Ride Review: B Steele's custom Nikas

Alright, let’s go! Today, we’ve got B Steele’s custom Nikas hardtail, proudly built right here in Fort Collins by Nick Zukauskas.  Bethel or “B” (he/him or they/them) just really loves bikes. Their love for bikes started when working at a local bike shop in Boston and has continued through one-on-one and small group mechanic workshops, most of which have been a venture of Queer+ Bikes, the group B co-founded with Lauren Mehl. B has been in or adjacent to the bike industry since 2010, and as a skilled and knowledgeable bike mechanic, you might find him at his happiest building some new wheels or completely stripping down a bike. He will always say that he’d rather ride or wrench on bikes over almost anything else. He won’t choose a favorite, but he loves to gravel ride, mountain bike, and bikepack. – Bio pulled from JoyRide. In addition to all the things, B is also the Gender Expansive Leader for Friends of FoCo Fondo, where he works to increase access, opportunity, and community connection for LGBTQ+ athletes.

This Ride Review is brought to you by our friends at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurants, with locations in Fort Collins (OG), Greeley, Denver, Lone Tree, and Boulder. The Rio serves up the best margs and Tex-Mex in Colorado and has long supported the Fort Collins cycling scene.

The Build

Frame: Nikas custom steel hardtail, Prismatic Powders Ka-Chow finish
Fork: RockShox Pike, 120mm

Drivetrain: SRAM XO1 mechanical
Cassette: SRAM XX1 XG-1299 Copper, 10–52
Cranks: SRAM GX, 165mm
Chainring: 30t
Chain: SRAM XX1 Copper
Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB

Brakes: SRAM G2 RSC

Wheelset: We Are One Convergence Sector rims laced to Onyx Vesper Black Aura hubs
Tires: Vittoria Mezcal III 2.35, Grey/Black

Saddle: Ergon W’s Sport SL
Stem: ENVE aluminum, 70mm
Bars: Niner RDO flat bars
Seatpost: Bike Yoke Revive

Pedals: Race Face Atlas

Computer: Hammerhead Karoo
Computer Mount: K-Edge Adjustable

Top Tube bag: RockGeist Cache XL

Headset Bracket: RockGeist Spacelink
Fender: yes