When Broad Street Cycles (that’s us) collaborated with esteemed frame builder Naked Bicycles the goal was to offer a true do-it-all bike based on the Naked X frame, a bike that was just a competitive ripping up the local cyclocross series as it was comfortable cruising on backcountry logging roads. Starting with CX race inspired geometry and custom steel tubing, the Naked is designed to give comfort and precision in a versatile package that includes through axles and wide tire clearance. Here’s Sam’s take on the quiver-killer.
Taking advantage of the latest Shimano has to offer, Sam opted for road shifters hooked up to an XT Di2 rear derailleur allowing him to run a wide range MTB cassette and single front ring for simplicity and reliability. The larger jumps in the gearing compared to a typical road groupset are more forgiving when carrying a heavy load up and down steep inclines on one of Sam’s bikepacking trips and the electronic shifting gives him the confidence to change gear under load.
That ray of purple you see is coming from the impeccably finished White Industries hubs that shine bright despite being caked in dirt from the daily commute. This bike is all about long service intervals and reliable performance, White Industries hubs fit the bill perfectly.
Since Sam commutes and rides throughout the year in Victoria where we’ve seen rain every day for week, he needed a functional set of fenders to keep him somewhat dry that also had to good looks to match the rest of the bike. He chose 35mm wide fenders from Sim works with a black hammered metal finish that allow him to run a wide selection of tires, including these Schwalbe G Ones that roll great on the road but inspire confidence in the wet and off road.
Victoria boasts an amazing network of bike lanes and trails, unfortunately not all of them are separated from cars so we get a lot of debris including glass and nails. Sam came prepared with an easily accessible spare tube and high volume Lezyne pump for quick road side repairs. He also fitted an Outershell Adenture bar bag to keep tools, food and whatever else he needs within arms reach, especially handy for snacking on the go.
Sam loves the accessibility of flat pedals, he doesn’t have to worry about wearing the right shoes when heading out. He also didn’t worry about washing his bike for these photos, it’s going to get mucky all over again tomorrow.
