tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post2825352809151197204..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: My First Custom Bicycle: an Anniversary RetrospectiveVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27044711277933445072012-07-23T15:15:38.432-04:002012-07-23T15:15:38.432-04:00I loved this article, and appreciate your obsessiv...I loved this article, and appreciate your obsessive attention to detail. I lucked into my Nishiki which was abandoned. I didn't need to do much to make it perfect for daily use. I take it through the hills in the bay area and even on some mountain bike trails with the road tires. This is the perfect all-around bike for me.SX Appealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08875229520540561140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9188886362310160052012-07-14T12:48:26.973-04:002012-07-14T12:48:26.973-04:00Hello LovelyBicycle,
Beautiful bike and great blo...Hello LovelyBicycle,<br /><br />Beautiful bike and great blog! I recently purchased a mixte portuer and am in utter lover with her geometry. I still have my vintage Focus road bike from Japan, but was looking for something a touch less zippy and a smidgen more upright with a vintage look. Have you ever ridden the Caferacer by Creme Cycles? It's a relatively new handmade line from Poland (although I heard that the tubes are constructed in Vietnam). And apart from the IGH it seems to be very similar to your mixte colab. with RHC. There is very little literature or reviews on-line if you have any words of advice or thoughts I would appreciate it greatly! Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-53098857852521271132011-12-10T04:24:33.980-05:002011-12-10T04:24:33.980-05:00What type/brand are the shifters on this beauty? I...What type/brand are the shifters on this beauty? I'm restoring a Peugeot mixte (Monte-Carlo) for my co-habitant, and thoose shifters would be perfect!Peter Anderssonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84668287498222558252011-10-07T12:13:15.430-04:002011-10-07T12:13:15.430-04:00Do you mean this bag?Do you mean <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2010/11/oyb-pannier-modified-swiss-army-bag-for.html" rel="nofollow">this bag</a>?Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9843648065882060452011-10-07T12:08:04.888-04:002011-10-07T12:08:04.888-04:00aargh, where did you get the Zwei bag you are usin...aargh, where did you get the Zwei bag you are using for a pannier in the third? and fourth picture? I want a set of those.Bike Hermithttp://www.biketouringnews.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26523318265668170472011-10-05T12:17:19.726-04:002011-10-05T12:17:19.726-04:00Anon 11:33 & 1:05:
Here's Bryan's fee...Anon 11:33 & 1:05:<br /><br />Here's Bryan's feedback about the tubing diameter:<br /><br />tt- 12.5mm (0.5" straight gauge 4130 tube, 0.028 or 0.035" wall)<br />dt- 28.6mm (1.125" double butted 0.8/0.4/0.8mm wall tube)<br />st- 28.6mm (1.125" single butted 0.9/0.6mm wall tube)<br />ss- 14mm single taper<br />cs- 22.2mm round-oval-roundVelouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47166411877358833572011-10-05T03:12:36.001-04:002011-10-05T03:12:36.001-04:00Sorry for the earlier insinuation, was only teasin...Sorry for the earlier insinuation, was only teasing ;) And I see in your original review now that you explain about the pricing. Jealous how many frame builders are in your area. "Get'em when their starting out" seems to be the way to go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1598132918797458172011-10-04T19:43:45.224-04:002011-10-04T19:43:45.224-04:00Roger - Thanks, but the look I am going for is not...Roger - Thanks, but the look I am going for is <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/10/french-inspirations-ii-jadore-rene.html" rel="nofollow">not exactly original</a>, so I can hardly be indignant if others copy : )Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-51950897984907663322011-10-04T19:17:27.674-04:002011-10-04T19:17:27.674-04:00V - I've been following your growing interest ...V - I've been following your growing interest in frame geometry and I think the role of bicycle designer suits you. You have a knack for making bicycles look desirable which is what drives the market and I am sure you've noticed all the copy cats on flicr with bicycle builds and repaints fashioned after your mixte. Looking forward to seeing how things develop, though a word of advice is you may want to take steps to protect your unique lookrogernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19056342939121568442011-10-04T19:04:46.080-04:002011-10-04T19:04:46.080-04:00I think that if a customer wants the framebuilder ...I think that if a customer wants the framebuilder to assemble the bike and/or choose components, then just as with building a frame they should be specific. Instead of "wide tires" they should specify the tires they want, instead of "fenders" - state at least what style fenders, same with lighting and so on. A lot of these things are subjective and customers don't realise that until the bike is put together differently than they had envisioned. And yes, component choice aside, bicycle assembly is an entirely different skill than framebuilding.