tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post3226641400680809533..comments2024-03-29T10:52:55.716-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Making ItVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69729021403445928452016-10-09T01:37:26.812-04:002016-10-09T01:37:26.812-04:00I installed the OX601D on my Volagi with Ultegra. ...I installed the OX601D on my Volagi with Ultegra. I am running an 11 speed chain, 11 speed cassette, Ultegra 11 speed STI levers, FD, and RD.. Went together beautifully.<br /><br />I have a braze-on derailleur mount and had to move the FD very low. Used the WickWerks Fit Link to do it https://wickwerks.com/products/fit-link-adapter/. This made for a very clean install. I set it up with a 40/26. Everything shifts perfectly–better than the Ultegra cranks which were 50/34. I can use 21 of 22 gears with no rubbing: all rear cogs from the larger chainring and all but small/small with the inner chainring. Of course, really only the largest 5 cogs make sense with the inner chain ring.<br /><br />It looks great and works perfectly.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11147817037753148150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80692410808534159232016-05-17T21:08:41.304-04:002016-05-17T21:08:41.304-04:00good stuffgood stuffNigelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72357153765551116242015-07-07T10:16:46.008-04:002015-07-07T10:16:46.008-04:00what is the motivation for making your own frame t...what is the motivation for making your own frame that in the end looks pretty much like any other? I can't see it myself. ok if you're going to do some radical or unusual design then fair enough. great images tho, tyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26358070177713961062015-03-11T01:44:49.641-04:002015-03-11T01:44:49.641-04:00Few things to consider A. One is that I see a lot...Few things to consider A. One is that I see a lot of people buying different bikes that are basically the same bike over and over. Granted they may be very useful separate categories like MTB, Touring, Racing, Recumbent. At one point I had those, and not one of them was better than LX, mostly in the 1-1.5K range, except the much more expensive recumbent. I sold all but the MTB, and decided that touring was it for me (versatile anyway), and I would never buy anything but the very best from that point on. That actually won't cost all that much, when compared to all the mid priced bikes. I even see people buying 4 all but identical bikes, because the magazines make them want to test stuff, and they spend 6K that would have got them a Sachs or a Mariposa. Of course there are good reasons for one cheap bike, or multiple mid priced bikes. All I am saying is I see lots of people with their noses pressed to the custom bike window who think it is economics that is stopping them when it is serial junk purchases.<br /><br />When you buy the best, you can often keep it a lot longer, and it ends up cheaper. There are several reasons for that. Sometimes you hit the wall. A bike that fits perfectly in every way, and lacks nothing component wise, can take the need to buy stuff out of you. If you always had compromises before, a perfect bike may actually satisfy; As with suits and shoes, sometimes the cost per use is lower; vintage beauties all started out as bikes that were good enough to stick around. You have to start somewhere.<br /><br />You will rarely save money making your own bike (using a hot process). I make my own stuff because I like it. If it costs more or less it doesn't mater. There are deals out there were you can get a frame build course complete with frame for about what a good custom frame costs. But that is a good custom frame; Usually the guys offering the courses aren't top builders. Where it really pays is if you want the build experience. For someone who wants that, and gets a frame to boot, those are great deals.<br /><br />One of the things that deters people buying upper end equipment is whether it is actually better, and whether it is worth it. Not in all cases, but bikes are a case where it often is. You are getting quality; design; fit; and execution, and for the most part it is fairly cheap. For instance thanks to CNC, number for number Phil freewheel hubs are very close today to what they cost in the 70s. In the 70s a set of 5 speed hubs was about the same price as the Simplex level Peugeot touring bike I bought with my paper route money. Today that bike is 1-2K comparable quality. I don't have a high end use for which only a custom bike will get the job done (except some fit issues), but the value is certainly there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6331635356213529982015-03-11T01:19:02.426-04:002015-03-11T01:19:02.426-04:00Oh, on the not building out the bike, there are a ...Oh, on the not building out the bike, there are a number of things. One is economic in that while when approaching a custom frame project, unless one is a pro who knows all the components he normally builds around, it should be standard practice ATMO, to procure all the parts in advance. Having answered thousands of frame building questions, a good proportion on design can be answered from measuring up an existing bike, And a good deal of questions on the jigsaw puzzle of things like your bag; chain line, how the wheels or brakes will fit, can be answered by procuring, at least all the sketchy parts, before one starts. <br /><br />But both out of doubt, and a natural tendency towards economy, most people want to see the frame finished before they make the expenditure. In particular, this makes "custom" a little more difficult, as many touches may depend on the overall picture, and why build a "custom" bike if it starts as an amateur made Surly stock frame.