Sitting Down with Martina Brimmer of Swift Industries Soma Fabrications 2025-03-26 | In this week's video, Luke chats with Martina Brimmer of Swift Industries. They sat down and chatted and chatted, covering a whole range of topics!Chapters 00:00 - little intro and what brings Martina into town02:40 - a peek inside Luke's Motherloaf06:25 - what a day in the life at Swift is like08:45 - more information about the Monthly Ride Series & Stoked Spoke Adventure Series11:20 - the Swift Campout and its impact on bike culture (plus plenty of yapping)18:40 - more about the folks in Surabaya and how Swift began to work with them (plus a chat about the global supply chain)37:15 - what sets Merry Sales/Soma apart from others43:10 - Swift & Merry's connection47:32 - wrapping up and another run of Motherloaf bags???48:26 - okay, but what about those Jr. Ranger pannier bags???Should you be interested in looking at what Swift stuff we have, check it all out here: bit.ly/Swift_IndustriesDisclaimer: the video editor (Luke) stole that killer thumbnail image from Swift's 15th Anniversary bag release :)
The Ultimate Self-Cleaning T47 Bottom Bracket Is Here Soma Fabrications 2025-09-25 | Self-cleaning. Inboard/outboard. 24mm/30mm. 68-100mm BB shells. Sounds both versatile and kinda wonderful, huh?Check out what Luke has to say about it and, if you'd like to learn more, be sure to check it out in the shop: bit.ly/T47_ScramJetAlso, our new print catalog can be found here: bit.ly/Soma_CatalogCover photo taken an a Ricoh GR II :)
Mounting Your Rear Taillight Has Never Been Easier Soma Fabrications 2025-09-24 | Was that attention-grabby enuff for you?Good.This here is the Wingmann II: a cute and simple way to mount your mini taillight to your bike and have it look great, too.More info can be found here: bit.ly/Wingmann_IIHave you seen our new print catalog?? Find it here: bit.ly/Soma_Catalog
Our Very Late (But Very Good) MADE 2025 Coverage Soma Fabrications 2025-09-08 | Wow, MADE was quite a whirlwind. I was only able to really walk around and film/interview on the last day and I was roasted from the heat by then.Hope y'all enjoy and I'll aim to have some more in-depth coverage next year!Also, special thanks to my friend Julian as the English subtitles during Taka's interview wouldn't have been possible without him.Chapters 00:00 - intro!01:50 - walking around aimlessly09:12 - interview with Andrew Nepsund who handles marketing for Otso11:00 - interview with Yuba, Director of MKS13:05 - interview with Nori, Director of Crane Bell14:03 - interview with Mark, Head Engineer of Panaracer Tires15:53 - interview with Taiki, Director of Izumi Chains17:35 - interview with Taka, Director of Nitto Handlebar Works19:20 - outro!
Longer Rides on Your Bike Dont Have to Be Awful Soma Fabrications 2025-08-04 | In this video, I chat about my various considerations when planning a longer ride or ramping up my commuting mileage.What tips do you have?Click here for our catalog: bit.ly/Soma_CatalogPedals are here: bit.ly/3HJDfixBottle cages are here: http://bit.ly/3IYcAPz
How to Enjoy Commuting by Bike Every Day Soma Fabrications 2025-07-14 | In this week's video, I discuss how it is that I've come to enjoy commuting by bike day in and day out.Do you have any tips you've picked up from commuting by bike regularly?Also! Here's a link to the catalog: bit.ly/Soma_CatalogHere are some reflectors: bit.ly/4lWBk96
Do You Use a Bell While Cycling or Are You Rude? Soma Fabrications 2025-07-08 | In this week's video, I talk a bit about my thoughts on running a bell while cycling.Should you want to change your ways and finally get a bell, I have those that we sell linked here: bit.ly/4eIBEpxI also have our catalog linked here: bit.ly/Soma_Catalog
Having Fenders on Your Bike Can Be Sick Soma Fabrications 2025-07-02 | This is AT LEAST my third time trying to film a video that I liked. And it's not even seasonally appropriate anymore. Whatever.Do you like fenders? Hate them? Lemme know below :)Photo credit: I snagged this one from a Sim Works product page!Mentioned in the video:- Soma catalog: bit.ly/Soma_Catalog- Jitensha installation instructions: bit.ly/Jitensha- Requirements for good fender installation (Rene Herse): bit.ly/Good_Fender_Installation- Fenders for different tire sizes (Rene Herse): bit.ly/4klCQjQ- Proper fender fit (SimWorks): bit.ly/Proper_Fender_Fit- SimWorks by Honjo Fender installation – Basic insights and tips: bit.ly/Fender_Installation
Riding a Bike Doesnt Have to Suck Soma Fabrications 2025-06-17 | I never really felt comfy on a bike: I kept buying bikes and riding them without thinking too much about how they fit me. I also didn't think too much about saddle height, handlebars, grips, pedals, and thought my saddle should be well above the height of my handlebars. Yikes!In this video, I explore a bit of what I do to stay comfortable while cycling and highlight some products that I like. The mentioned products are more for reference than anything as there are plenty of other options out there!Here are our pedals: http://bit.ly/3HJDfixAnd here's the catalog: http://bit.ly/45plUoRAnd here are some swept back bars: http://bit.ly/3HJOuaGHope you enjoy the video! I'll be checking back when I can to read the comments.
