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| The Singular Peregrine Mk4 (Image courtesy of Singular) |
The bike? The Singular Cycles Peregrine Mk4.
I don't know why I had forgotten about this bike, but it does everything I want in a classically inspired package.
It has a single speed capability, just like the Standard Rando v2, with its eccentric bottom bracket insert. But the Singular Peregrine Mk4 goes a step further in regard to classic looks with its bi-plane styled fork crown, and slender steel fork blades. The Peregrine has the same bottom bracket drop, head tube angle, and disc brake/through-axle standards as the Twin Six. The Peregrine has externally routed cables and removable cable stops for a cleaner single speed appearance. But the biggest attraction for me over the Standard Rando?
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| Image courtesy of Singular Cycles |
The Peregrine's tire clearance, which is maxed out at 29" X 2.2 (claimed). That is just what I was looking for in a bicycle like this.
So.....what's the rub? Why not get this?
It always is about the money, right? This is a very reasonably priced frame set, at $1.400.00 USD, so I am not asking for something cheaper. I believe it is worth every penny of the asking price. It's just a personal thing right now with what has happened recently and my wanting to be responsible and respectful to that. Once we are squared away here and I can come to terms with everything surrounding the financials in respect to the situation, I maybe will feel better about ordering a Peregrine Mk4 and moving on from the Twin Six bike.
The components I have on the Twin Six will mostly cross over to the Singular and would look spectacular on it, being they are polished aluminum or silver anodized aluminum bits. I'd just need a silver 1 1/8th" head set, and I know exactly where it would come from.
If/when I get a Peregrine Mk4, I would retire my Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross, as it is largely redundant and barely used anymore. The headset in this bike is silver, 1 1/8th, and would look quite nice in a Peregrine Mk4.
So, I think this all makes too much sense. I probably will end up with one of these. It's just that it doesn't seem right now for me to do this. Soon, but maybe not just quite yet.
12 comments:
Hi Mark, can I ask you something? I’ve been noticing a bit of a trend back toward rim brakes, and after seeing this post about the Peregrine and that Singular is working on a new gravel bike with rim brakes instead of discs, I wanted to ask your opinion: rim brakes vs discs—do you think this shift makes sense? It doesn’t necessarily have to be a step backwards. Thanks a lot, as always!
It's a lovely bike and I hope you get it! Let's hope that "He Who Must Not BE Named" doesn't push the price out of orbit with his silly-assed tariffs. I wouldn't wait too long.
@Pedro - Of course! Yes, I have written about this on a few occasions. It is my belief concerning rim brakes that they are fine. They can be set up to work quite nicely for most people's needs. There are cases where a disc brake may be preferable. For instance, if your conditions are often poor, wet, icy, or perhaps muddy, a disc brake may work better for you.
And disc brakes do allow for easier wheel removal, they allow for larger tires, (most often), and for wheel size swaps, like 650B and 700c being able to be used on the same bike.
So, disc brakes are an advantage sometimes.
But the ride quality is always paramount for myself. A rim brake fork can be made to be more compliant than a disc brake fork, which enhances ride quality. Rim brakes also can be lighter, overall, than a disc brake set up. (Hub, frame, calipers, etc)
Rim brakes can also be an advantage in adverse situations. For example, we found this to be true during the time I put on the Trans Iowa race. Disc brake pads would fail far before a rim brake pad would in wet, muddy conditions.
Also, rim brake set ups are most often easier to maintain, as you don't have to bleed fluids, deal with hose connectors, or be locked into an ecosystem which includes drive trains.
I hope this helps you understand my opinion. I apologize for the length of this!
@Phillip Cowan - Thanks! Yes, I had not given the tariff thing any thought. But you are correct. This is a concern.
@Pedro: I believe the new Singular is a road bike first, but has clearance for larger tires. It's not specifically a gravel bike. It's a fine line, but a distinction nonetheless.
With that said, Brother, I believe the Peregrine would end up being a 'forever' bike for you. It's the one Singular I've always wished I had, and the mk4 version is the most compelling one yet. Lugged frames like this are not common today, and they're not gonna get easier to find in the future.
I want to figure out a way for you to DO THIS NOW!
@MG - Well.....I *could* do this now, but it just doesn't seem quite right at the moment. I believe it will happen though. It's hard to explain my reticence to buying it now.
Love ya, Brother!
What a beautiful looking rig, would love to see something like that built up in the flesh.
The majority of bikes I do own have disc brakes, but I’ve got two in my stable (working on a third) that have rim brakes: one with centerpull and other with cantis. The surly steamroller with centerpull brakes has the narrowest tires of any bike I own, but the ride quality is incredible. As low tech as it is, you really wouldn’t think it. I hope rim brakes and rims continue to be offered, I do think they’re advantageous as compared to disc in several circumstances, as you alluded to above.
@Tomcat - I've always liked Steamrollers. I had a friend who had one once and it looked great. Nice to know the ride quality is good.
If it makes business sense through podcast revenue or other streams, we would love to see a build and write up. What a sweet frameset. Sam makes wonderful machines. Thanks as always for the great content, and continued prayers for your family.
I've admired this bike going back to the reddish original version. Every time i think about picking one up, something about the geo throws me off... like if the reach is good, the stack is real low. I know there are ways around that, but it always seemed odd to me.
So.... out of curiosity, which size would you be getting?
@Boudin - When I look at the Singular geo chart, I note the numbers given are for use with the largest recommended tire. Since this is what I probably would use in the Peregrine Mk4, I am going off the numbers shown. Getting the bike and using, say, 45mm tires, will yield different results than the geo chart might infer to you.
So, with this in mind, I am going for a Large here. The stand over is right at minimum clearance for me, and the rest of the chart seems well within reason for myself.
But perhaps we will all find out together if this frame and fork get purchased in the future.
@C. David Ashton II - Thank you. I and my family appreciate your support.
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