Fairlight Faran Build #1: Introduction

I am building a custom Fairlight Faran 2.0 as a modern touring/adventure bike. In Part 1 I explain what a modern touring bike is, why I chose the Fairlight Faran frameset, and I explain some of the design/component choices. I also unbox the fork.

[aswartz]

One important consideration for me when choosing a bike for mixed-surface bike-packing is the capacity inside the front triangle for frame bags and water bottles. For this reason alone I prefer not only a "tall" like the Fairlight offers but also a mostly horizontal top tube. The sloping top tubes (e.g. like on the A.L.I.C.E) really squeeze the front triangle down, especially in the smaller sizes. More frame back and easier access of taller water bottles in a touring bike is a real factor for me anyhow.

One other factor between steel frames when comparison is the tubing gauge (wall thicknesses and length of buttings) and whether size-specific tubesets are used (again affects lengths of buttings). All of this make a difference in ride quality, frame weight, etc. I have high confidence the Fairlight will ride much nicer than my Kona Rove LTD which I have purchased as a stand in as I wait for a Fairlight Faran to arrive.

Enjoy you builds and thanks for the videos!

[RickMeijer]

Cool video. Loved the insights. I have to disagree with you on the Kona though. I used to have one (before it got stolen), and it's not as a refined design as the fairlight. The dropouts, toptube and fork are quite unique features of your fairlight. The Fairlight also has pretty short chainstays, low BB, and different trail figures. At least as far as I know. So the Fairlight should ride a bit sportier.
As far as feeling goes: while the Kona was super comfortable, all the energy I put into riding went into the ground. And got some serious speed wobbles doing mild hills. Anyway, my 2̧ cents. I think you'll be happier with the Fairlight, for sure.

[jrwnd]

You can use Rene Herse 1x crank and square taper BB. Might want to check out that combo.

[fiziksdrop]

Regarding the price, I have a Strael 3.0 and feel the price is fully justifiable. The Kona for example isn't in the same class as the Fairlight. The quality of the Fairlight is great, the attention to detail is next level, and they've worked with Reynolds to develop custom tubing. My Strael is a phenomenal riding bike, as I'm sure the Faran is too. I'd look at it differently. The Kona is cheap. The Fairlight is well priced for what you get.

[teva]

Did you consider the Surly Disc Trucker or the All City Space Horse? Very similar geometries compared to the Tall versions of the Faran. The surly is way cheaper. But the Faran is way nicer and full of cool features (internal dynamo wiring, no quick release system on the axles preventing theft, lighter tubes). Like you said, one thing that concerns me is the lack of separate derailleur hanger but it's a steel frame.. so it can be bent back into place if needed. The all city space horse has one though.

Very nice video btw. I've made the exact same conclusions as you along the years. I'm still looking for a new frame and the faran is a good contender.

[teva]

Don't use a pipe cutter to cut your fork tube, use a saw and a saw guide (topeak makes a cheap one). Don't forget to use cutting fluid.

[gerlachsieders]

You mention some alternative frames, but to me your choices seem all over the place and not consistent with your concept of a touring bike: The Breezer Radar is not a touring bike / all road bike, but a gravel / adventure bike, that has a different ride feeling from a touring bike. Actually, the bike that makes a just comparison is the Breezer Doppler, that is their touring / all road bike. Like the Farran, this bike has a different ride feel, that is, suitable for wide 650b tires while retaining a liveley, spritely and agile handeling. The Farran was speciafically designed for this feeling, like the Doppler and say the Soma Fogcutter. This is different from the Sutra, the Radar etc that have a more stable (boring) handling with bigger volume tires. In that regard, you should not regret buying the Farran over the Sutra, the Faran is so much more fun to ride like the randonneur and audax bikes of old. And in that sense, way more suitable for touring over the other options. Plus, build wise, Fairlight is in a class of its own in comparisson to regular brands, the Farran is also not overbuild like other steel frames, I think you should not regret buying the Faran. Enjoy it! PS, Bikepacking did some great reviews of the Faran, it won one of their awards in 2021. Kind regards from the Netherlands, Gerlach Sven