<br /><br />If nothing else then, when the frame is complete a lot of people don't even have the parts to finish, after having spent a tidy sum on the course, or whatever else it was that got them to where they are at that point.<br /><br />Of course the psych factors also play a large part.<br /><br />TomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-38762188928383421312015-03-11T01:01:13.308-04:002015-03-11T01:01:13.308-04:00Very wise commentary on the psychology of the DIY ...Very wise commentary on the psychology of the DIY extremist. I almost want to make everything, and am remarkably capable, but it is reaching the point where the well equipped woodworking/metal (anvil jig to mention just one piece)/sewing shop is almost operating as a barrier to not have to start projects when I am 45 years into my better skills and well able to design and complete within them. Now I have such a huge to do list just to get started I may never complete anything. Fun at times though.<br /><br />TomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6839560395224335632015-02-21T21:38:37.819-05:002015-02-21T21:38:37.819-05:00It all turned out beautifully. I recognize many o...It all turned out beautifully. I recognize many of those parts. My only regret is that it is extremely unlikely that I'll ever get to test ride your frame and build.New England Bicyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609454624593868118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-92088152908582738922015-02-08T15:38:14.622-05:002015-02-08T15:38:14.622-05:00Really looking forward to your review of the Cambi...Really looking forward to your review of the Cambium. I bought one and it was so painful - despite the fact I really wanted it to be great. I have now replaced it with a Brooks Imperial which is super-comfortable straight out of the box. And it looks beautiful!<br /><br />JohnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57947937438381587322015-01-31T13:48:52.644-05:002015-01-31T13:48:52.644-05:00Alice is SO beautiful, Velouria. Vintage fenders! ...Alice is SO beautiful, Velouria. Vintage fenders! I love the way they tie together your now-well-known ability to mix modern and traditional/vintage in whatever form fits the desired end. Also love the green. I can't verify that it's the same shade Mike put on my ANT Light Roadster, but mine has that 'not too brown, not too minty' quality you describe. I've decided it's called Flanigan Green ;)Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10228751291651549631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17961606657492130962015-01-27T14:14:52.201-05:002015-01-27T14:14:52.201-05:00Correct rims and tires are scarce for something li...Correct rims and tires are scarce for something like that MacLean. And real NOS Dunlops are only to display, not to ride. Sprints (tubulars) were always an option, even in 1948. Easiest and best way to restore. If you want an extreme old-timey look it would be as easy to find a still functional pair of cane wheels as to find good Constrictors.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-83327210442651156342015-01-26T12:36:28.634-05:002015-01-26T12:36:28.634-05:00Nice read, especially the first three paragraphs. ...Nice read, especially the first three paragraphs. Thank you.Michael B. Rivershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08458448882200305071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-62761075362103296502015-01-26T12:35:05.026-05:002015-01-26T12:35:05.026-05:00I agree with you. And despite having gone into the...I agree with you. And despite having gone into the experience knowing this, the very experience of having it reaffirmed blew my mind. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19483011017236652202015-01-26T10:52:41.227-05:002015-01-26T10:52:41.227-05:00You're thinking of 26x1-1/4. ERTRO 597mm. Also...You're thinking of 26x1-1/4. ERTRO 597mm. Also used on Schwinns as 26x1-3/8. Most 700c wheels/tires work just fine with fenders meant for 26" 3spd. Now we know it works for 584 too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3830173750781099372015-01-26T09:06:49.848-05:002015-01-26T09:06:49.848-05:00The challenges of building something by hand espec...The challenges of building something by hand especially in precision metal work are why there are apprenticeships. Trying to come at it from the outside, starting at the top so to speak, is guaranteed to come with lots of frustrations. That should be better understood. People see someone experienced in a mechanical art doing it - say, building a bicycle frame - and they say "yes, I could do that". But they don't see the years of acquired experience that gives the subtlety of manual skills. Those experienced craftsmen did not come out of the womb with some magical "mechanical skills" that others can't have. They developed them the same way you develop any skill.