It all started with a Specialized StumpJumper new/old stock in the Fall of 2020.
I purchased this bike new/old stock off ebay. It was a fresh build and a 2011 never used Carbon Fiber StumpJumper frame with 29er wheels and all the usual components to create a sweet Hardtail MTB. The bike kicked ass out of the box and I instantly fell in love with how well it rode. Fast, responsive and quick handling. I started riding this bike on pavement to various trails and then from trail back home via asphalt. It was fun and satisfying for awhile but I knew I could get more out of this bike with a few swapped out components and a little innovation. The goal was to maintain the fun on the trail but increase the speed of the asphalt commute to and from the trail. The project was 100% successful.
The photos show off the mods I made to create the perfect Gravel Monster. "Stumpjumper Monster Madness" now resides in Seattle, WA. Sold so I could make way for my next build.
The key components to build my affordable 1x12 Gravel Monster:
1. 1x12 MTB Rear Derailleur and Shifter system.
2. Dinner Plate size Rear Cassette, 10 to 52.
3. Set of after market Disc Brakes with no shifter components. TRP Hylex
4. Gravel tires that can handle both dirt and asphalt.
5. Sweet set of gravel drop bars. Ritchey VenturMax
6. 36t Front Chainring Coulda Gone to a 40 easy.
7. Lots of bar tape double wrapped for a cushier ride.
The key is to mount the MTB Shifter just under the brake lever. Checkout the second image from T.L. I sware this is an awesome option to the traditional setup like Shimano GTX Gravel components, etc. The advantage to using the MTB 1x12 system is that you eliminate a front derailleur and have a full range of gears in one place. It's simple, functional and so enjoyable to ride.
The 1x12 MTB system offers a wide gear range, like the Sram 10-52t rear cassette. Then use your front chainring to dial in your max speed. If it's days of hill climbing and rugged trail opt for a 32, 34 or 36 front chainring. Lots of asphalt then run what you like, even a 44t and haul ass!
Shifting wise, the MTB oddly placed shifter is easily accessible from top or bottom bar positions. It's flawless shifting and much cheaper than a full e-shift system. GRX components and the like max out around a 47t rear cassette. With that kinda gearing I'd be walking up a lot of hills in SoCal or other mountainous regions. Deep canyon stuff, extreme fire roads or vertical single track.
My first experimental 1x system was a cheap chinese 1x12 package. Included was 11-50 rear cassette, rear derailleur + shifter and chain. Paid like $125 for the kit. Worked awesome for about 4 months and was the best way to experiment with this new format. Finally on a rapid descent and a couple deep ruts the rear derailleur snapped off and the chain broke.
Post explosion I upgraded to Sram NX Eagle. Was a seamless transition and worked perfectly out of the box. I'm a Sram convert from now on. It just works flawlessly. I like to ride hard and at times in rough terrain. The Sram system can take the abuse and shifts super easy when you realize you're in the wrong gear.
Having a front shock where needed and locked out the rest of the time is like two bikes in one. Wide gravel bars add stabilization to the cockpit. Medium sized semi-slick tires allow for cushion in the rough stuff and speed on the asphalt.
I can't say enough good things about this build. I haven't met a single track or fire road that this bike can't handle. When the gravel bikers turnaround because it's a rough trail ahead I just keep going. And so far I haven't found a mountain bike that can out pace me.
Let's be honest here. I'm not taking this thing to the Great North West or bone jarring descents where even full suspension bikes feel weak in the wheels. But maybe a future project will be a full suspension dropbar Monster that tangles with the most demanding trails. Still don't know if I want to take on some massive drop or jump with road bars on a gravel monster. Guess we'll have to wait and see.
For now I'm building my next dream Gravel Monster. I'll post it on here once the wheels show up. I have everything else. Hard to ride without wheels.
New Build: Pinarello Hard Tail Frame, Carbon Wheelset, Sram XX1 Component Kit 1x12 and on the fly lockout Fox shock.
Cheers