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3642304486639201332011-10-04T17:53:30.183-04:002011-10-04T17:53:30.183-04:00However, it should probably be mentioned that gett...However, it should probably be mentioned that getting a frame vs getting a complete assembled bike are different experiences and if one is unable to assemble the bike, someone experienced with similar tastes should be chosen for the job. Framebuilders sometimes assemble bikes, but that doesn't mean they are great at it. :)MDInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2406384310916553872011-10-04T16:36:54.327-04:002011-10-04T16:36:54.327-04:00somervillain - I thought that I would use the fron...somervillain - I thought that I would use the front of the Porteurs in the city, but I don't, though I do use them long distance.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36579863121534847812011-10-04T16:30:22.354-04:002011-10-04T16:30:22.354-04:00Well, my blog was not all that popular in Septembe...Well, my blog was not all that popular in September 2009; it had maybe 1/10th of the readership it has now. But moreover Bryan did not know about it when he gave me a price quote. FWIW last winter I ordered my second custom frame from a well known builder who was well aware of my blog, and they did not treat me any differently than they would have a blogless customer. I waited a while just like anyone else and I paid full price. I am not looking for special treatment unless I collaborate with the builder or it's an overt and fully disclosed sponsorship. <br /><br />Royal H. as a framebuilder... I am of course now biased, but honestly I think Bryan is as good as it gets, and the only reason I'd go to a different framebuilder is out of sheer curiosity and because I can no longer afford Bryan's frames : ) But I think what differentiates him is that he has a sound knowledge of physics and engineering, which not all framebuilders possess, and his finishing is impeccable. I am considering a Randonneur frame for myself next year, and if I pull the trigger it will be via Royal H for sure.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11631686142613145492011-10-04T16:19:33.287-04:002011-10-04T16:19:33.287-04:00"I was just a regular walk-in customer."..."I was just a regular walk-in customer."<br /><br />...yeah, with a popular blog! ;)<br /><br />So how would you rate Royal as a framebuilder after working with him on 2 bikes & presumably seeing the work of many others?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-86277053636531110452011-10-04T16:03:10.648-04:002011-10-04T16:03:10.648-04:00Jolene -
To clarify, I did not get a discount fro...Jolene -<br /><br />To clarify, I did not get a discount from the builder. In September 2009 Bryan was just starting out on his own (after working full time at Seven Cycles) and his prices were considerably lower than they are now, so the frame was indeed affordable. But it would have been the same for me vs anyone else; I was just a regular walk-in customer.<br /><br />You bring up a good point about framebuilder/customer interaction. All I can say is that there is no guarantee on anything that is custom, and this is not unique to bikes. The only thing I can suggest, is to be as specific as possible, and also to go to a builder who is known to specialise in the kind of bicycle you want. If at all possible, try other bikes they've made to see how you like them.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26004546400533846862011-10-04T15:50:34.026-04:002011-10-04T15:50:34.026-04:00You said it yourself: You are not a typical custom...You said it yourself: You are not a typical customer. You are okay with experimenting and probably got a discount from the frambuilder on account of working together. So what do you recommend for those of us who are hoping for a once in a lifetime bike and are not interested in a learning experience? It sounds like there is no guarantee that we will be understood by the builder, no matter how well we may try to explain what we want.Jolene Thompsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28617915495904711482011-10-04T09:11:38.666-04:002011-10-04T09:11:38.666-04:00However, I am now rethinking whether that is neces...<i>However, I am now rethinking whether that is necessary (as I don't really do 50+ mile rides on this bike as originally intended)</i><br /><br />I find that I ride the front of the porteur bars a lot lately, as it gives me that extra forward lean that I seem to want more and more of lately. For me, they are the perfect urban alternative to drop bars, allowing me to play with different hand positions-- even if my rides are usually less than 5 miles. I considered trying some other bars out just for fun, but every time I ride with these bars, I appreciate them all over again. I also think the swept back angle is about perfect for my hands. They're definitely keepers.somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68782929778896074132011-10-04T01:56:32.467-04:002011-10-04T01:56:32.467-04:00Giles - The original idea behind the handlebar set...Giles - The original idea behind the handlebar setup, was to have <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2010/09/french-experiments-continue-belleville.html" rel="nofollow">unimpeded use of the entire bars for multiple hand positions</a>. That is why I chose the inverse levers and placed the shifters in the front. However, I am now rethinking whether that is necessary (as I don't really do 50+ mile rides on this bike as originally intended). If/when I change the setup, I may very well have the bell on the handlebars. Although I can easily ride the bike one-handed in traffic; it's very stable.