Dream Builds

Kona Dream Builds: Mark Wells’ Libre Dream Build Takes Custom to a Whole New Level

Kona Dream Builds: Mark Wells’ Libre Dream Build Takes Custom to a Whole New Level

Mark Wells’ Kona Libre Dream Build is a great example of how a few thoughtful tweaks can turn a solid bike into something truly personal. Starting with a 2019 Libre frame, Mark made the move to a flat bar and mountain controls to dial in all-day comfort for city rides, gravel spins, and the occasional coffee or beer run. But it doesn’t stop there—up front, he’s running a rare Cane Creek Invert fork, and the hubs are laser-etched with Kona’s iconic bison logo for an extra custom touch. This build is all about comfort, character, and putting your own spin on a proven platform.

We may as well address that fork first, because she's a head turner for sure. It's Cane Creek's super clean-looking Invert Gravel fork.

The drive train is a full mix-and-match deal. A Shimano 11-speed XT rear derailleur shifts gears on a E13 9-39th cassette while it all spins on a Wolftooth oval chain ring mounted to SRAM Force carbon cranks. Mark is also sporting a Wooltooth chain guide and Crank Brothers Candy pedals. A Wolftooth titanium Morse cage keeps hydration handy, and a Topeak Ninja toolbox and a Topeak multitool ensure roadside maitenence go off without a hitch.

Mark works for Project 321 hubs and decided this dream build needed a special touch and had the Kona Freerange Bison etched into them. The Project 321 hubs (G3 front, RG3 rear) hubs are laced to CSS Fusion Fiber gravel rims with Sapim D-light spokes, and they are then wrapped in some Schwalbe rubber. Stopping comes courtesy of a set of Hope Tech3 X2 flatmount brakes.

A SQ labs saddle sits on top of a Cane Creek eeSilk post.

A Protaper Hyperlite flat bar anchors the cockpit, while a Paul Components Box Car stem clamps it all in place. Chromag Clutch 150mm wide grips keep Mark's hands in place, he's also added some SQ Labs inner barends for giving the his hands a break now and then.


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