Bespoked UK 2026 Dispatch #02: Ron’s Bikes, Medusa Cycles, and Sentient Works
Ron’s Bikes Alumax II Prototype
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Ron’s Bikes Alumax II prototype
Goupset XTR M950 rear derailer with Sram PG-990 Cassette, Ultegra fron derailer
Crank
Sugino PX Crankset (44T, 26T)
Seatpost and Saddle
Sklar Ti seatpost, and Brooks B17
Handlebar
Custom-flared Nitto M151
Wheels
Shimano XTR M900 hubs on Crust rims
You probably already know Ronnie Romance of Ron’s Bikes and Ultra Dynamico, here with his personal prototype of the Alumax II as a continuation of his very personal approach to bike design. Compared to his prototype, there will be only minor refinements on the production version, mainly longer chainstays to allow for slightly larger tire clearance. As it stands, it already fits up to 2.2” tires, conveniently fitted with his own Ultra Dynamico rubber, aiming for a balance between speed and control, with a faster rear (with the new Brute) and a more aggressive front for braking traction.
You could call this rig a gravel bike, but that label doesn’t quite capture it. Built from aluminum with a steel fork and coming with cantilever brakes, the Alumax II avoids some conventions of modern high-end bikes, as Ronnie describes it as a kind of alternate reality with what performance cycling might look like today if disc brakes and carbon forks were never a thing. Despite that retro influence, the geometry is thoroughly modern, with a longer front center, a slack front end, and proportions that align with contemporary standards.
The bike he brought to the show is also the one he’s about to travel with (yes, he rode it from the airport), so it’s set up with that in mind. Small details we love, like using TPU inner tubes to avoid messy surprises when flying or fitting a compact front bag for essentials. Even the cockpit has been “subtly” modified by hand, with flared Nitto handlebars adjusted in a bench vise. Finally, every Alumax is welded by “Frank the welder” based in Vermont. I just want to meet Frank now!
Medusa Kangal
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Medusa Kangal
Goupset Simano Deore LX Limited Edition, 11-34 cassette
Crank
Custom Thorn 150mm cranks 3x (42T, 32T, 22T) (22T by Stambecco)
Seatpost and Saddle
Ritchey Logic seatpost, and Brooks saddle
Stem and Handlebar
Vecnum freequence stem, Seido Devation riser bar
Wheels
Rear limited edition anniversary DT Swiss 24 and a front Son dynamo hub, both laced to Velocity Dually rims. Maxxis Minion DHR II 29×3.0”
This is Pete, the man behind Medusa Cycles in Manchester, with his "Kangal", a deeply personal project shaped by experience traveling to India. The bike takes its name from the Kangal dog of the Anatolian steppe, an animal known for its independence and unpredictability, which reflects both the environments that inspired the build and the kind of riding it’s meant for.
The idea for the bike goes back to Pete’s 2018 ride to India, a long-distance journey that took him across demanding terrain like the Turkish steppe and the Pamir Highway. Riding a Surly Long Haul Trucker with relatively modest 26 x 2.1” tires, he found himself constantly pushed to his limits, dealing with rough roads and a bike that, while reliable, wasn’t fully adapted to those conditions. That experience created the bike he wished he had back then.
The Kangal is built around that idea of comfort without compromising durability. Pete kept elements that proved themselves on his original journey, like the simple and nearly indestructible 3x8 drivetrain, but refined the rest of the setup. Disc brakes and huge tire clearance easily fitting these 3” Maxxis Minion DHF, bringing a level of cushioning and grip he would have needed back then.
Shorter crank length also helps in avoiding knee strain while allowing for a very low bottom bracket (20mm bb drop) and a more stable ride. For the cockpit, you’ll find a suspension stem by Vecnum, and the bell that was carried over from his India trip, tying the project back to its origins.
Sentient Work GRIFFYN cargo
Frameset
Sentient Works GRIFFYN with a 160mm shock and a 120mm Manitou Machete Pro front adjustable fork.
Goupset 12s Shimano Deore XT
Brakes
Dominion A4 brakes with 200mm rotors
Seatpost and Saddle
150mm dropper post, Ergon Saddle
Stem and Handlebar
Shimano Pro Korydropperak stem and riser bar
Tires
27.5” Maxxis Rekon Rear, 20” Maxxis Minion DHF
James and Tullen from Sentient Works explained to me that this project grew out of years of riding cargo bikes in ways they weren’t really designed for. Together they started on Omnium setups, pushing them further and further off-road, first with standard rigid forks and chunky tires, then experimenting with suspension forks and dropper posts in search of comfort through South Wales, where trails are rocky and demanding. But it quickly exposed the limits of those adaptations. That process led to what they called the “Stepping Stone” project, an intermediate attempt to understand whether a full-suspension cargo platform could make sense. Finally, this bike is the natural conclusion of that exploration.
The intention was also to create something more engaging to ride. The long wheelbase and cargo format introduce a layer of complexity that changes how you approach trails, forcing sometimes wider lines and a different kind of body positioning. For example, the front-end layout also reduces direct feedback through the handlebars, which James notes can make long rides feel less taxing on the body compared to a traditional mountain bike.
Carrying gear also follows the same philosophy of simplification, where instead of multiplying bags and compartments, the idea is to use a single, easily accessible duffel-style pack mounted up front (here with a custom tailfin bag), allowing riders to grab what they need without overthinking storage.
In its current form, the bike leans toward the extreme end of the spectrum, with long-travel (160 mm rear and up to 140 mm front) suspension tailored to the harsh terrain they ride locally. James admits it might be more than necessary for most uses and that a shorter-travel version might come in the future, potentially with a 29-inch rear wheel, which will be better suited for touring and distance.
Last info: this will be sold as a frame kit with the frame, shock, fork, steering linkage, front platform, and front headset for around £3500 or as a complete bike with a Shimano drivetrain, but no price has been decided for that yet.
🎫: Bespoked UK 2026
💾: Leica SL
📍: Peckham