The Best Bike Stand That Ive Ever Used??? Soma Fabrications 2025-05-27 | I was able to snag a pre-production example before these came to market and I was immediately impressed: stable, well-built, both light and sturdy.These are made in Japan to exacting requirements and proudly sold in our shop here: bit.ly/4jk7SIk
We Just Did What?! Soma Fabrications 2025-05-16 | Yup, we did it: a SOMA print catalog in 2025! It's loaded with bike parts and frames and all sorts of rad stuff.It's great for planning your next build, dialing your current fleet a bit better, or thumbing through just to look at pretty bikes parts.We'll have them on the site pronto!
Square Taper Bottom Brackets Made Even Simpler! Soma Fabrications 2025-04-16 | Wouldn't it be nice to not have to wonder what your square taper bottom bracket spindle length should be? Yeah, I agree.Jim ended up prototyping a tool that helps you figure out the optimal chainline without needing to buy a bunch of bottom brackets (or have a cache of them laying around). I figure that hobbyists, bike shops, and tinkerers alike will love this tool.We're still in the planning stages with this and kinda wanna gauge interest, especially with the costs involved in having these made.Thanks for watching! Also, feel free to follow me (Luke) on Instagram here: bit.ly/3Ea1fKkAnd, of course, the cover image was shot by me on my Ricoh GR II.
Wait... Swift Industries Wants to Do WHAT? Soma Fabrications 2025-04-15 | Pretty slick clickbait title, huh? Well, at least I'm impressed with myself :)I shot this video after chatting with Martina and seeing the responses to the last couple of videos about Swift. What's more, Martina relayed to me some more feedback that she received while down at Sea Otter this last week.With all of that in mind, I wanted to better understand whether folks would be interested in another run of the Motherloaf in the classic Swift Coyote color.If you *are* interested, feel free to leave a comment or email me at luke@merrysales.com :)
Whats in My Bag with Luke Soma Fabrications 2025-04-02 | Hey! Luke here (I'm done writing these in the third person because that's just weird). Following the interview I did with Martina (find that here: bit.ly/42fhbme), I wanted to get into what I have in my bags for commuting/around town trips. I especially wanted to make this video as I've since added yet another bag to my current setup.Here are all of our bags that we have in the shop: bit.ly/4lfebPzIn the video, I mention a few things (stationary, bike shops, accessories) and figured that I'd link those here in case anyone was interested. Enjoy!Check out what my friends at Scenic Routes are up to here: bit.ly/Scenic_Routes_Bike_ShopOr what my friends at Loose Nuts Cycles are up to here: bit.ly/Loose_Nuts_CyclesWant some sick gear from Eric? Look no further: bit.ly/Low_Pressure_ZineWanna support Michael at Take a Trip Co. and snag a My Little Bungee? I got you: bit.ly/My_Little_BungeeAre you a secret stationary freak like me? I know what you need in your life: bit.ly/Hobonichi_Techo
This Rack Is SICK & Heres Why You Should Buy It Soma Fabrications 2025-03-28 | Luke's chatting about the Tanaka Lift-Loc Basket Rack this week and why he likes it so much, how it compares the the other offerings on the market, and a few other things.Retail is $179.95 for both the silver and black variants.See the rack here: bit.ly/42naksiSee the installation instructions here: bit.ly/Lift-Loc_Instructions
Why Would You Not Have Reflectors for Your Bike?? Soma Fabrications 2025-03-05 | In this week's video, Luke chats a bit about reflectors, why they rule, and also what to look for when buying them.Since we carry a couple in the shop, Luke discusses both of them (Visto Cycling & Ostrich) while covering what he likes about each of them. Be sure to check them out online here: bit.ly/Soma_Reflectors
