-ones are the ultimate tyre on this bike though I feel.

Said I’d send some photos at some point, and I’ve finally got the bits where I’m super happy, see attached. My cunning plan is that, for me, SRAM eTap Force will have to break cover (could be years off!) ... And I’ll run the Bokeh as a XT di2 1x11 (with flat mounts, no hacks!)

Keep up the brilliant work. The bikes, and the way you present yourselves through the brand is inspiring.

I am loving the bike! Not really sure if I still need my 'best' summer bike as well - I haven't ridden that since getting the definition.

Dear Dom,

the bike arrived last Friday and it is exactly what was expected - beauty.

My wife said: "It is really good looking bike, very nice, really."
This does not happen often, she is usually critical with things I bring.

The bike has taken me to visit my family birthday celebration on Saturday.
Feedback on the bike was very very positive. Especially my brother in law liked the bike very much.
I wasn´t pushing any attention over to the bike and anyway, when I was due to leave, family members have
hidden the bike (I suspect my father in law). :)
So it alrady became subject of joking.

Bike also took me for some 50 km ride last evening/night after work.
Yesterday, a colleague called me to come to work on bike with him.
So the welcome for bike was good, it became part of my life very quickly and smoothly.
It took me to place where my family comes from already twice in 3 days.
I made some 90 km in 3 days, that is quite high number for me.

I am going to sort out stem, the reach is bit too long for me, probably need bit shorter one.
Sometimes I am staring at the bike without any thoughts, just looking at it.

Next time I will send over some pictures.

Thank you Dom for having put this thing together for me.
It has a soul which I can feel and love.

Best regards,

Silvio

My Resolution has finally arrived ... safely and in beauty. Thank you very much. Everything is fine and the bike is even nicer than in picture. Beautiful craftsmanship on the frame including the paintjob. I have ridden it about 80km yesterday and today in order to make adjustments and get used to the bike. I rides very smoothly and the quality of the ride is first class. I'm looking forward to long rides; this bike takes on brilliantly any road vibrations.

Here is the bike in the vineyards surrounding Geneva:

Again: thank you for your help and please forward my thanks and greetings to Dom and the whole team. You're doing a great job.

With best regards

Serge

Hi Dom,
I thought I’d give you a wee update.
I love the bike – simple as that! I’ve only managed about 400miles so far due to the dark mornings and nights, however it runs so smoothly and is very comfortable, no aches and pains at all. Wrapped in winter gear with cold Scottish headwinds I’ve smashed every PR on Strava. I did a fast ride on a 35mile route I used to do at 5am in the summer months. I did it this Sunday in traffic and wind yet still managed to hit an average speed 1.7mph faster than my best ever!
It was in my local shop yesterday getting the mud guards on, they commented it is the best designed bike for adding guards they have ever seen, when I collected it there was a little gathering around it! One commented that it’s the first bike that arguably looks better with guards, it is so well designed that they look part of the bike.
I’m sure you’re sick of hearing how great it is! I’ll send on some Scottish scenery pictures…
Did 63mile yesterday over the Luthermuir hills (about 3,500ft). I literally lost count of the positive comments I picked up for my bike. I'd stop at lights and other bikes would pull up and ask about it! One guy had read one of the reviews, he was extremely excited to see one!

With all the shiny review I’ve read about Definition, I have no hesitation on taking my Definition on uncharted route in its maiden ride. The destination was Jatiluhur Dam, about 100 km ride south of Jakarta throughout potholed tarmac, gravel, dirt, single track and mud swamp. Boy, how the bike swallow all the challenges with no hesitation – the ride reminiscent of the sublimed feel of a steel or Ti frame, but felt stiffer and more reactive. It hold the peloton pace effortless, climbed with gusto and when presented with uneven surface, it danced along her CX/gravelbike counterparts. The best part was, after 100km of this bone shattering route, I felt fresh  with no sign of sore.

Thank you so much for time that you and your team spent with me yesterday to hand over my Mason Resolution. It was a very pleasant experience in a perfect location to test out the new bike on your local lanes. The build quality, finish and handling of the Resolution are all excellent. At 6'4" the bike fit is perfect on the 62cm frame.

Thank you again for the extra effort you spent in creating this special order, unique Resolution.

Finally finished. Dura-Ace, FSA K-Force Light and Deda Superleggera build, 8kg dead without pedals according to the bathroom scales. Feels very quick, despite the limitations of the rider.

I had similar worries to a lot of people with buying a new frame based on one or two reviews, but having seen it in the flesh at the Birmingham Cycle Show I was pretty much sold. Also in common with pretty much everyone else, I needn't have worried. As comfortable as it is just cruising along, you end up attacking climbs and sprinting for signs just because it's so much fun. I'm not altogether sure what I expected, but what I got was one of the most enjoyable bikes I've ever ridden.

On my ride home I come to a really steep downhill which goes across a cross road and give way lines. I'm not suggesting that rim blocks don't stop the bike but I'm battling to stop the wheels locking up and it can become a bit bottom clenching at times. With the disc brakes on my Definition (RS785 build hydro with icetech rotors) I feel in control all the way down and can carry more speed into the descent.
The definition has been flawless so far (apart from a small creak but I think that is pedal related, not the bike). It's done commutes, hit deep potholes, canal tow paths, long sportives without issue. I'm still building myself up so I am exploring mine and the bikes potential.

I promise I'll post pictures of the my custom build. I've chosen white bar tape so I want to wait until next time I replace that to show the bike in all it's glory.

Excited to see what Mason will be releasing in the future, although you've made your current bikes so good, you've almost negated the need to replace them!!

Dear Cal and Dom

Here's a picture of my Definition at Makapuu Lookout, looking out towards Waimanalo Bay and Rabbit Island. 

I'm liking the bike more and more each day. It's particularly brilliant on descents, probably as a result of the geometry and the wider tires. It has received lots of compliments from people who see it.

