Varonha custom frame... And other ongoing stuff

every year is a tandem year. loic's so cool he's tandem tandemmed. srs bsnss.

OK!! The forever dragging project! (all because of me and my constant hesitating and lack of time to allocate into this recently...)

On Saturday I went to see the finished frame, just to review it and pass it on to Mario...
I am very very pleased. Everything is where it should be, as discussed, as designed, as agreed... and the craftsmanship is to the expected level. I almost wanted to take it with me and build it raw! (seriously, I stupidly considered this...)

Mario promised it for next sat, which is fantastic as I have now gathered pretty much all parts...

A big thanks to our very own Rob for helping with the stickers, and who arrived in the post just in time for me to give them to Mario...

Pictures (not the best ever, my apologies...)

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I almost wanted to take it with me and build it raw! (seriously, I stupidly considered this...)

You're not the first person to think this.

And, as for my doing things with my own hands, the stripping of the epoxy paint and polishing of my vintage Middleburn crankset, which is to be installed on the bike... It's a triple, but the other rings had not been cleaned when I took the picture...

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I really need to get me some Middleburn, especially since we're a reseller.

You can get any kind of combination easily with those ring, from 28/44 32/48, 50/36, etc.

I actually have not measured the BCD on these. I hope they're commun, as 26/36/46 rings may be a bit spinny for what I want...

Those forks look so much better than the last time I saw them! Head tube badge looks ace too.

Is it me or the mudguard mount hole is bigger than the rack mount?

make no sense.

Clearance is very impressive, generous amount near the BB, would not be surprised if it can accept 38mm tyres easily.

Is it me or the mudguard mount hole is bigger than the rack mount?

One of the mounts (assuming you are talking about the rear dropouts) comes already with the Ritchey dropout, the other one is an addition.

They look of a different size but threads are identical.
The top one is the Ritchey one and is the stronger one (rack)
The bottom one is the very slightly smaller (outer diameter) and meant for the mudguards.

Winston said he has been using these Ritchey dropout for as long as they are available, and he never seen one break. I once had a split dropout (OK it was a budget shitty bike) so I was sensible to his point... Solid is important to me...

Great project you have going on. Aside from the wheels that is. Rigida rims really don't seem to do the frame justice. Why go for something slightly more expensive. For example, Shimano 105 hubs laced to Mavic CXP rims can be had fairly cheap and definitely look the part.

Headbadge looks ace, as does the rest of the craftsmanship. I really need to get my frame sorted out sooner rather than later!

Great project you have going on. Aside from the wheels that is. Rigida rims really don't seem to do the frame justice. Why go for something slightly more expensive. For example, Shimano 105 hubs laced to Mavic CXP rims can be had fairly cheap and definitely look the part

These rims are nice I swear... but, I agree, not necessarily for that project... There was a change of plans since I mentioned the rigidas, and I've bought a nice wheelset for the bike. Ultegra hubs laced to grey mavic open pro CD... Very happy with how they look.

Glad you went with the Mavic Open Pro's. They should make for a solid and smooth rolling set of wheels. Really looking forward to seeing the frame with paint on it!

progress?
(the last time I saw it, the frame looked like this:)

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Very nice.

Plan is to take time to make nice pictures with the kind help of Reeeeeeeeen, until then, my lunch time attempt... Amazing how quick the Thames goes up by the way...

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The built was completed before Christmas, I've had few occasions to ride it since, mainly commuting to work.
I am extremely happy!

That seat cluster .. Needs thicker tyres .. Fucking lovely tho .. has the brooks saddle been veto'd for this?

looks fantastic, bars and saddle aren't doing it for me, but thats personal preference.
Still very lovely, you must be chuffed

First time ever I try non traditional drops... I don't dislike the look of these particular ones, although I generally prefer classic shape...
Any suggestion you would have?

I know the saddle is controversial... I've been dreaming of that saddle since they came out for MTBs. It weighs a ton, and the springs are a bit disconcerting at first, but I love it...

It looks stunning.
Does Winston plan to get his post Chas work on a website or is this it?

Is Winston going to get some kind of website organised to show his post Roberts work off?

He was supposed to get this organised over Christmas, but I don't know where he's at with this.