I wrote a little bit about the build-up of this bike and thought I’d post for others to check out.

It’s great to be back out on the road again! One thing I noticed is the huge difference now that I have a bike that is sized to fit me. My first “fixie” was 56CM with a 57CM top tube. The ride, while fun, wasn’t the most pleasant at times, but it was all I had to work with.

The Carabela is 54CM with an equally distanced top tube.  It is a much more comfortable ride and I can remain in the saddle for extended periods without back or knee pain. My first ride on the bike I clock 40 miles with no effort and to date - as in the past 4 days - have put a little over 80 pain free miles. Either way, if you are looking to build up a nice conversion, read a bit of what I went through and see if it is for you. You won’t be the envy of the hipster crowd - they turn their noses to anything other than NJS, Keirin or anything emblazoned with “track” on it - but you will have a great city ride.