The picture is a little large, but feel free to resize, crop, etc. if you want to use it. The yellow decal at the top of the seat tube is the Honolulu bicycle license, required to be displayed on pain of confiscation by a police officer if you're stopped for some reason and it's not there. I haven't actually known it to happen, but who needs extra risk. 

Aloha, Peter Wolff

Hi Dom,

I meant to send you pictures of my finished Resolution frame build a while ago, but unfortunately I've been having too much fun riding it. I had such a smile on my face during my first ride. From that first ride it has been such a difference to my old 1980's steel bike, faster and much more comfortable. I've attached a couple of pics. the first is the frame built up, stripped back to the essentials, taken before I had even ridden it. The second was taken after a recent ride with all my usual kit on board.

For the build I went with the Hunt wheels, Shimano hydraulic/mechanical STI, a Sugino 0x901d ultracompact crank with 44/30 chainrings and 11-32 cassette. 105 derailleurs and the important brooks saddle (modern cambium - although i do have the B17 on my old bike if the C17 isn't as comfy long term), Deda seatpost, bars and stem. Hope R1 and District+ front and rear lights and Garmin edge 500. I think it turned out OK, weight wise probably getting towards the 10kg mark with everything on, but it rides like a dream.

Thank you again for all your help with my questions and problems whilst I was building the frame up, I really appreciated it. And I'm really enjoying riding the finished bike.

All the best

Paul Owen.

Howdy lads,

Just a quick note.

Had the bike for a couple weeks now and I struggle to express how blown away I am by it. Comfy & quick, a proper continent eater.

Had a few wee 30-50k run outs locally and a couple of short Audaxes, Tour of East Lothian 100k and the Forth and Tay 200k. I think the biggest praise I can give is that on the Forth and Tay I never noticed the bike, I'm usually fidgeting all over the place after about 100k, sore wrists etc from road vibration and wake up broken, not a whisper, brilliant. Cornering, climbing and a turn of speed nothing like what I expected from a steel bike, comfy and steady like a steel bike should be.

Thanks for building

I'll get some good shots when I'm out and about and fire them over.

Cheers

Niall

Nathan Wake - Definition Ultegra/Hydro Element Grey

I took my old bike out over the weekend for the first time since getting the Definition - I am sure you hear this all the time but talk about chalk and cheese! I stopped three times to check that the brakes weren't stuck on, it felt like I was riding through treacle, especially when the gradient went up! I think I'll take it with me to France so I have something to ride and then sell it when I get home as I just don't see me using it anymore!

Nara Definition 48cm

New Bike Yay! And my god, she glides! Thank you Dom and Cal @mason_cycles for putting up with me & my size related requests! But she fits like a glove...

Hi Dom :)

Been out on the Definition again after redoing the cabling and fitting the mudguards. Such a lovely ride. Think this will be the final build spec, at least until Campagnolo make the Record EPS v3 available with hydraulic disc brakes.

3T cockpit with Brooks bar tape, Selle Italia saddle on KCNC light alloy seatpost, Campagnolo Chorus with TRP Spyre SLC brakes. Weight is 8.4kg including pedals, bottle cage & mudguards.

Remembered to take some pictures as well, attaching them to this email. Hope you're having a great Sunday.

Cheers!
-Mo

2 rides in and I'm loving my Ultegra Di2 equipped resolution. The disk brakes are awesome especially compared to my v-brake cross bike. The Di2 is probably not entirely necessary but it sure is snappy and the idea of it being hopefully almost maintenance free sounds great to me. Before I could mention the frame my clumsy fingers hit the wrong button. The frame is sublime, after only half an hour it felt like I was slipping in to a favourite armchair. Looking forward to many happy hours in the saddle

Photo attached of Definition. Have done 225k in the last week. It rides great. No brake rub, comfortable and only 1 kg heavier than my S-Works Roubaix. Great bike. Put white bar tape on originally, but changed to black this morning. Looks great now.

Pretty standard 105 Hydro. Compact with 11/32 cassette. 3T Carbon bars, Planet X super light stem & brooks saddle. Changing to one of your seat posts when it arrive, as S-Works fitted in first picture creaks. Ok with alloy post

Have now fitted the Mason seat pin, and a Specialized Romin saddle that I had to see what that's like. I have 2 S-Works Roubaix's with that saddle on. An SL from 2009 & a later SL3 . The Mason feels as comfortable as the SL and just as responsive! And only 1kg heavier. So overall the Definition is great. Will fit mudguards soon and use whenever the weather is not so good & on longer rides. Will look at the Strava page.

Well here is a quick pic...still need to swap out the stem now that I have the length figured.

The build is Ultegra Di2 as you can see.  The wheels are the Hunt 50s tubeless with Schwalbe 30s on there running at 60F/65R.

Ritchey bars and post, stem at some point.

The bike is very nice actually although it sure is hard to keep weight down with Di and discs.  Its 'weight creep'. 19.5 lbs with pedals so that is 1 pound heavier than my handmade steel bike with SRAM Force and some pretty light wheels, non disc of course. 

A few rides in so far and I like the seated position quite well.  I have come to realise I do well with a 72.5-73* ST angle as it allows me to get bigger butt and back muscles in play.  I guess that goes back to 25 years of riding mountain bikes! The bike does handle really well. It is about the fastest descending thing I have been on for a road bike.  Even on the hoods it feels stable albeit intensely fast downhill and some of that speed carrying ability I have to attribute to those wheels.

What made me get off the steel bike I have now was a desire to add a bit of 'pace' to my ride, especially on the flats. I also wanted to run a bigger than 28c tire and that really means disc brakes and some decent room for the tires. A 420mm CS with 73mm of drop is what my road bike is now and at 6'2", that extra rear 'trail' feels pretty nice and still turns fast enough.

I was skeptical about Aluminium as a frame material and I have to say that the Definition is not harsh at all.  Quite nice that. I also was hoping to defray some of the weight hit of disc brakes by moving from steel to Aluminium and I imagine that helped a bit...1/2 pound or so to my favour.  

SO how has it worked out so far?  Still too early to know the Strava numbers, but a few things are immediately noticeable and I think will stand true over time.

