650B randonneuse project

I've wanted to do this for a while, and now I think everything is finally in place for a small run of semi-custom 650B randonneurs. Five to be exact, to be built this winter and ready in spring. They will be available as a frame and fork or complete bicycle. See my flickr page to follow the progress: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mapcycles/sets/72157622852473295/

Each will be custom in that they will have a rider-chosen seat tube and top tube length (within the 54-58cm range) and each will have the opportunity to add custom MAP handlebar bag rack or small rear rack as part of the package. There will be a few other options in terms of braze-on placement and paint, but the heart and soul will remain the same. Light weight standard diameter tubing, proven rando geometry, and clearance for big 650B tires.

There are a lot of details to go over in terms of the build possibilities and packages, geometry, paint options, etc. that I am not going to go into here and now, but for any interested parties, head over to http://www.mapbicycles.com/news.html and come January, I'll provide all the details about just what this bike is and what it is not and how you can get one. Cost for a the frame and fork with single color finish will start at $2000.

For now, have a look at the prototype to get an idea of where this is going.

Product.

Alex B.
Originally uploaded by mapcycles

Finally got around to building up Alex's bike. This kind of build can test the patience, with fenders, rack, lighting all having to work together. It's a delicate balance and I cannot express how important the pre-paint mock build-up is for dialing it all in. It's rewarding to see this kind of bike when it's done, having started as a sketch on a piece of paper. Hopefully the bike lives up to the idea that inspired it.

Alex B.

Alex B.
Originally uploaded by mapcycles

Alex's bike is just about done. A few braze-ons and it will be ready for the painter. The last few days I've been working on the custom front rack that will be used daily with low-rider panniers, but with an upper platform for odd loads or even a handlebar bag. This should be a really versatile rack, and being designed as an integral part of the front end geometry, it will be comfortable and steer predictably loaded or not. I'm really excited to get this bike painted and built. Next will be a mixte for Heidi with a custom rear rack.

Currently...

Alex B.
Originally uploaded by mapcycles

Plugging away at Alex's commuter and it's shaping up nicely. Getting ready for the Oregon Manifest show Oct. 10-12 which should be quite a production. This photo shows the stays blended into the seatlug - a look I really like. If you're in Portland the weekend of the show make sure to come by my booth and say hello. Next week I'll be working on bridges and braze-ons and a custom rack for Alex's bike.

Metallurgy

Alex B.
Originally uploaded by mapcycles

Just out of the soak tank, wish I could preserve it in this state. So much better than paint. With the main triangle complete now it's onto lug thinning and the rear triangle.

Fresh start

It's been a while since I've posed anything here. If you've checked my flicker photostream then you know I've been keeping busy, but I have definitely been slacking when it comes to documenting build processes, which is why I started this blog. So, I thought I'd make a fresh start and try to document the bike I just started. Alex wanted hand carved lugs and pretty much gave me free reign with the look. These started off as Pacenti lugs and the final shape is very simple, reminicent of the shapes of a prominent french builder but...well, different. I feel like I've taken what I like about the original shape and made it my own, have a look:

A happy customer...

Natalie got a her new bike today and seems pretty happy about it. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Next up is a fillet-brazed 650B gravel road bike with disk brakes, Alfine group, saddlebag, and twin-plate fork crown.