Brian, That sounds like a fun project. I think that 8cm of drop is a little too much for a 650 wheeled bike. I don't know what wheel radius you are using but I don't think a 28 or 30mm tire with 8cm of drop will result in a 10.25" BB height.
Curt Goodrich (who thinks 26" wheels are little more practical but lack cache) Minneapolis, MN
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of Brian Baylis Sent: Friday, June 28, 2002 7:39 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]The concept of Constructor
Listmembers,
With all of the recent talk about constructor as opposed to framebuilder I finally made the decision (which would have happened eventually) to proceed on the design of a "complete" bicycle somewhat along the lines of the Rene Herse. To be honest touring per se is not my personnal interest in cycling. But at my age there's nothing like a new challange and an opportunity to expand my horizions and experience by indulgeing in something "different". I would like to present the concept that I have decided to follow in the design and purpose of such a bicycle. I would like the imput from the touring oriented listmembers in regards to the concept I have in mind.
Here it goes.
First, my purpose for this bike is what I will call "light touring". Not fully loaded and not for camping expeditions. The bike itself has been designed for long day rides or a few days touring with approiate gear but overnights would be supported or in motels. The capacity of the bags will be a bit less than that of the full boat rig. In my case I had to design the bike around 650c wheels in order to make room for racks, bags, and fenders and still have the bike be my size. The frame is 52cm c-t which gives me a head tube length of 129mm even with a low bb height (8cm drop,10 1/4" bb height), and enough clearance for fenders and brake reach of 55mm. Normally such a frame on 700c wheels would give me barely enough head tube for the lugs and no room for a front bag and rack. Without the front bag part of my concept isn't possible. For any other situation other than a dwarf such as myself, 700c wheels are the only way to go except for 650B which doesn't buy me much room. I'm willing to accept the rim and tyre limitations in order to make the bike properly. And actually the 650c wheels fit into my concept quite well otherwise. Damn, I might have to make my own 650c x 28 tyres someday.
The main concepts I intend to work to are two things; AERO touring and a "Quick disconnect convertable" bike. My design for lights and bags will focus on making an integral headlight and front bag that is areodynamic in design to give the front of the bike a cleaner profile while riding fast. Most bags are clunkey looking and most deffinately not areo. The bag is there so why not make it perform an additiomal function? There will be semi small front low rider bags designed with the same areo profile and function. I intend to make both front and rear racks in two peices so that the upper part will include the light and generator system for either front or rear lights without the neccessity of having the full rack or bags on the bike. The reason for this I will explain shortly. The Quick disconnect feature for fenders, racks and bags will allow one to strip the bike from full set up to a day rider (or a commuter to the store without having to take everything you own with you) within one minute. Since each part is modular any combination of bike plain, bike with light and/or fenders, or the whole thing is easily done instantly. The rear racks, lights, and bags will follow the same concept of areodynamic design and modular quick disconnect function. My other intention is to come up with fittings that are as close to invisable as possible when the bike is not loaded. It will look and ride like any comfortable day rider without the gear.
Does this sound like a practical concept to you touring types? Frankly I'm quite excited about this project. I already have 2 or 3 persons standing in line for one of these, so I'm sorry to say I can't add anything else to my order book for a year or two. If anyone who already has orders in wants to get in on this that will be no problem. The first one will be mine (as usual) so I can work out the details for myself before offering them up to the public. Possibly by Le Cirque next year I might have something to look at. I also intend for the "styling" to be French including the custom lugged stem. I may have to make my own fenders to get what I want for style and fit for a 650c wheel. Won't that be fun? Hell YES!
I've got to run an errand now, I'll check back later to see what fish are on the line. Thanks to anyone who is willing to help me out on this. There will be plenty of discussion on components selection forthcomming.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA For a guy with no brains, there sure seems to be a lot of noise rattleing around in there.