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52578559830824902182011-10-04T01:48:14.073-04:002011-10-04T01:48:14.073-04:00I wonder why you put the little bell just above th...I wonder why you put the little bell just above the headset instead of near the left (or right) grip. I think when a cyclist needs to use the little bell to signal his presence it's also important to hold the handlebar firmly with both hands?Gilesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19631296030347069382011-10-04T01:38:20.804-04:002011-10-04T01:38:20.804-04:00It definitely tracks straight - including on fast ...It definitely tracks straight - including on fast descents; that's one distinct feature I've noticed from the beginning. Will ask Bryan about the tubing specifics, assuming he still remembers!<br /><br />It may or may not be worth noting that the long stem + short sweep bars I have on there right now, place me significantly forward on the bike despite the upright position. This no doubt contributes to how maneuverable it feels.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84314472257699310542011-10-04T01:05:15.230-04:002011-10-04T01:05:15.230-04:00Velouria @ 11:51
Then it's all down to lack o...Velouria @ 11:51<br /><br />Then it's all down to lack of a top tube. Or so it would seem as far as I can understand it. As if the frame is a leaf spring rather than a rigid triangle. One side of the triangle is missing.<br />Get the specs on those tubes. This is interesting.<br /><br />The rear triangle is braced and well braced. No matter how light the stays, there's an extra set, closely spaced, totally triangulated. The flex would come from the span between seat tube and head tube. Maybe RH was right to keep it short.<br /><br />If this thing tracks straight,keeps tracking straight when you give it power or hit a descent, sounds like you've got the perfect bike for a person your weight.<br />Maybe we just don't all need toptubes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80534415765117189292011-10-03T23:51:46.750-04:002011-10-03T23:51:46.750-04:00Anon - It's not the baggage. I experience the ...Anon - It's not the baggage. I experience the same sensation when it's just me alone. Over bumps it is comparable to the feeling of riding with a suspension fork, only to a lesser extent.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-51167316340332302062011-10-03T23:33:31.802-04:002011-10-03T23:33:31.802-04:00Steel frames do not normally have any noticeable f...Steel frames do not normally have any noticeable flex under 125# riders. Short tubes in normal wall thicknesses that would survive a bigger rider just don't bend under the light load. It's the lack of a top tube and carrying baggage that's creating flex. That's not a surprise.<br /><br />What surprises is that flex from baggage loads is being experienced as comfort rather than whip or tailwagging. Royal H did something very right. You should get whatever info he retains on tube specs while he still retains it. Valuable information for the next build or in guessing the likely ride of any frame whose specs are available.<br /><br />Back when it was available the Vitus 979, made with small-diameter aluminum tubes, was continuously derided as impossibly flexible. Sean Kelly won races on them year after year. Mostly in sprints. Lots of races. He also won a few on his Sabliere painted to look like a Vitus. Also small diameter aluminum and even flexier. The Sabliere weighed 12 pounds. Thirty years ago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-88555941356319034942011-10-03T22:24:17.578-04:002011-10-03T22:24:17.578-04:00Oh! Coincidentally, you can read all about frame s...Oh! Coincidentally, you can read all about frame stiffness on <a href="http://janheine.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/science-and-bicycles-frame-stiffness/" rel="nofollow">Jan Heine's blogpost today</a>.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73979376423889407792011-10-03T21:51:07.557-04:002011-10-03T21:51:07.557-04:00Della - I did not ask for flex specifically, but I...Della - I did not ask for flex specifically, but I asked for the bike to be comfortable - stressing that I didn't want to be in pain from road vibration and harsh ride quality, as I was on the vintage mixte I owned before this bike. The flex pretty much achieves exactly what I asked for. <br /><br />As for why I don't think it's for everyone... There is a bias against flexible frames that comes from racing and the idea that stiff frames are faster and that flex (like suspension) makes you lose power. Having said that, by no means do I feel that this bike is not fast enough; far from it.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com