[CR]very deep custom stem

(Example: Framebuilders:Jack Taylor)

Date: Mon, 08 Oct 2001 21:11:04 -0700
From: "John" <velostuf@qwest.net>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Organization: Velostuf
Subject: [CR]very deep custom stem

I was asked to comment on this stem a while ago- sorry it has taken me some time to get back to you all...

Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 08:54:24 -0400 From: Steve Freides <steve@fridayscomputer.com> Organization: Friday's Computer To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Subject: Re: [CR]2 Paramounts SOLD

John, please tell us about the stem on this. I have no idea if it's a vintage item or not but I've never seen anything with such a steep angle.

http://www.velostuf.com/ckctt1.jpg http://www.velostuf.com/ckctt3.jpg http://www.velostuf.com/ckctt4.jpg http://www.velostuf.com/ckctt5.jpg

This stem was custom made for Chris Kvale for his time trial bike in the late 70's/early 80's, Chris really went bonkers when building this bike- note the wind-protected brake calipers, aero brake cable routing through the handlebars and the fact that because two brake levers are too bulky, he connected both brakes to the one lever on the right side. Also, note the aero routed shifter cable for the rear der, (front der and double chainring eliminated). The pedals are Pino Maroni-modified. Chris has one leg slightly shorter than the other. The single shift lever has been aero mounted, and cut out for weight savings! All of the extra/unnecessary pieces on the brake quick release have been eliminated so it merely functions as a cable housing stop.

Chris Kvale has been a custom framebuilder for about 25 years. He was a category 1 rider who competed regionally, nationally and internationally from 1965 to 1987. He was invited to participate in the 1967 Pan Am trials and the 1968 and 1972 Olympic trials. In 1977 he and his brother set a U.S. transcontinental record.

John Barron
Minneapolis
http://www.velostuf.com