La Máquina – Dean El Diente

After close to 2000kms on my Dean 'El Diente' ('The Tooth' in Spanish - *shrug* I dunno!), I thought it about time for a little write up on the beast.

I'd decided early in 2008 to purchase an S&S coupler equipped bike for my next trip to the US: the hassle involved with carting a full sized bike bag around on my last trip was just too much inconvenience, not too mention that every internal flight within the US attracts a not-inconsiderable surcharge for the non-standard sized bike bag. The idea of being able to store the bike away in a suitcase-sized container was just appealing, plus I'd always wanted a Titanium bike.

So, combining the two seemed meritorious, and after much scrounging around on the 'net, and communications with a number of makers, I decided that:

1. It made most sense to have it made in the US and delivered to my starting point of the tours:
2. Dean Bikes was going to be the maker I went with, as not only were they exceedingly helpful, they were also great value-for-money, and had good write-ups online.

So, with a long order lead-time (luckily because it still only just made it in time), my bike was built and delivered to Universal Cycles in Portland for a final build-up and prep (thanks to Mark (owner) and Mike (builder) and the guys!)

Anyway, two tours of Oregon and Washington, plus 2 months of riding back home, and the 'Tooth' is going superbly (no dental work required!)

OK – piccies! First, some whole-of-bike ones:









'La Máquina' is a custom size 3/2.5Vr Titanium S&S coupler equipped road frame – around a size '57', but with some tweaks (longer chainstays, longer wheelbase, altered trail, custom TT slope etc). Shimano Dura Ace group mostly.



Cockpit: Ritchey WCS 4-Axis alloy stem mated to a Ritchey WCS Carbon Logic II bar. Shimano Flightdeck Wireless. Cinelli Cork bar tape. DA 7800 shifters.



Head: Ritchey WCS 1/1-1/8 non-integrated headset.



Front: Easton EC90 carbon fork, with carbon steerer and dropouts. DT Swiss RR 1.2 rims mated to Dura Ace hub with Sapim CX Rays – 24 front and 28 rear. Vittoria Diamante Pro 23s.



Front triangle showing Dean logo and S&S couplers.



Chainset is a FSA SL-K Light (53/39) with MegaExo ceramic BB. Front and Rear DA mechs. DA chain. Ultegra 'Ice Grey' SPD-SL Pedals. Old skool SS bottle cage. 25/12 DA cassette.



Ritchey WCS alloy seatpost. Fizik Arione saddle.

So – that's her!

How does she ride? - beautifully! Ti is compliant yet lively – transmits road feel, but never to a jarring point. As a custom fit, it is nigh-on perfect. Steers quickly, but a little less razor-like than an all-out racer – an important point for longer tours that I deliberately wanted. Although it looks spindly, the BB area is super stiff – no jellying of response when you stamp on it out-of-saddle. Similarly the rear triangle and head area is also tight – I've never had a 'moment' on the bike, including descending at 80kmh plus, around twisties and across rough, rough roads. The RR1.2s are also laterally stiff and vertically accommodating – as a total package, she is very comfortable in saddle and confidence inspiring.

Build quality is excellent – the welds are a thing of beauty. Compared to Merlins and Moots that were on tour, I'd class the quality of finish and welds as good as these two brands.

Personally, I think she's the 'Duck's Nuts'!

Ride safe!