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33129107997285542762015-01-26T07:41:47.455-05:002015-01-26T07:41:47.455-05:00There was a legendary TV darts commentator called ...There was a legendary TV darts commentator called Sid Waddell - a Geordie - who, when the Welsh player Leighton Rees, one of the early darts heroes, shot 180 (three treble twenties) back in the day when that was still a phenomenon and not routine, said (you have to 'hear' this in a Geordie accent), "Theh's oenly oene woed fo' tha': quin'-e-ssential!" It's the only time I've ever heard the word 'quintessential' used, in any accent. Well... Theh's oenly oene woed fo' tha' bicy'le: quin'-e-ssential! :)fletchernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32015127440740915422015-01-26T03:39:58.833-05:002015-01-26T03:39:58.833-05:00My 120 dB fog horn always clears my path. It also ...My 120 dB fog horn always clears my path. It also stimulates bowel movement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-29877724432916548892015-01-25T21:15:25.806-05:002015-01-25T21:15:25.806-05:00I just carry a boom box in my basket. Folks alway...I just carry a boom box in my basket. Folks always know I'm coming. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67239467288653858132015-01-24T14:12:59.392-05:002015-01-24T14:12:59.392-05:00Re: bike bells. Yes, motorists don't hear the...Re: bike bells. Yes, motorists don't hear them and pedestrians are often confused by them. When it's too noisy for a bike bell to be heard or I need a more emphatic alert, what I've found recently to be effective on multi-use paths is a bicycle whistle. Soft, polite, toot toots (the little train that could) seem to be heard easily and are not too intrusive and a loud, energetic whistle for emergencies, including clueless dogs, coyotes about to T-bone. Also, handy in overtaking motorized maintenance vehicles like golf carts. 'Course this doesn't work if you're breathless:)! Maybe not a style thing but safety on some of the paths I bike trumps image. Thanks! Jim DuncanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27605844759372640862015-01-23T14:09:38.381-05:002015-01-23T14:09:38.381-05:00Uh, I meant DIY bike. Not to be confused with a &q...Uh, I meant DIY bike. Not to be confused with a "DUI bike," a type of machine that's advertised quite frequently in my local Craigslist. Typically it's a Roadmaster or Huffy fitted with a noisy, smoke-belching 2-cycle engine. The target market for such a beast is the guy who has lost driving privileges but still needs to get to work.MT cyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17451590809473759574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19157716619152342472015-01-23T11:13:22.151-05:002015-01-23T11:13:22.151-05:00descents are 50% fun and 50% fear, on this bike th...descents are 50% fun and 50% fear, on this bike the percentage is more like 90/10<br />I might put myself at 30/70. What do you think makes the difference?<br />Really enjoy your blog.Catdrnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22499170924681504262015-01-23T09:53:04.795-05:002015-01-23T09:53:04.795-05:00I did not see you mention geometry other than smal...I did not see you mention geometry other than smaller, lower bb, shorter chainstays. Did I miss it, or can you comment?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17591506421819658042015-01-23T05:44:31.880-05:002015-01-23T05:44:31.880-05:00Cost is a tricky topic, because there are differen...Cost is a tricky topic, because there are different ways of looking at what is "cost effective.” It is heavily context dependent. And if you really want to be thorough about it, you have to look not just at the bike, but at the person's lifestyle as a whole, and especially at what the bicycle is facilitating/replacing for them. You have to ask questions like, what expenses are eliminated because of the bike(s)? That sort of thing. These are difficult calculations to make. <br /><br />As far as looking at my own experiences - naturally, they will not translate to the situation most of my readers are in. I write about bicycles professionally (in the sense that I derive an income out of the process) and do other freelance work (photography, consulting) within the bicycle industry. So a good portion of my bike purchasing, bartering, and tinkering is research-driven and falls into the category of business expenses. <br /><br />All that said, I've had a few posts addressing cost in the past, though mostly relating to transportation bicycles. However, they are rather outdated at this point and it would be good address the topic again, so thanks for the reminder. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-25645649456486984012015-01-23T05:25:38.723-05:002015-01-23T05:25:38.723-05:0020 months! Pah! It was 15 YEARS after I bought a u...20 months! Pah! It was 15 YEARS after I bought a used frame and fork before I got to work completing the build on it. It's a track bike too so there's almost nothing to it. I really look apathetic in comparison. Actually I still haven't bought and installed the Keirin clamp-on front brake so I can't even say it's really complete...nowherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12125582590094636085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21443033778500237102015-01-22T23:32:34.168-05:002015-01-22T23:32:34.168-05:00Great article, beautiful bike.
When working on pr...Great article, beautiful bike.<br /><br />When working on projects, I've experienced: Fear at the beginning - as there's so much to do; Drive to get it done it in the middle - just keep working, no longer taking pictures of the process and progress; Emptiness at the end - as now what am I going to do?; and sometimes: Burnout at the end - no desire to touch it or anything like it for at least six months! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-29605870418784076012015-01-22T21:34:37.157-05:002015-01-22T21:34:37.157-05:00This bike looks very at home in Ireland, from the ...This bike looks very at home in Ireland, from the color to the mix of old and new. Congrats Reggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14831898567423896721noreply@blogger.com