Platinum Custom Assembly - Get the Bike YOU Want

Today's bicycles are amazing and the breadth of options is often overwhelming. Still, with more models available than ever; it seems that sometimes you cannot find exactly the bike you want. A long-time client of mine was faced with exactly that situation - and so we crafted a solution.

And that is exactly why I offer the Platinum Assembly - to allow for custom options in addition to top-quality frame-up assembly.

Richard and I talked for some time before we arrived at a final solution; but much of the hows and whys were already a part of the conversation. We knew we would be taking a carbon road bike and doing a flat-bar conversion because it meets his riding position needs. When we located a bike that met our fitting demands (another area where Richard and I have worked closely for some time) and that met his satisfaction in terms of ride-quality: he pulled the trigger and we went to work.

This project started with a stock Trek Domane 5.2 - as pictured:

The work began with a complete dis-assembly with the exception of the cranks, front derailleur, and brake calipers. We would be replacing the cassette, rear derailleur, saddle, stem, handlebar, shifters and brake levers, and upgrading the wheels and tires with items that better met Richard's wants and needs but weren't options in Trek's catalog.

Re-cabling the bike due to flat-bar brake levers and different cable lengths was all part of the job, and well within the scope of the Platinum Custom Assembly (Internal cable routing and all...)

(Here is where I ought to also commend Trek on a job well done on a well executed and relatively easy to service internal routing job. While I much prefer external cables when servicing a bike because they are easier to replace and allow a few "mechanic's tricks" for faster set-up, internal cables look good and make it easier to clean the bike. However, home mechanic beware - they are a bear to replace without proper tools, know-how, and a little mistake-related-experience on your side...)

I need better photos of the finished project (perhaps I can bribe Richard for some...); but we were able to create something that is mechanically sound, fits and rides beautifully, maintains good aesthetic quality, and most importantly makes Richard very happy when he rides.

Here's the final photo; just before delivery to Richard:

And the final specs; much of which I was able to source for Richard, making his experience a little easier and hassle-free:

Frame/Fork/Seatpost: 2013 Trek Domane 5.2
Wheels: Shimano Dura Ace WH-7900 C24 CL
Crankset: Shimano Ultegra 6703 Triple
Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 6703 braze-on
Brakeset: Shimano Ultegra 6700
Tires: Continental GP4000s 25mm
Cassette: Shimano XT M780 11-32
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M772 Shadow
Shifters: Shimano SL-770 flat bar road
Brake Levers: Shimano BR-SL flat bar road
Chain: Shimano Ultegra CN-6701
Stem: Bontrager Race Lite OS 31.8
Handlebar: Ritchey WCS Aluminum zero rise 31.8

What ideas have you had floating around in your head but don't think anyone can help you with? Contact me and we will see what we can work out with this service or my many others. I am here to help!