• I gained some punchiness in the frame for sure, especially out of the saddle, and a lot of it is not at the BB, but more down through the front end.  I bet this thing will be seriously fast on rolling and flatter routes.
• I lost that lovely 'alive' feel that steel has and I already miss it. Aluminum is pretty wooden. Even carbon is that way to me. Not unresponsive, just not 'involved in the pedaling process' feeling. A recent week spent on a Pinarello carbon was the same but a bit different.
• I gained a big helping of solid steering and cornering.  Man this thing is DIRECT!  It is almost scary how fast I can go around corners...but...
• It does not work with the road like my steel bike does, it just kind of Chuck Norris' it.
• I have less road buzz, like on chip seal roads.  Not sure how much is the bigger tire at lower pressure and how much is the carbon wheel...or the frame material.  Not sure.  Steel does 'ring' like a bell where Ti is just so muted and lovely that way. In any case it is very 'quiet' in that high freq sense of vibration.
• Bigger road tires simply rock.  I knew they would.  I already was running Conti 25s on wide rims to get a 29mm tire profile and at 80R/75F, they were pretty nice.  This is better still.  Not sure where the cap is on the upper end of that ultimate sized road tire for enthusiasts...maybe 32mm but i doubt much more.
• Discs are pretty cool for the road but I already knew that from my gravel bikes. Not a real big deal to have them, but it uncouples the rim from being a braking surface and then wheeeee....all kinds of good things happen.
• Di2 is amazing but a bit robotic....not sure but I might actually prefer mechanical.
• I do get some rotor rub in the rear when standing and really giving it the gas...the new ones with through axles would stop that, but it's not a big deal.
• It is a really good looking bike too.

Lots more riding to come but I have to wonder if I will not move back to steel although Ti for a road frame keeps calling my name....high buy-in though, for a custom one, and getting Ti right is tricky.  There is something about that steel 'zing' that is very rewarding, even when comfort is not the focus.  I think Jan Heine is on to something with his work on steel frames and 'planing' and even if it is not always faster, it just feels very symbiotic to my body's efforts...hard to quantify and express that.

If steel were only not so heavy...ah...hard to have it all!

Anyway, thanks for the lovely frame.  It really is very, very well done, even if it turns out to not be my ultimate dance partner.

Michael 'grannygear' Troy

I haven't bought an assembled bike in years. I love handpicking all the parts and making something that I think is truly special. I looked at over 30 builders before I decided on Mason Cycles. This is also my first modern steel bike and I'm never going back. Honestly, I never want another bike. I'm in love.

First it spoke to me aesthetically. Because I have a background in web development and graphic design the way it looks was very important. The graphic layout, typeset and colours appealed to me. The website really allowed me to research the bike no end. I was able to see the bike from all angles. I spoke to a few bike owners via Twitter and got some good feedback. Read the road.cc reviews and I felt comfortable that the ride would fit how I want to enjoy cycling. Then the multi-port system means I can run the cables anyway I want. Dom and Cal answered all my relentless questions and when I had a shipping hiccup they bent over backwards to get it corrected. Finally, the idea that this is a four season bike built to accept larger tires and mud guards if needed really fits with me wanting to have generally less stuff.

Hi Cal and Dom, 

Thank you very much for all the hard work - the Definition 105 Hydro arrived all well about two weeks ago. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to ride it much as the temperatures plummeted here in Switzerland but I found a few gaps in the rain to take it for a spin.

Coming from a fairly aggressive position I am still getting used to the slightly higher front end (my back will no doubt thank me), but it is a great ride. Very comfortable and sure-footed without being boring. It is stiff and the climbing is very lively for the weight (this is no exotic build), but extremely smooth over rough surfaces - I was told to expect this, but it still surprised me. I hope that we can hold off the snow for a bit longer so I can get many more miles in before the winter settles in.

All the best, 

Matej Janecek

Hi Dominic,

I had some mail conversation with you about my purchase some weeks ago. I got my frame and yesterday I went out on the first ride around the town of Malmoe. Amazing! I'm very satisfied with the frame and the build based around Shimano Ultegra group set with DT swiss rims on SON Deluxe front hub and DT350 rear hub.  Managed to get the cables from the rear light internally almost all the way by making use of the attachment on the back of the seat tube (for rear fenders?)   On my wish list is the possibility to route the cables for the front light internally from the dynamo hub.

It was rather foggy and the view not quite what I was hoping for - behind the fog, 300 meters away the bridgehead of Öresundsbron is located, and Copenhagen is on the other side of the strait.

Again, thank you for building beautiful frames.

Best wishes for continued and future success,

It is a joy to ride and my carbon bike has been gathering dust ever since.
I have just been on a trip to Mallorca, and I hired a fantastic Trek Emonda there - but I couldn’t wait to get back home to the Resolution.

So many people stop to take a look at it whenever it is parked on a club ride!

As I pulled up to my house after my first ride with the Vittoria's, I had a huge smile on my face! Such a fun bike to ride! Fast on the flats, and when you point it downhill it drops like a bomb! I think I had 3 Strava personal records on downhills on that ride and I wasn't really even trying. O.K. sure, it doesn't climb quite as well as my 18.5 pound CAAD 9.....yet, but that's nothing a set of Hunt Carbon gravel wheels wouldn't fix. Also, my decision to put the SRAM Force 1 on the bike was dead on. It took me a few rides to get used to the double tap shifting method, but I love the simplicity and gear range of the 44 front and 10-42 back. My one small critic of the SRAM groupo is the pointy shifter hoods. On my old Ultegra I would often rest my hands on top of the hoods, not doing that with these. They are nice to grab when you pop out of the saddle for that quick acceleration though. Also the disc brakes work so well I don't think I can ever go back. I guess in my ham fisted way I'm just trying to say that I love the bike and want to thank you guys for making something that makes me so happy.  When I'm not on the bike, I'm thinking about the next time I will be.

Another ride, and I love my Mason even more. You asked for some pictures, here are a few. I'll have you know I definitely blew a personal record on Strava to stop and take one of these! 

