Previously on The Phoenix Project: Part I - The Frame I hadn't expected to write the second installment of the Phoenix Project mkII so soon after obtaining the frameset. In fact, I had been considering this to be a long-term project to add things to as my budget permitted. So much for that. Like many other things, building a bike from the frame-up is essentially a blank canvas. Sure, I've got to keep in mind compatibility of components and such, but pretty much the sky's the limit. Right? ...

Being cooped up in COVID quarantine in the summer of 2020, I took advantage of the inflated prices for used bikes and sold my beloved mid-80s Trek 520 (slightly undersized) and 10 year old Trek something-or-other road bike (slightly forgettable.) As others were perfecting their stay-at-home sourdough starter, the long-distance touring bike bug got me, and as such was able to find a Long Haul Trucker in my size in stock at my LBS. It's been a great all-arounder, and I look forward to many many mo...