This bike started as a complete single speed Salsa Casseroll, size 55(58). I liked the single speed's Spicy Mustard color better than the Ginger Beer on the complete triple or the frameset options. I used a combination of parts that came on the bike, parts I had at home and some new parts to complete my triple crank commuter/light tour bike.

I kept the Cane Creek headset, Kalloy stem, Salsa Short and Shallow handlebar, Salsa seat collar and Tektro brakes from the original build, though I plan to replace the stem with a black Ritchey Pro in a different length.

I swapped the silver Tektro brake levers for a set of practically identical black Cane Creek levers I had at home. The Sugino XD600 triple crank with 26/36/48 rings came from another of my bikes as did the Brooks B17 saddle. The wheels are new - Mavic CXP33 rims, 32 DT db spokes and Shimano Ultegra hubs. Cassette is a new Shimano HG50 8 speed 12-25. The Ultegra RD, Suntour X-1 FD and Suntour bar end friction shifters were NOS eBay finds that were waiting for a project. The Kalloy seatpost, Planet Bike Hardcore fenders, Baggins Banana bag and cheap rear rack were orphaned from other bikes. I will likely upgrade these later.

The bike feels great, smooth and stable but lively. I plan to to put a lot of miles on it in the coming years. Salsa definitely came up with a modern classic in the Casseroll.

Benny Watson

Milledgeville, Georgia

benny@mvillebikes.com