Just as an aside – the bike continues to perform brilliantly, it is such an ideally suited machine to riding in our gritty lanes and countryside. Sort of makes you think that unless you are racing, why anyone would really want anything else.
 
Almost 12 months on you still get that unquantifiable experience from riding something that is just absolutely sorted and not once I ever thought that I should be on anything else! It is probably one of the reasons that keeps you in the saddle through the worst of the winter weather.
 
Wishing you guys continued success……

Finally got the build done. Have managed a few short rides in the last couple of weeks (work pressures have put paid to anything more sadly). I already love it though. It’s precisely what I was looking for, for attacking the Devon lanes and the lanes and bridle paths in Hampshire where my girlfriend lives. It’s so nice to throw it in the back of the car and know that I’ll be covered for 90% of the riding we might decide to do.
 
Final spec:
Ultegra Di2/Hydro (compact/11-32)
Pacenti SL25 rims on Hope Pro 2 Evo rear (11sp freewheel) and PD-8 dynamo front
Continental Grandsport Race 28 (coming up as 30mm on these rims)
Hope 6 bolt 140mm discs, front and rear
Canyon VCLS suspension post
Zipp Service Course SL stem
Specialized Romin Evo Expert saddle
Salsa Cowbell 3 bars
Di2 R600 climbing switch
Speedplay Roubaix pedals
 
Couple of pics attached.
 
Thanks for making it and the after sales support!
See you out on the road perhaps.
 
Cheers
Mark

Just some quick feedback. I took some time to build it up and I only had time for 150km on it.
The bike feels really good! Cornering with this big tyres is a nice new impression. The bottom bracket feels really stiff, as does the whole bike. I like the "not nervous“ handling for everything else I have the carbon race bike.

The setup – Deda cockpit: 35 stem and carbon bar; Campa Record; TRP Spyre 160 front, 140mm rear; 28mm Schwalbe One tubeless, Specialized Romin. Overall 9kg, not a lightweight but that was not the focus for this bike.

Hi Dom, hope all is going well, i just wanted to give you feedback on the bike, she has covered many miles here in China and Cambodia since October, three good hundred milers in 38C and bumpy, semi tarmac roads - the best thing for me is the comfort and ease of speed i seem to get on the bike.

We have just returned from riding from Siem Reap to Phnom Penn which was amazing - people love the bike !

I am doing the Singapore - Krabi ride in February which is more of a challenge but i am sure the bike will help me fly along.

The Times article was very good - I am looking forward to getting a CX Ti end of 2016!

Happy Xmas Malcolm

Other than me being a clumsy tw*t it's bloody lovely. Started training for my ride to Czech now. Was pretty savage weather this morning so got soaked.. need some guards now. I'm waiting for my new rotors to turn up so I can fit my new carbon wheels with some lovely tan wall tyres. Then I'll send the pics over. Fit is perfect, handling is bang tidy too. Front wheel seems to have way more grip than my caad10, also the traction on the rear wheel when climbing is spot on. Every other bike I have had spins up on wet climbs, but you seem to be able to crank it with your weight over the bars and it just keeps steaming on up. 

Laurie. 

Hello! Happy new year! Bokeh looks very nice! Keep riding on my Definition …I really love this bike it is very manoeuvrable. Today -10 in Moscow, I skip only few days when was -25 -30. If interested I use use Deda Zero 100 handlebar and stem, Ultegra Di2 system 52/36, Mavic Ksyrium allroad, lizard skins 3.2 tape, Selle Italia gel flow man saddle, time mx pedals. Thanks to you and Dominic for wonderful frame!!!

Collected my Resolution from my LBS yesterday after having a new BB fitted (Hope stainless steel).
The two bike tech guys in the shop spent about a minute admiring the bike before they handed it back to me: "that really is a LOVELY frame"!
I've had the bike 10 months now; very very happy with it. Puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

Regards,
Jon.

I few delays and side-tracks along the way but 'bluey' has been on the road for about a week now.

Crisp and confident are the words that come to mind describing the ride - I'm very happy!

As you can see, the final selection of parts is a bit of a mix - based on form, function, cost and what was in my parts box. I'll be fitting some guards and maybe a rack but I've been lucky - it's not rained yet.

Thanks for all your help along the way! I look forward to many years of fast, comfortable riding :)

Regards,

Hey Cal!

Ok, I'm taking some break time to give you my first feedback. I wanted to do it before, but I just couldn't. This job takes time out of my cycling... too bad.

First of all, excellent packaging, I know, I've been in the transportation business for over 20 years, and I know exactly how cargo is treated. There is a reason we never bring clients to container unloadings ;-)

So, it turned out as beautiful as expected and it only got prettier with the sunlight.

I took it to a real fitting, as after my first experience I half ruined my left knee.

Now, down to business. I'm not an expert as I've only ridden my cheap road bike before and a very very expensive Giant Defy, carbon everything, with Ultegra Di-2 on a rental day. And, it beat them both, hands down. So Fast. I love the tyres, although I'll probably take a little air out next time. So, fast, precise and light. I know carbon is lighter but the Giant didn't feel lighter than this one.

I wish I could ride it more this Sunday, but the city was full with security and blocks because of the new Panama Canal inauguration. So, I couldn't do the only cat4 climb in the city yet. Next Sunday I'll do either that or aim for my first 100km.

Just one more thing. If it wasn't for you, Dom and the dedication to the client, I wouldn't have gone thru the waiting period. I would have gone for the Cannondale Synapse which was my plan B.  But I got into the whole concept the company and I wanted to have something special. I normally compromise to buy "stuff". So, thank you for the experience, the whole experience of including a client in the process, and not just saying "wait a bit longer, you'll get your bike".

Now, as you probably know by now, I'm over 40 but I have the capacity of asking questions of a 9 year old. Nobody else rides in the office, other than my fiancee, but, well, I can't keep talking to her about bikes for over 4 hours a day. And now she has the TDF coming. So I have to limit my exposure ;-)

So, is there a Mason riders forum? I can see we all share the ideal of open road, exploring and visiting places in two wheels. And also, I love the technical part of it. I read the blog of course.