Hobson-Zingo: Affordable, Well-Made Bike Tools Soma Fabrications 2025-02-25 | We're proud to carry Hobson-Zingo tools here because they're well-made and very affordable. From Rivendell's website:"Our own line made up mostly of Rivendell-approved (and then private-labeled) Taiwan bike tools made by Taiwan’s best bike tool maker, who also makes car tools, and — let’s make this clear—knows how to make cutting tools that hold an edge, allen wrenches resist rounding out, and so on."In this video, Luke explores why he like the tools and discusses the range a little bit, too.For more details (and to see all of what we carry), be sure to visit this here link: bit.ly/Hobson-Zingo
So Why Exactly Do We Love Road Runner Bags? Soma Fabrications 2025-02-15 | One of the first bike-specific bags Luke got was a Road Runner Burrito Supreme that he bought at Lucky Duck (R.I.P.) in Oakland. You could say that Road Runner's always been a favorite and they've been an established, well-respected bag maker in the industry for good reason: the bags are sensible, well-built, cute, and Brad & Ester are lovely people.As an aside, Brad & Ester had the misfortune of losing their home in the recent L.A. fires and have a GoFundMe here: bit.ly/42VXTEo. Please donate or reshare the fundraiser if you feel so inclined.Also! Here's a rad interview/brand overview from Bikepacking.com that came out in the fall of 2022: http://bit.ly/4ihCwSL
The New Mechanical S-Ride Shifters & Derailleurs Soma Fabrications 2025-02-01 | In this video, Luke goes over the new lines from S-Ride: the shifter/brake lever, the gravel rear derailleur, and the road rear derailleur.All Shimano-compatible, all super slick, all available now.For more information, click below:- the brifters are here (tinyurl.com/S-Ride-Brifters)- the gravel rear derailleurs are here (tinyurl.com/S-Ride-Gravel-RD)- the new road rear derailleurs are here (tinyurl.com/S-Ride-Road)
Who Makes the Best Bottom Brackets & Headsets in the Industry? Soma Fabrications 2025-01-28 | In this week's video, Luke chats a bit about needle bearing headsets, what makes Tange Seiki so good, and why he likes Tange Seiki products and uses them himself.
Okay So Whys a 1x Drivetrain So Desirable? Soma Fabrications 2025-01-15 | In this week's video, Luke chats a bit about how IRD and Darren from Dream Cycles made the Dreamcatcher 1x chainring a reality.With 2x & 3x systems leaving a lot of unused or under-utilized, Darren wanted his customers (and cyclists at large) to have some nice-looking and functional chainrings that could simplify their bike. He also wanted to ensure that older, oft-neglected cranksets could be salvaged and have some life breathed back into them.For some more details about the cranksets that work with these chainrings, be sure to check out the masterful Nerd Crank Database here: bit.ly/NerdCrankDatabaseTo see the chainrings themselves, be sure to visit the Soma Fab Shop here: bit.ly/DreamcatcherChainrings
Product Spotlight: Tanaka Bike Baskets Soma Fabrications 2025-01-09 | In this week's video, Luke talks about the basket offerings from Tanaka and why he likes these so much. And, of course, he also blathers on a bit about some other industry opinions that he has.Interested in a Tanaka basket? Learn more here: bit.ly/TanakaBaskets
Obviously Nittos The Absolute Best. But Why Is That? Soma Fabrications 2024-12-21 | In this brand spotlight, Luke shares his thoughts on Nitto, why it's the best stem and handlebar maker around today, and some behind-the-scenes footage from the factory. Also be sure to listen for some interesting historical facts about Nitto.
