Custom Oak Cycles 650B French Randonneur Project.

The handling issue I pointed out was because I thought you had a 120mm stem. Even with a low trail geometry, you don't want to move the handlebar too far ahead. Both your body weight and the bag's weight shift to the wrong end of the axle. 100mm seems like a much better choice.

I don't think you quite get the low trails geometry, it doesn't matter if it's in the wrong end of the axles, it will still be fine to ride, it's only an issue if I have my saddle set far too forward putting my body weight on the handlebar only, instead of saddle/bar.

Are you 184 cm tall as stated in the notes of the builder at the first page? I guess I'm shorter than you (176cm), with a slightly longer inseam (87.7cm). My frame is a 60 x 56 with a 85mm stem. Your arms don't look short in the photos, is that the issue? Couldn't figure it out the reason for 53mm top tube...

I have a very short chest for my proportion.

I don't think you quite get the low trails geometry, it doesn't matter if it's in the wrong end of the axles, it will still be fine to ride, it's only an issue if I have my saddle set far too forward putting my body weight on the handlebar only, instead of saddle/bar.

I understand what you mean. I just wanted to ask if you had a steering issue with 120mm stem in mind.

I understand how the low trail geometry works. It's just that putting weight too forward ahead could even affect a low trail geometry. It's not the handlebar bag that would dull the steering, it's the weight of the torso, especially if the cyclist is heavy on top.

I have a very short chest for my proportion.

I thought so, I could say we are in the same club. Couldn't tell from the photos...

The latest photo with black/tan Hetres looks awesome. Saved into my favorite randonneur photo album. The bike proportionally looks right.

if you've ever ridden behind ed you know how bad the handling is on his oak

he calls it 'responsive' I call it weaving around the road like a drunken sailor

and his short top tube is because he's got the flexibility of an 85 year old, just do some stretches ed

Hahaha^^ rep! It was a bit squiggly, but I did like the way it handled.

If you channel your frustration into your riding 44/17, then maybe you'll be able to keep up with me.

home come your bag doesnt sit flush on your rack?

it's not a bigxtop

If you channel your frustration into your riding 44/17, then maybe you'll be able to keep up with me.

I blame all that carb loading from morrisons you are constantly indulging in

no-one needs 6 custard slices in a day ed

Those are fucking delicious.

do you think you will get the c17 with cut-outs when released

I am now happy with my Selle Anatomica, but I will get the C17 with cut-outs for the 650b National Forest Explorer.

A fine steed

Nice saddles but even more expensive than the leather ones!

Ed, how much do you reckon your GB bag weighs and roughly how much weight to you tend to put in it?

Asking as I know you've mentioned the bike feeling twitchy without it, I stuck my DIY rando bag on this morning and put a bunch of typical audax bits in. Might have been lack of sleep, distractions but I didn't really notice much of a difference. Going to experiment with it a bit more tomorrow night over a longer distance.

The bag alone is under 700g (included stiffener), but going to try without the stiffener to see how it is.

I don't know how much I will carry in an audax, however I've just grab the bag off my bike and weight it as it is (with load of shit in it, including tools, kindle, wind jacket etc.), and it come out at 2.5kg.

I reckon I carry under 2kg of stuff in an audax ride that's over 400k.

Bike still feel quite nimble with 2.5kg of stuff, that what I had when commuting.

Thanks Ed, sounds about the same as what I've got in at the moment. Bike felt fine on the way to work, so I think I'll be sticking with this set up from now on.

Was this in the wimbeldon Evans today? Caught a glimpse of an oak badge while fiddling with some finance stuff

Yup, need to buy some shit before a 600k.

Andy, 4kg is what I carry on the front bag, including a camera and extra clothing in case it get cold in the Welsh mountains.

Thanks, I got up to about 5.5 before I noticed the handling was affected (combination of weight and the load getting higher as more stuff was added). Will be keeping it light for audaxing, probably make a slightly smaller version and eventually go for some of the Soma low-trail forks if they're ever released!

So according to Brixton Cycles, who left my bike in a piles with other scrap and not contacting me about it (not surprised as they didn't do the same with someone I know who's also deaf), they cannot removed the stuck stem, and need a new fork (!!).

I'll collect it soon on Thursday, and talk to Ryan about removing the offending stem that have not been touched for over a year after getting my position perfected, which also mean I can go forward with V.2 on the Oak - integration.

Hope they haven't butchered it! Sounds ominous that you 'need a new fork'....

If it's damaged, they owe you.

I think they're referring to the stuck stem that required a new fork rather than them damaging the fork, which is a bit far fetched.

I doubt you need a new fork, you just need to pour a can of coke into the upturned fork and leave it overnight.

The rules for removing a stuck stem are pretty much the same for removing a stuck seat post, and at least stems are easier to work with.

I have had one defeat me.....on an old peugeot optimum 531. It had been left outside for a couple of years though, which didn't help me much.