I'll tweet some more pics eventually, I wasn't so inspired the other days, and I only put that one with the shape, because the bike is not "velominati" enough yet and the photos weren't good anyway. Pedals and bottle cages are on the way.

cheers!!!

Javier

Just an update. Everything perfect. I got 2 long rides in, and the saddle is winning the battle, so my butt is adjusting. So, no issues there, or any other issues for the matter. I really enjoy sprinting and climbing. And now I discovered that I can descent much faster than I thought possible. The tyres, geometry and brakes make a tremendous difference. So if surface is smooth I really enjoy it.

You know, I can't believe pro climbers are not demanding disc breaks in races. Especially the ones that descend really well. But in general, all of them. I know grupettos normally push it in the descend as well. Anyway, discs will be back there. You can't stop progress for long.

Hi Dominic and Callum,

I have finally finished my bike after making a 150 GBP mistake by destroying a thread in the lever by force fitting a wrongly sized brake hose. Anyway that's the price for learning :)

I'm really happy with the result and as you can see in the attached image I have used very much the same finishing as in your full bikes. I have installed Sram Rival 1 and the combination of 1x11 and hydraulic brakes are excellent for my commute.

I have done the first 100 km, and it is a pleasure to ride, extremely responsive and I can really feel the bike in the turns.

Thanks for your assistance during the build!

Enjoy the weekend,

Jacob

Mason performed superbly on the Audax as you'd expect ;-)
 
Here is a brief ride report & photo if you want to use them ... can you sign it Ian, Bristol. Ta. 

Longest ride on my Mason last weekend when I rode the Barry's Jaegar Bomb 300 km Audax event from Keynsham. 

An undulating ride taking in many areas of the West Country inc. the Cotswolds, Salisbury Plain, Wye Valley, Somerset levels and the Mendips. The steepest climbs were saved until the final section with both Shipham & Charterhouse taking us onto the Mendips. 

The Definition proved to be a comfortable ride for the longer distance without compromising speed. 

I completed the ride in 14 hours [ time in the saddle was 12 hrs 33 mins ]. 

Got round to fitting the rear guard and getting some miles on the Resolution at the weekend. Love that bike!

I did use the seat stay mounting points in the end but that meant a little modification to the lower struts. I tack welded on an off cut from the front strut before cutting them down to suit. Second picture shows the weld point! 

All good now though, a bike that suits guards rather nicely as I’m sure you’ll agree.

Thanks again for all the support, it’s been great.

Best regards 
Garry

Hi finally finished an ridden a few times
Definition with full Sram force hydro group hope bottom bracket Deda Superleggero bar stem and post Fabric saddle,tape and bottles Hunt Aero Light Disk wheels Schwalbe One tubeless
Cracking !!

I'm really enjoying the Resolution. Since it arrived I've hardly been near any of my other bikes.
I knew from shooting the video in March that the bike would look great and that you'd put a lot of thought into every aspect of the design. But of course you never really know how how well a bike is going to ride until you get in the saddle.
I think you've nailed it with the Resolution. It has all the positive qualities associated with good steel bikes without the negatives. It's a really smooth ride but very responsive. The front-end stiffness is especially impressive. The combination of hydraulic discs, 28c rubber and a great fork make for confidence-inspiring handling. You can brake late and really lean it over.
On the hills, it rides like a much lighter bike. I took it up Barhatch Lane last weekend, which is one of the hardest climbs in Surrey with a 21% gradient near the top. Despite being quite unfit at the moment I rode my second fastest time, going quicker than I've been on several carbon fibre test bikes. I've only set a better time on my own 7kg race bike.
I've committed some crimes against the Velominati rules with spacers and a shorter, upturned stem to get a more comfortable riding position, which means I can now ride longer distances without feeling too stretched, but otherwise the bike is as it came out of the box. I'm going to put guards and probably a rack on the bike eventually but it looks so good without guards I'm going to keep it as it is for now.

Just read the latest newsletter, which has reminded me that I've been meaning to email you for ages.

I absolutely love the Resolution. I'm better at buying bikes than selling them, so I have six in the shed. But since I bought the Mason I've ridden it for at least 90% of my rides.

It's so much more than a posh winter bike. I corner harder and faster on the Resolution than on any of my other bikes. I put it down to dependable brakes, sorted geometry and the extra grip from fatter tyres. I have so much confidence in the Resolution, which really comes to the fore on unfamiliar descents.

I have a particular training loop that I use for intervals, one lap full gas, one lap steady. I rode it on my carbon Trek one weekend and the Resolution six days later.

My Trek Domane is 2kg lighter than the Resolution. It's on 23c summer tyres. The Resolution is on 28c winter tyres with mudguards.

The wind speed for each ride was within 1mph and the direction was almost identical. I rode the loop five times and was quicker on all three of the fast laps on the Resolution.

I know my 'best' bike would've quicker still, but it has deep-section carbon wheels and is nothing like as comfortable.

In fact, I'm trying to decide what to do with my carbon bikes. One should go. Do I keep my 'best' (read: fastest) bike and fit fatter tyres? Or do I ride the Resolution all year and keep the Trek as a second bike?

180 miles ridden and Amelia (Resolution) just gets better and better.

All I've had to do is: Rear mech has been adjusted to account for cable stretch; it's perfect.

Saddle position is nearly confirmed; I've raised the bars by 10mm and moved the saddle forward from my normal position.

Handling is phenomenal, comfort is superb and it goes like the clappers (showing my age again).

It's brill; other riders who have heard about the brand are universally complimentory when they see it in the flesh, and those who haven't are, generally, blown away by the looks, finish and lightness.

Right; as there is bugger all chance of me getting a discount I shall stop making your head size expand and get back to putting more miles on it.  One last complement; when my Speedplay pedals engage I get this really nice, metalic "clang" noise; so much nicer than the dull "bonk" one gets with a carbon frame. High praise indeed;-]

Bloody good bicycle - well done...

