Din's Bassi Hog's Back Commuter

This one started off as a surprise. 

After watching her Husband commute daily, often with their child in tow or carrying groceries back from the supermarket, Sheenum decided it was time to get him something special. For years he had been riding an aging Taiwanese city bike, around five years old and clearly reaching the end of its life. Something that would make the rides a little more enjoyable, a little more personal.

We sat down with Sheenum and Din, and from there the bike details were worked out. The brief was simple: a solid steel commuter with the option to go touring in the future. It also needed to handle the rolling terrain where they live, so gearing ratio and weight were key considerations.

The initial plan was to keep the budget around $2.5k, but as the build took shape, with careful choices on brakes, drivetrain, and finishing touches, it gradually grew closer to $4k. Every choice was made with intent: practical, reliable, and beautiful.

When it came to the frameset, the Bassi Hog’s Back immediately caught their attention. Initially, Din had his eyes on the Crust Bombora, but it was sold out in his size. We explored a few other options, including the MASH All-Road Steel Frameset, which he liked for its versatility, but the colour didn’t quite resonate with him.

In the end, the Fauve / Sandy Beige finish on the Hog’s Back stood out. Bright yet classy, exactly what he was after. Beyond its reputation as a capable all-rounder, it was a perfect canvas for a timeless, steel build. 

A signature element of this build is its attention to detail through carefully chosen components. Many of the parts from the drivetrain to the brakes and small hardware, from trusted Japanese brands like Nitto, Sim Works and MKS.

Our favourite has to be the Blue Lug x Brooks B17 Saddle, a special limited-edition collaboration that perfectly complements the Hog's Back cream colourway. The collaboration was released in three colours: natural, brown and black, each with its own charm, but we thought the natural pairs especially well with the bike’s warm tones.

Among the standout components on this build are the Growtac Equal Disc Brakes, a set of beautifully machined, cable-actuated disc brakes from Japan. While they sit on the higher end of the budget for mechanical brakes, they are widely regarded for their exceptional modulation, power, and precision.

The clean, compact design also fits perfectly with the Hog’s Back’s aesthetic. Refined, functional, and quietly premium.

Built to last, ready for the daily grind, and always open to adventure, this Hog’s Back is more than a commuter. It’s a thoughtful gesture, which we hope turns into a lifelong companion for Din.

Thank you, Din & Sheenum!

Thinking about building your own commuter?

Come chat with us. We love putting together bikes that make people excited to ride.