NAHBS is always interesting in that you can stop at a booth and talk to the builder and then wander a few feet away and meet the company that produced the tubes or details like the dropouts for that very bike. For most bikes we probably take the availability of certain dropouts, braze ons, and other parts for granted, but for builders at NAHBS that want to keep the bikes U.S. made down to the last detail, someone has to create those little parts.
That point was illustrated beautifully when we stopped to check out the latest DeSalvo Custom Cycle above, then got a look at the new X-12 titanium dropouts from Paragon Machine Works…
One of the few builders that got an early sample of the new ENVE GRD Gravel Road Fork, DeSalvo built up this Ti Gravel bike to take advantage. Complete with a complement of orange components from Chris King, the bike also got the new prototype 12mm front hubs from King to allow use of the ENVE’s thru axle.
To match up with the thru axle front, the frame makes use of the new Syntace X-12 compatible dropouts from Paragon Machine Works.
Not that DeSalvo would need it, but the Syntace X-12 dropouts are unique in that they offer a 1/2mm or 1mm offset bushing that can be adjusted with a 14mm internal hex wrench. That allows for the wheel’s alignment to be adjusted in the event that the dropouts aren’t welded in perfectly straight. It also offers a 12×142 dropout that is compatible with both Shimano Direct Mount and standard rear derailleurs, and in this case is U.S. made. Available in steel or titanium, Paragon’s X-12 dropouts can use the bolt on axle or a QR like the DT Swiss RWS.
Paragon also had this new titanium fat bike chainstay yoke to show off as well. Meant to allow for 5″ tires on 100mm rims, the yoke makes it easier for builders to make a stiff chainstay/BB interface that still clears drivetrains and tires. The only drawback is that it will not be cheap (as in $522.15) since it starts out as a seven pound chunk of 6/4 titanium that is machined into two halves that are then to be welded together by the frame builder. Only available in titanium for now, Paragon says they do plan to offer steel in the distant future.
