[Carl Heinz]

Hi. I’m new but my friend encouraged me to review the wolverine for you all. I’ve only had it for two weeks and only have 200Km on it. It was built here in Vancouver Canada with the following basics;
Shimano Alfine hubs, dynamo and Internal geared hub, 11spd with HED Belgium+ rims. Schwalb Marathons. TRP spyre brakes. B&M lights. FSA headset and drop bars. TruVativ Cranks with Gates Carbon Drive. Adamo road saddle. Fenders and rear rack.
I use the bike for easy rides and daily commuting which I do year round here in the pacific north west. My other bike is a full carbon weight weenie.
I’m 52 years old and have put a lot of miles/km on my bikes. Less now and I wanted a bike that was smoother than my aluminum hybrid commuter. What I got was a (so far) maintenance free, clean and tidy bike that I can just ride. And the ride is the best part. Yes, heavy with this build but smooth, gorgeous ride with no buzz like I had on my previous commuter. The handling is very stable but not too much so. Look at the numbers on the soma website. As my builder said, “the numbers don’t lie”. What does that mean to a guy like me? Well, I don’t want to be totally focused on my ride on the way to work. i can take my mind off the bike and it goes ahead where pointed. However, it does respond to definite input in a confidence inspiring way. Goes where pointed and tends to stay there. My weight weenie on the other hand, well I just have to think about it and WHOA, I’m there. Constant vigilance. Not the wolverine. Pretty laid back. Yet, still pretty quick. Not a dog. I’m just so pleased. A real sweet spot, at least for me.
In terms of the belt drive, the split is by the drop out and it is so nicely made, I initially missed it. The mechanics at Mighty Riders in Vancouver were drooling over it. A very elegant solution. We’ll see how it holds up over time. I’m not an engineer so not brilliant on this, but the manufacturing tolerances on this look good and the neatness of it seems to me to suggest good results. Here is hoping. By the way, a free tuner app for your android works to check belt tension. 50 to 60 Hz and you’re golden.
Paint etc. is good. The colour, well I guess you like it or you don’t.
For a rider who puts on regular miles through all weather, wants responsiveness with stability, this is a nice bike. Can’t comment on racing etc. as I’m past that now. Just love my bike to bits. Couldn’t be happier.

[Author]

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