Changing Direction (After A Long Delay)

The old build

There was a plan back in 2011: It was to strip down the old 2007 El Mariachi that I had Gun Koted for its head set. Yes- I scrapped an entire rig just to get the head set for my titanium Mukluk!

The rest of the parts were to go on a green 2012 El Mariachi frame set, but I never got around to getting that frame set, so the project basically was forgotten. Since then, many of the parts of the old El Mariachi build have been floating around the Lab unused.

Ironically enough, the resurrection of this frame from the dusty rafters was due to a totally unrelated wheel set. I had an old Velocity P-35 rimmed wheel set from a couple years ago that featured a single speed rear hub and a 20mm through axle hub front. I was using that on a Soul Cycles Dillinger, which had to move on, since it was a bit too rangy for me. That left the wheels from that bike in limbo until I had heard about the Salsa Cro Moto Grande with a through axle drop out.

The CroMoto Grande through axle version was delayed and then it was delayed again. I sort of lost sight of it after a while due to that. The wheels, which were not convertible to another drop out standard,  "disappeared" into the backdrop of clutter in the Lab and the fork was all but forgotten . Besides, at the time, I didn't have a frame in mind for it anyway.

CroMoto Grande Thru-axle fork

Then a job came into the shop that required me to look up a Salsa fork for it. I came across the Maxle CroMoto in the catalog and thoughts began to stir. The Velocity wheels came to mind, but what frame? Well, I would figure that out later, but instead of waffling away more time, I just went ahead and ordered the dang fork. There! At least I was committed.

The fork came in, meanwhile, I cogitated on what frame to use it on. Immediately the OS Bikes Blackbuck came to mind, but I have that set up with a suspension fork at this time, and I kind of am enjoying that. Hmm.....

I don't know why, but that old El Mariachi came into my mind. Heck- I didn't even know where the frame was for certain. It had been a long time since I had even considered the frame at all. I went down and searched for it, and when I found it hanging from a hook, I noted that it still had its bottom bracket installed. The crank, which has been in the way on my bench for like....ever- was right at hand. Well, well! I was on my way to having most everything I needed to get the El Mar back together. Headset-check. Brakes-check. Seat post-check. Handle bars- check. And on and on.

So, the El Mar will reborn and it sure will have a different look this time around. Stay tuned for the unveiling.....