Pinkbrain

Retro-mod gravel conversions are the current gold standard for unique riding, and this build is a crown jewel. Built around a rare, high-performance 90s Airmet MTB frameset that has been carefully stored for several decades, this is a bespoke machine for the rider who values history, weight, and "Steel is Real" ride quality. The Frame: Declassified Aerospace Tech! This isn't your "average" Reynolds chromoly. In the mid-90s, at the height of the bicycle "Magic-Metal" craze, Arrow Racing (Oregon) was granted access to a proprietary steel alloy developed by Carpenter Technology for US aerospace applications. The result? An ultralight steel frame weighing in at a staggering 1,600g (approx. 3.5 lbs)—and that's with the Chris King headset cups already installed. To put that in perspective, this steel frame is: Lighter than titanium for the same strength. Stronger than titanium for the same weight. Built with incredibly thin-walled tubing (check the seat-tube close-up) that offers a compliant, lively ride unmatched by modern carbon. The Build: Modern Capability, Vintage Soul I spared "some" expense converting this frame into a modern gravel crusher. The 23-inch effective top tube provides a stable, comfortable geometry for long days in the saddle. The entire build weighs only 22 lbs. Component Highlights: Fork: Black Kona Project-Two Rigid Fork Wheelset: High-Polished Velo Orange 27.5"/650b rims laced to White Industries "Spin-Forever" hubs. Tires: WTB Byway 47mm (The perfect mix of pavement speed and gravel grip). Drivetrain: Raceface Forged Turbine cranks (rare Espresso finish) with a 38T ring, paired with an 11-42T wide-range 10-speed cassette, and a mid range shimano high capacity rear derailleur. Shifting: Shimano 105 ST-5700 brifters operating a long-cage Shimano Acera derailleur for on-point wide-range shifts. Braking: Litepro polished CNC V-brakes (stunning stopping power and aesthetics). Finishing Kit: Flared gravel bars, Syncros seatpost, Salsa skewers, and a vintage WTB Titanium-railed saddle. Build Notes: Pedals: Currently shown with SPD clipless pedals; I am happy to swap these for quality flats if preferred. Condition: This bike was built out of passion and has been meticulously maintained. It is ready to be the centerpiece of any group ride or the ultimate "do-everything" gravel bike. Don't miss the chance to own a piece of US-sourced, artisanal cyclocross cycling history. Be the envy of the trailhead with a steel bike that is lighter, rarer, and more stylish than anything off a showroom floor. End of Summer Sale at 2999. Sadly cant do shipping. Would also consider a trade on something similarly unique, like a 90's Yeti ARC ASLT or a Clark Kent F-16 FS :)

Retro-mod gravel conversions are the current gold standard for unique riding, and this build is a crown jewel. Built around a rare, high-performance 90s Airmet MTB frameset that has been carefully stored for several decades, this is a bespoke machine for the rider who values history, weight, and "Steel is Real" ride quality. The Frame: Declassified Aerospace Tech! This isn't your "average" Reynolds chromoly. In the mid-90s, at the height of the bicycle "Magic-Metal" craze, Arrow Racing (Oregon) was granted access to a proprietary steel alloy developed by Carpenter Technology for US aerospace applications. The result? An ultralight steel frame weighing in at a staggering 1,600g (approx. 3.5 lbs)—and that's with the Chris King headset cups already installed. To put that in perspective, this steel frame is: Lighter than titanium for the same strength. Stronger than titanium for the same weight. Built with incredibly thin-walled tubing (check the seat-tube close-up) that offers a compliant, lively ride unmatched by modern carbon. The Build: Modern Capability, Vintage Soul I spared "some" expense converting this frame into a modern gravel crusher. The 23-inch effective top tube provides a stable, comfortable geometry for long days in the saddle. The entire build weighs only 22 lbs. Component Highlights: Fork: Black Kona Project-Two Rigid Fork Wheelset: High-Polished Velo Orange 27.5"/650b rims laced to White Industries "Spin-Forever" hubs. Tires: WTB Byway 47mm (The perfect mix of pavement speed and gravel grip). Drivetrain: Raceface Forged Turbine cranks (rare Espresso finish) with a 38T ring, paired with an 11-42T wide-range 10-speed cassette, and a mid range shimano high capacity rear derailleur. Shifting: Shimano 105 ST-5700 brifters operating a long-cage Shimano Acera derailleur for on-point wide-range shifts. Braking: Litepro polished CNC V-brakes (stunning stopping power and aesthetics). Finishing Kit: Flared gravel bars, Syncros seatpost, Salsa skewers, and a vintage WTB Titanium-railed saddle. Build Notes: Pedals: Currently shown with SPD clipless pedals; I am happy to swap these for quality flats if preferred. Condition: This bike was built out of passion and has been meticulously maintained. It is ready to be the centerpiece of any group ride or the ultimate "do-everything" gravel bike. Don't miss the chance to own a piece of US-sourced, artisanal cyclocross cycling history. Be the envy of the trailhead with a steel bike that is lighter, rarer, and more stylish than anything off a showroom floor. End of Summer Sale at 2999. Sadly cant do shipping. Would also consider a trade on something similarly unique, like a 90's Yeti ARC ASLT or a Clark Kent F-16 FS :)