Year to date:
2,500 miles
25,000m climbing
57 rides
39 bike washes
1.5 litres Muc-off
1 can chain degreaser
Loads of lub
No rattles, clanks or groans (except from me;-)

and the bike looks and rides like new.  It's blooming stunning!

Thanks

Dave

With 400km in the bag I have really got a love for the bike. It is so well balanced and smooth when pressing on through the country lanes swapping directions with ease and absorbing all the imperfections in the surface, the tyre and brake combination help this but you can really feel the poise if the frame shining through.  I was lucky to enjoy 70km of dry sunny zero wind conditions yesterday and as I silently made my way through the  countryside I had a huge smile realising how special these moments are when everything is just right.  Thank you for the super piece of design and engineering :)

Hi Dom

Here are some pictures of the bike

Looks very similar to a standard 105 build but I wanted GP4s, carbon fabric saddle and Aerolight wheels so its a bit lighter

Love the bike, did 90 miles in the dales on Tuesday and it performed flawlessly

Regards

Dan

Hey Dom.

I’m loving it! it represents everything I’ve wanted in a bike and for that I must applaud you.
The feeling of a fast modern (carbon equivalent) bike with the looks of a ‘real’ bike. I don’t go in for 
the look of carbon bikes too over thought & fussy in my opinion.

Just following up on a previous email with further praise after a fantastic ride around the zugsptize crossing the border from Germany to Austria and back again.

‘The duchess’ as I fondly call her really does belong in the mountains!

All the best

Hi Dom
Thought I would send you a couple of Mason Resolution shots.
The first one is from the Tour of the Peaks where I tested out the wheel upgrade, thanks to Tom and the guys at Hunt Wheels. The Carbon 38's really suit the bike.
The second one is from the Tour of Cambridge where again the Mason powered me to a GB age group place (unfortunately I can't get the Australia in September this year to make use of it!!)
I am also commuting to our office in Tring (an 80k round trip) on the Mason at least once a week.
You really have produced the most comfortable all round bike I have ever ridden.
So what's next? I have seen teases of what looks like a Ti frame.....should I plan to buy another bike this year?

Hope all is well with you.

Regards
Daniel

Ps. I heard that Stephens friend from Malaysia has now purchased a Resolution too. Good taste.

Hi Cal, 

Anyway, the bike. Absolutely perfect out of the box, and the finish? Drop dead gorgeous. The ride? I can't remember which review, but "buttery smooth" was mentioned. I can't argue with that. On my first little spin, it reminded me of my steel Genesis High Latitude 29er, with 120mm Rockshox, and 2.4 tyres. I don't mean the MTB sluggishness, but the oh so smooth way it rolled, and the way it just loped along. So comfortable, and soaks up the buzz from rubbish top dressed roads, almost like they're proper smooth Tarmac. Brilliant!

I've fitted the Sectors, and they spin up very nicely, and look great on the Hunts. Subjective and biased I know, but I think they even enhance ride quality, if that's possible?

I wasn't sure about how the Speedplay Pavé would look, but the contrast between the shutter black, Ultegra grey and titanium, really seems to work. I normally use Zeros, in black or red, so had a fall back plan anyway. 

I wish I could say the same for the mandibles. The matt carbon I bought doesn't sit so well with the gloss of the frame paint, but too late to ask to change them, as they were already unwrapped. If a customer asks for a bottle cage recommendation? Gloss mandibles, tell them. I'll live with the matt carbon for now. 

Conclusion. I'm not obsessed with Strava averages, (my two legs together are 126 years old, and powerless), but l do love munching miles, even in winter. I like a bit of bridleway and gravel too, in the dry. I now have the most perfect bike for my needs. Thank you!

Regards,

David

Hi Dom,

Just wanted to say thanks for an amazing frame. I picked it up last night and had a quick blast. Such a nice bike. It might be a few weeks before I can take it for a long ride and really get to know it as well as take some proper photos in the sun. Its so aggressive looking which I love. I've attached a quick pic but will make sure I take some good shots with my SLR.

The shop couldn't get hold of any bolt to bolt adapters for 160mm rotors. Apparently Shimano don't have any until October or so I'm told and there was a reason why I couldn't use the 140mms so we went for equivalent quality 140mm avid rotors which I think look great.

Honestly the photo doesn't do this justice.

Thanks

Chris Ball.

Hi Dom and Team Mason,

I just thought I would update you on my progress with my Definition. 

After a couple of rides I got the seat position set perfectly and the bike now feels a part of me and handles beautifully. I've been putting some decent miles in at the weekends and I've found a good 25 mile loop that I can fit in around work during the week which has a mix of tarmac, rough roads, dirt paths and gravel, the bike handles all surfaces perfectly.

I've housed my bike in the front room and it gives me as much pleasure looking at it as is does riding it. After a short stay in the garage, to make way for the Christmas tree, it's now back where it belongs taking pride of place in the house. 

I've ventured out of Suffolk and have ridden around Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire and will be hitting the hills/mountains of Tuscany for a week in May.

The only slight negative was it took me three weeks to realise that I hadn't got the Schwalbe tubeless tyre upgrade. It's not a problem as the Continental tyres run well and I haven't had a puncture yet despite going out in all weathers and riding on some really rough roads.

I've given my old bike to my son and I'm riding my Definition as it was designed for and giving it the full 4 seasons treatment. I'm really pleased with the bike you made for me and I'm 100% happy with how it rides. When I finally get up to date with technology I'll sign up to Instagram and send you some pictures.

Keep being Progressive.

Thank you.

Tony.

Hey Dom

I thought I'd share with you the bike as it's nearly thousand miles on the Definition and it is  been simply a joy to ride, whether it be counting the miles away on a long ride or up in the hills stood up or sat down spinning away its as comfortable as anything I've ridden in all conditions but that shouldn't be surprised considering the plaudits you've got for your bikes. The one thing that I've been most impressed with more than anything is how nimble and precise the bike is through the corners and the feeling you get from the bike, I've had plenty a smiles on my face that's for sure so thanks and keep up the great work.