Soma Rufus Mini Velo Ride Impressions Soma Fabrications 2024-12-18 | The Soma Rufus is a "mini velo" frameset designed for 20" BMX tires up to 2.3"Available in the US and soon elsewhere. Custom spec it yourself (or with your bike shop) with whatever bars or gearing suits you. Disclosure: This bike review is by someone who works at the company, but is giving his honest assessment after riding for a few months. Frame is a size SM. Reviewer is about 5' 6". ミニベロMore info:somafab.com/archives/product/soma-rufus-mini-velo
Is This a Component Manufacturer Better Than Shimano or SRAM? Soma Fabrications 2024-12-07 | In this week's video, Luke chats about S-Ride, it's beginnings, some product highlights, and shares some behind-the-scenes footage of some of the manufacturing process.If you want more information about S-Ride, be sure to head here: https://shorturl.at/N5PP7
What Makes MKS Pedals So Special? Soma Fabrications 2024-11-26 | Using some behind-the-scenes footage from a past visit to MKS, Luke explains why MKS is so special and why he loves using their pedals over pedals from anyone else.Also, full credit to the wonderful La Chouette in Paris for the photo used for the thumbnail.Interested in learning more about them? Click here to see what we carry from MKS: https://shorturl.at/2Czla
Bar Tape Thats Better Than Anything Else? Soma Fabrications 2024-11-15 | Luke, our warehouse manager, chats about why he likes Newbaum's so much and why it's worth checking out. He also gives a little bit of history about Newbaum's!Check out the full range of Newbaum's here: somafabshop.com/shop/category/brands-newbaum-s-152
Is This the Best Bottom Bracket Currently Available? Soma Fabrications 2024-10-31 | Luke covers some details about the ScramJet bottom bracket made by Tange for IRD. Why is it so good? How does it work? That and more answered in this video!
Why Is the Mini Velo a Superior Choice? Soma Fabrications 2024-10-26 | In this video, Luke, our warehouse manager, talks about the Rufus, our latest mini velo. We're not new to the mini velo game and we think our experience really shows in the refinements made to this particular model.
EVT Field Unit Demo at MADE Show 2024 Soma Fabrications 2024-10-18 | Brett Flemming of Efficient Velo Tools demonstrates the features of the most heavy duty portable repair stand available, the FIELD UNIT.
Soma Juice 2024 Hardtail Bike Check Soma Fabrications 2024-05-17 | The Soma Juice is sold as a frame only. We did this build for a reviewer. Take a look...may it whet your appetite to do your own custom build. Soma uses Tange Prestige Chromoly for all their frame models. (Not mentioned in the video: We keep the fork steerers long in case the customer wants a taller stack. Seatpost is a RaceFace Turbine, 32t chainring on the Aeffect crank, Chromag Lift saddle, Deity seat collar) www.somafab.com
Crane SBR Bell for Drop Bars Soma Fabrications 2023-10-17 | New Crane E-ne SBR allows you to place the bell where you can activate it without removing your hand off the hoods, which allows for quicker rings and enhances rider safety. You can modify placement to fit your hand size and reach and shift lever throw. Uses a brass dome for clear resonant ring. Mount is aluminum (not plastic) for better durability. Made in Japan. (*Model demonstrating bell has larger than average hands)
IRD Wayback Compact Seatpost - Multi-Offset Seatpost Soma Fabrications 2023-08-21 | Most seatposts have fixed offsets. If you own a 15mm offset post and you need a zero offset you need to buy a new post. That's just how it has been. The Wayback Compact lets you select offset/setback you need. Another way to fine tune bike fit and pedal stroke. The Wayback Compact is kind of "paradigm shifting".
