This Dr Dew belongs to Rob Garrison of Garrison’s Cyclery, and it exists because of an itch that needed scratching. His first hybrid build, assembled with the quiet realization that middle age brings new riding priorities, this bike leans less toward racing and more toward enjoyment, usefulness, and doing things a little differently.
The starting point was the understated Dr Dew itself. Compared to a standard Dew, the Dr Dew stands out as a steel-framed platform with thru axles and a generous 68cm top tube length, which immediately gave Rob the foundation he was looking for. Stable, comfortable, and quietly capable, it offered the right canvas for a build focused on feel rather than flash.
From there, the details took over. The cockpit and contact points lean heavily into comfort and control, anchored by a SimsWorks Ramble swept-back bar paired with Ergon GC1 biocork grips designed specifically for that bar shape. Paul Components handles much of the hard work elsewhere, with polished cranks, stem, seatpost, front hub, and bar plugs bringing both function and a cohesive aesthetic. A Cromag Trailmaster LTD leather saddle and SimsWorks Bubbly pedals round out the touch points, reinforcing the bike’s role as something meant to be ridden often and for a long time.
The drivetrain is a thoughtful mix of durability and range. A Madrone rear derailleur manages shifting across a wide Garbaruk 10 to 52 cassette, driven by a Wolf Tooth polished 44-tooth chainring and SRAM XX chain with an XO shifter. An old-school alloy Rollamajig at the shifter helps keep cable routing tidy, while Shimano yellow SP41 housing adds a subtle pop of color that nods to classic builds of the past.
Wheels are built with intent rather than excess. Reserve 650b carbon rims laced with DT Swiss silver double-butted spokes and brass nipples spin on a Paul front hub and a White Industries rear hub. Continental PureContact tires in a 60mm front and 55mm rear configuration prioritize comfort, traction, and everyday reliability. Stopping power comes from Hope EVO brakes in all silver with 160mm rotors, matching the rest of the polished hardware theme found throughout the bike.
Utility plays a big role in this build. A Surly 24-Pack front rack mounted with custom-installed rivnuts carries Swift Industries luggage, including a Kestrel bar bag and Giddy Up wedge bag. Vintage Zefal cages, a Crane E-Ne polished bell, and a PNW knurled front light mount reinforce the idea that this bike is meant to be used, not babied. Even the finishing touches reflect that mindset, from titanium hardware throughout to polished OEM thru axles, headset components from Wolf Tooth and Cane Creek, and small details like Stan’s valve caps and nuts.
Rob and his shop have been riding and supporting Kona for years, and this Dr Dew feels like a natural extension of that relationship. Living next to a state park with live concerts twice a week all summer long, this bike has already found its rhythm as the perfect neighborhood cruiser for catching tunes, rolling easy miles, and enjoying the ride for what it is.
This is a Dream Build, not because it chases trends, but because it reflects a rider who knows exactly what they want from a bike. Comfortable, capable, personal, and built to keep rolling for years to come.
Mahalo to Rob Garrison and Garrison’s Cyclery for sharing this one.