All the best and thanks again

Still loving the bike, had to bleed the brakes once now, and also having issues with the rear mech wanting to head for the spokes again, just haven't had a spare evening to get the bike in the workstand and get it adjusted. Picture attached of the bike actually being ridden - I'm not normally into sportives,* but the Etape Loch Ness is one I've done a couple of times now, closed roads and super friendly. Once again the bike got a lot of comments, generally along the lines of "what is it", I do like the minimal branding especially from certain angles.
A bit of a surprise the other day when your e-mail newsletter came through! My bike! My photo! My name misspelled! (Not bothered in any way, mind).
I look forward to September and the new fork.
Many thanks for the support so far, and wishing you continued success, kind regards, Ben Wardill.

Hi, 

I've completed building up my Mason Definition frameset, with the following spec:
• Ultegra Hydro groupset
• Ritchey bar and stem
• Fabric scoop flat saddle
• Mason x Hunt wheels
• Continental 4 seasons tyres 28 mm

Went together reasonably well, although getting the cables routed, hydraulics bled, and mudguards installed took somewhat longer than I hoped. Possibly my mechanics skills were somewhat lacking, but is fully assembled and working now!

I'm really happy with the bike, not only does it look gorgeous, it rides brilliantly on the rough roads, and is stiff and responsive on the climbs. The disk brakes are very confidence inspiring and great fun on the descents. Mudguards fitted well, (thanks to your instructions!), and make such a difference to the clip-ons on my old bike. Finally a four seasons bike I look forward to riding!

I've got a couple of photos of the complete bike, (I've reduced the image size to email), of the completed bike before riding it, and of my first proper hilly ride with it in the Dales yesterday. (One looking up Swaledale, and the other of Wensleydale from Buttertubs pass). The photography themed naming and generally excellent looks made me make a effort to get some shots before it saw the road! 

Hi Dom—Finally got to put a reasonable ride into the bike. All the hype is real. What an amazing ride. Granted, I’m coming from a nearly 30 year old steel bike—but a very nice and sporty one—but the Resolution is like a different kind of vehicle altogether. I can’t wait to take it up Baker—which has ramps of 17 or 18 percent, or so they say—but it was a joy to ride on shorter local hills today. I love having the slightly longer chainstays and the bigger tires are a revelation. I also see what your friend in the Rockies meant when he said the bike made him want to ride longer—there is something about it that really just feels good.

Hopefully the weather will change in the coming week to permit longer rides, but I’m glad to have gotten in one on the only nice day in a long time.

Dom-  

Two words: "****ing Awesome"

Can't put into words how good that first ride was.... Won't stop smiling for weeks...

So worth the wait!

Ben

Just back from my first 90 minute spin on the Resolution taken under the cover of 'doing chores' and I thought I would drop you a line. 

I've rather fallen out of love with cycling over the last 12 months, partly due to lack of time (each ride feels like starting over again), partly due to being a bit older and banged up and partly because I just don't particularly like any of my bikes. I am also increasingly cynical about most things to do with the bike industry and take all reviews with a very large pinch of salt (it goes well with the chip on my shoulder).  So I didn't know what to expect when I went out.  All I can say is.....

'How the hell did you do that?'

The Resolution is utterly sublime.  It took all of five minutes for it to feel like an old friend and it just made me want to ride it more and more as time went on.  Everything about it is in tune.  And they way it works together to absorb all of the nonsense from the road surfaces is amazing.  Plus it looks absolutely stunning.  I cannot wait to get out into my favourite Cornish lanes and spend more time on it.  I can already envisage late summer afternoons in my favourite spots, but also that feeling of sitting in front of a fire with a hot chocolate (or something more medicinal) after getting soaked to the bone in the freezing rain.

You have created something very special here. 

All the best,

Ben

Hi Dom, 

Call me fickle but I spent hours fitting the mudguards and then felt they spoilt the beautiful lines so I took them off again.

For a quote the bike looks amazing but you don’t really appreciate the full beauty until you take it for that first spin, wow thank you very much for all of your hard graft at the design table.

Please find a couple of pics taken in Castle Combe

Best regards,

Andy Harris - Definition Ultegra/Hydro.

Seen here at the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

Loving the Definition ride on Lochside, Galloping Goose and west coast trails on the island

Stellar day on the Snowkings! Great tyres on mixed conditions, on a pretty decent bike too !-)

Hey Cal,

Wanted to get back to you with a more considered ride report. In short, I'm absolutely loving my Mason! Super ride quality and fantastic looks - what's not to like! 

I'm hoping to get out for a week's riding on it soon and was wondering if you guys have any opinions on pannier racks that work particularly well with the frame? Will send you guys a bike picture when I'm somewhere remote and picturesque! 

Cheers,

Andy

Bike is built and have been using it to commute. Boy is it super smooth soaking up the bumps that had my fillings rattling on my Dogma....and still averaging 30kph. Love it. Thanks

Hey Dom, Cal, 
Photo for you. Had the bike for about 9 months so far (so just getting into the 4th season!). Served me very well so far, all through the winter, very happy with it. A good wash and 28mm tyres and she's ready for the tour of Flanders next weekend. Think there's going to be a few Mason's there. Keep up the good work.

Alex

Dear Dom,

Please let me explain, why I think I feel so much resonance with your work. I believe that a lot of it is about personal development and about the right tools for it. I believe you have put together something, what can enable its users become ONE with it and being their best themselves, in many aspects.
You have my huge respect for it.
People really caring about others are precious.

The bike itself is a poem. I am sure you know it.
I believe things carry messages.
The message of best aspects of life of Italy and England is embodied in the bike and I will feel it.
But what I feel strongly as well is humility.
And that really gets me.
Dom, through your work you have personally touched me (and many many others I assume).
The bike itself will talk and sing, although it is a wordless poem, picture, frame, art. Sorry, it carries the most important message - make progress.
Can you please sign the frame for me Dom?