Lukes Soma Wolverine v4.1 A-Type Big Gravel Energy Build Soma Fabrications 2023-06-09 | 2023 Soma Wolverine Build:Size: 66cm (our largest) (Luke is 6'6")Soma Hwy 17 Bar w/extensionsYokozuna cable hydraulic disc brakes and Reaction CablesTRP Brake LeversMicroshift Bar End ShiftersS-Ride M520 rear derailleur / LTwoo front derIRD Vortex 46-30t CranksSoma Cazadero 700x50 tiresKasai Dynacoil Dynamo Hub and Trail LightBusch + Mueller Secula rear lightBrooks SaddleRivendell Grip Monarch Pedals w/Sidestep ExtensionsSoma Lucas Front RackRider Comments: "I spec'd the Wolverine with as big of a tire at it would fit (50mm) and chose to keep the steerer intact both because I'm 6'6" and to annoy everyone who things bars should be well below saddle height. So far I've taken it all over Golden Gate Park trails, Sutro trails, and Marin trails plus I've descended some pretty twisty paved stretches. The Wolverine has been stable, responsive, and zippy without feeling twitchy or unsafe. Stoked!"
Soma Smoothie HP Road Frame Sneak Peek Soma Fabrications 2022-08-30 | Short sneak peek at our new endurance road frame set made of extra oversized Tange Prestige/Prestige Japan heat-treated thin-wall CrMo steel.www.somafab.com #shorts
Testing Osaka Bike Bells Soma Fabrications 2022-08-12 | Osaka Bells are not as premium or well known as Crane Bells, but are also made in Japan. All models come in multiple colors. All are affordable and pleasant sounding.www.osakabell.comAvailable from various bike shops and www.somafabshop.com
Sampling Every Crane Bike Bell 2021 Soma Fabrications 2021-04-02 | Giving you a sound test of both Brass and Alloy versions of every Crane brand bicycle bell, some of the highest quality bike bells available.The Suzu, Karen, E-ne, Hand-painted ones, Riten, etc -- even the new Revolver. Brass dome models are tested first. Then the Aluminum dome models.The brass has more prolonged resonance in their ring. The alloy has good volume too, and won't lose their original shine as fast as brass does.Recorded using Canon SLR built-in mic at about 7 feet away. ++++++++++++Crane Bells are available at better bike shops in the U.S. and internationally, cranebellusa.com, and Amazon.Comparativa + Mejores timbres de bicicleta
Crane E-ne Revolver Bell Sound Sample Soma Fabrications 2021-03-22 | New rotary wheel bell from Crane Bell Co. for 2021. Footage was shot in windy conditions to simulate normal background noise. All metal design. Brass dome.
Crane Omamori Bike Bell Demo Soma Fabrications 2021-01-06 | Ring sound demo and adjusting dome orientation for right and left-hand mounting. The hand-painted Omamori bell is based of the platform of the Suzu Mini model with steel clamp. Dome is aluminum. (Doesn't show actual mounting to bar, but that is simple)
Deans Soma Grand Randonneur Build Soma Fabrications 2016-07-13 | First build of 2016 Soma Fabrications Grand Randonneur frame set: The GR is a randonneuring road bike with low-trail geometry ideal for carrying a front load.This was a deliberately retro build with non-aero levers and old Dura-Ace downtube shifters and rear derailleur.- Leather bar tape (treated with paraffin and beeswax mixture)- Brooks leather saddle- Nitto B132 drop bar- Soma Sutro quill stem- Gran Compe EVO brake levers- IRD Cafam II cantilever brakes- IRD Defiant 46-30t crank set- Panaracer Col D'Lavie 650b x 38mm tires- Velo Orange decaleur (bag holder)- Zugster bar bag- Velo Orange front rack- Soma Raindog fenders
Crane Hand-Painted Bicycle Bells - Being Painted Soma Fabrications 2015-04-17 | Nami demonstrating how she paints her designs onto Crane Suzu Hand-Painted Bicycle Bells. Crane Bells are traditional all-metal bells made in Japan. Available in 10 versions in the USA, Europe and Japan. New models debuting in 2021.
Osaka Roadie Bell - Clamps to brake lever hoods and cables Soma Fabrications 2014-06-17 | A compact bell designed for road bike bars. Multiple mounting possibilities which do not take up bar space. Easy to use "Stealth Clip" clamp design. From Osakabell.com
Soma Pick Up Artist Cargo Bike - short vid Soma Fabrications 2013-11-08 | The Pick Up Artist is a front loading cargo bike with a linkage steering mechanism to allow more front load capacity.How you doin'? Doin' laundry yo.
