Tom Schwemberger’s Custom Titanium Bike: A Masterpiece for the Silk Road Mountain Race
Tom Schwemberger, an astrophysicist residing in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, has unveiled his meticulously crafted titanium bike, designed specifically for the grueling Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR) 2026. This custom creation, built by Liminal Machine Works, embodies a harmonious blend of performance, durability, and personal significance.
A Tribute to Heritage and Passion
The bike, affectionately named “Klah-Klahnee”—meaning “Three Points” in Kalapuya, referring to the Three Sisters mountains in the central Cascades—serves as both a tribute to Schwemberger’s late father and a celebration of his academic achievements. The frame’s anodized design features the Three Sisters mountains transitioning from the night sky of the head tube to the raw titanium of the down tube, symbolizing Schwemberger’s career as an astrophysicist and his connection to the stars under which he rides.
Design and Components
Schwemberger’s bike is engineered for versatility and durability, featuring a titanium frame that offers a balance of lightness and responsiveness. The custom rear rack includes three pack mounts, supports panniers, and accommodates a rack-top bag, making it suitable for both daily commutes and extended bikepacking adventures. The 7Roads top-tube bag is weather-resistant, ideal for carrying electronics, while the frame bag is spacious enough for onigiri, a staple in Schwemberger’s diet. For racing, a custom roll-top aerobar bag with stretchy side pockets is utilized.
Technical Specifications
- Frame: Liminal Machine Works titanium
- Fork: Lauf Grit Gen 3
- Rims: 9Velo GV45 Superwide
- Hubs: SON28 (front), 9Velo (rear)
- Tires: Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.1″
- Handlebars: Lauf Smoothie
- Crankset: SRAM Force 165mm with spindle power meter
- Pedals: Shimano XTR
- Cassette: Shimano XTR (CS-M9101 10-51t MS)
- Derailleurs: Shimano XTR Di2
- Brakes: Shimano RX 820
- Shifters: Shimano RX 825
- Saddle: Ergon SM Pro
- Seatpost: Ergon Split Post
- Stem: ENVE In-Route Carbon 90mm
- Front Bags: 7Roads custom aerobar bag
- Frame Bags: 7Roads custom 3/4 frame bag
- Rear Bags: 7Roads rack top-bag
- Accessory Bags: 7Roads transformer top tube bag and stem bags
- Rear Rack: Liminal Machine Works
- Other Accessories: SON Edelux II dynamo lights, Garbaruk chainring, custom light/computer mount
Innovative Features
The rear dropouts are designed around the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) system, incorporating an off-centered insert that allows for adjustable chainstays and the option to run a singlespeed setup without the need for a bulky sliding dropout or chain tensioner. While the bike is equipped with wireless shifting, the frame also includes routing for a mechanical rear derailleur, offering flexibility and reliability.
Personal Touches
The downtube features a bespoke panel of wildflowers, each holding special significance to Schwemberger:
- Pacific Dogwood: Symbolizing the passage of time and the changing seasons, reminiscent of a dogwood tree at his grandmother’s house.
- Paintbrush: A staple in the Sierra Nevada range, serving as a memento of trips with his father and sister.
- Alpine Phlox: Grows above the treeline in inhospitable talus fields, reminding Schwemberger to thrive even in challenging conditions.
- Avalanche Lily: A delicate flower of the Cascades, captivating in its early-season appearance as snow melts.
- Trillium: Another delicate early-season flower of the Willamette Valley and the Cascades.
- Scarlet Gilia (Skyrockets): The namesake of one of Schwemberger’s closest friends.
- Virginia Bluebells: The first flowers Schwemberger picked for his bikepacking companion, whom he loves deeply.
This custom titanium bike is not just a machine; it’s a testament to Schwemberger’s journey, his memories, and his passion for cycling. As he prepares for the SRMR 2026, this bike stands as a symbol of resilience, adventure, and the enduring bond between father and son.