I work as property development manager in Bratislava, which is our capital.
I have been working for the past 4 years on one pretty important development project, which has potential to positively influence many. I have three children and one wife :) .

I would love to have the perfect tool for living my best self for me and others signed by you Dom - a man who does a lot for many.
That is inspiration!

Best regards to you my friend!

Silvio

I thought you may be interested in the attached photos of my Bokeh3. It successfully replaces 3 bikes (monster gravel, fast gravel and touring) and now also passes as a social and shopping bike with rando rack and bag.

The rear 3/4 photo proves that you can fit muddies with 45mm tyres. The G Ones on Hunt Carbon Race 25s came out around 46mm I think. Makes a great noise on grit!

Properly versatile bike. All you need is 3 sets of wheels!

Just wanted to send a quick message and say how chuffed I am with my new Resolution3. The attention to detail marks it out as something very special. I love the Sepia paintwork, it's simply beautiful and I've had lots of admiring looks and positive comments.

It feels very stable on the road. 'Planted' is the phrase that springs to mind. In contrast to my older Kinesis GFTI v2, there is a bit more feedback due to it being made of stiffer tubing. That's not a negative point though, and when you stand on the pedals and head up climbs, it's a much more responsive machine as a result.

Needless to say, I'm extremely happy with it and wanted to say thank you to you all for allowing me to test ride bikes and answering all my queries.

All the same snap and pep as my original V1, but the ability to take the 650b x 55 adds a lot of confidence and comfort. A PR by a fair margin on a gravel descent the other night.
It seems to be more than just the tyres though, so as you mentioned, the new fork must be playing a role in this too.
 
As a cyclist of over 30 years, I find it wonderful how “road” bikes have morphed into these fantastic go anywhere, do anything machines like the Bokeh.
Keep doing what you’re doing!
 
Cheers,
 
Phil

I rode the Bokeh today and managed second place on a KOM leaderboard on a short local bridleway. The guy with the top time was riding an MTB when he set the fastest speed.

Later in the same ride, with a howling tailwind, I took 20th place on a road segment averaging 33mph.

It fries my brain that the same bike can be so fast and so much fun over such a variety of terrain. I just love it.

I decided to have a go at colour matching the mudguards, and thought you might like to see how it turned out. I used aerosol cans from a company called PaintNuts (ref Mercedes Standard Gruen/Unimog 6277) wasn't easy but ended up a good match and looking surprisingly professional!

Just to let you know - we are still in love, my Mason Aspect and me:
14,000 km and going strong. A highlight was surely the transalpine tour in 2022.

Yesterday’s ride took us to the Tromm mountaintop here in Odenwald region of south Germany.

For weeks last year I was tormented by the question: Should I buy a new bike? For three weeks on holiday, the day began with the question and ended with it, wavering between final determination and subsequent common sense to save the money.

At some point, somewhere, the urge came from somewhere, and one year ago today I stood in front of the barn of MASON, near Brighton and picked up my new bike at 9:00 a.m. I rode the 550 kilometers home in three days.

On many of these kilometres it was cold, wet and dirty. I had to go through car washes twice to get the worst dirt off my new bike. On many of these kilometres it was sunny, there was a tailwind and it was wonderful to ride, especially on the cycle paths in Belgium.

Today, a year and 5206 kilometers on my bike later, I am sure that it was one of the best purchase decisions of my life. I am actually always happy when I can cycle, regardless of whether it is a rental bike or an old Klepper in the holiday apartment. But of course even more so when it rolls well.

Sure, I've been a freak when it comes to bikes since I was a young boy. I suspect that it has something to do with the independence of a bike: being able to go somewhere under your own steam where you would hardly be able to get to without help (car, public transport).

My Mason Definition is my aluminum bike, which I chose because I want to make rapid progress even in unfavorable conditions. "Make progress": So true. I only really noticed it when I got home. And I'm happy with every kilometer, how quietly it rolls, rides over everything stably, doesn't let itself get thrown off course and gets going. Of course a carbon racing bike rides even faster, but how close an aluminum frame comes to the riding experience and stubbornly and uncomplainingly masters all surfaces makes me happy every time.

Can things make you happy? No, probably not. Can things make life more beautiful and help you experience happy moments? I think so, and this bike is one of those things. (It now has mudguards, a black saddle, a lower handlebar and a shortened fork shaft. A racing bike for all occasions. :-))

This past Saturday I finished building the Exposure and I went to the local MTB Park to test it. This is an incredible bike. I cannot be happier with it. Excellent in cornering, comfortable and fast enough.

I still have the Bokeh as my day-to-day training bike and sure enough I love it but the Exposure is better for offroad riding. Thanks to you and all Mason team for creating these two amazing bikes.

I dismissed the idea of making the build a winter project. Instead I finished the bike two weeks after I got the frameset and could make use of the end of summer.

So what did I put on the bike: SRAM Apex XPLR 1x12 groupset incl brakes. I have two wheelsets: DT swiss 700c 45mm Pirelli Adventure and DT swiss 650b 52mm Vittoria Mezcal (on the pics it's the Maxxis Ikon in 2.2 but that's a little bit too wide, looks sick though...).

In general I'm super happy with the bike. It rides like a dream. It is amazing how different the new tech and modern geometry ride. I still use my pandemic-Frankenstein-mashup-bike for my daily commutes.

I have built up the ISO and have now ridden with it on different terrains – it is amazing and supersedes my expectations. I have built the wheels myself with a SON dynamo hub – the dynamo cable routing is elegant due to the nice frame and fork design.

The ability to fit large tires really makes a difference on trails (I equipped it with 27.5 x 2.8 ones). With this setup riding a technical trail really makes for fun – and even on wet and slippery roots the ISO feels safe.

I use a mullet setup with a GX derailleur and a modified Rival lever for the correct cable pull ratio. Thus, very steep (20%) roads/gravel/trails are very doable. On normal gravel roads the ISO feels comfortable but due to the drops faster riding is also possible and fun. Finally, in combination with Hope RX4+ brake callipers, braking feels very smooth and precise.