Gustav “Dangerholm” Gullholm, renowned for his innovative custom bike builds, has recently unveiled a remarkable Scott Spark RC HMX Gravel Project. This creation seamlessly blends cross-country (XC) mountain bike technology with gravel riding capabilities, resulting in a lightweight and high-performance machine.
Frame and Geometry:
Starting with a Scott Spark RC HMX full-suspension frame, Dangerholm downsized to a Medium size to achieve a shorter reach and wheelbase, enhancing gravel-oriented handling. The frame underwent significant modifications, including cutting and reinforcing the chainstay to accommodate a larger 46T chainring, deviating from the standard 38T compatibility. (bikeradar.com)
Cockpit and Components:
The bike features a custom Darimo Nexum Drag gravel cockpit with an 80mm stem and 380mm width, tailored to the frame’s geometry. A unique -12-degree stem angle complements the slacker head tube angle of the Scale frame. The integrated headset hardware ensures a clean and aerodynamic setup. (road.cc)
Drivetrain:
Equipped with a SRAM Red XPLR AXS 13-speed groupset, the bike includes a 10-46t cassette and a 44T Red Aero chainring with a power meter. The Wert StW-M titanium crankset, featuring hollow crank arms, contributes to a reduced weight of 314g. CeramicSpeed OSPW X Alpha jockey wheels and a CeramicSpeed Alpha bottom bracket enhance performance and efficiency. (road.cc)
Braking System:
The braking system comprises SRAM Red E1 levers paired with 612-Parts post-mount aero calipers, offering an aerodynamic advantage. Carbon-Ti X-Rotor Aero rotors further reduce weight while maintaining braking performance. (road.cc)
Wheels and Tires:
A standout feature is the custom wheelset with prototype 45mm internal-width, 70mm-deep wave-profile rims, developed in collaboration with Canadian firms. These rims are designed for aerodynamics and tire stability with 2.25-inch MTB tires. The wheels are built onto Extralite HyperSmart 3 hubs with Alpina Hyperlite spokes, featuring a Boost adaptor kit and compatibility with a SRAM XDR freehub. (bikeradar.com)
Saddle and Seatpost:
The bike is equipped with a Berk Lupina Monocoque saddle, weighing 99g, mounted on an aero seatpost sourced from a crashed Scott Foil RC aero road bike. This integration maintains the bike’s clean silhouette and contributes to its lightweight design. (bikeradar.com)
This custom build exemplifies Dangerholm’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of bike design, resulting in a unique and high-performance gravel machine that challenges traditional classifications.