Self-Build: 21st Century RandoFixed

I've been meaning to build a biek from scratch for a while and recently decided to stop thinking/chatting about it and actually get on with it. I booked some workshop time in May and then totally forgot about it...
It's now pretty imminent so I thought I'd best get onto designing and building.....

it's basically a replacement for my long-distance Audax bike

Next PBP I'll be 50 and deserve some comfort in life!

The basic specification for this is:

• Lightweight steel frame (Spirit or Life tbc).
  
• 12mm Thru axle - Paragon sliders
  
• Flat mount discs (front and rear) so I can go SS if I fancy
  
• Carbon fork to keep the weight down
  
• Clearance for 32mm tyres and mudguards
  
  

Originally I was thinking I'd just make a super-light fixed/roadie version of my Gravel Racer

But then at the tail end of last year I had a spiritual enlightenment on a rainy Parisian afternoon in the Alex Singer workshop

This got me wondering, could I do something a bit classical looking with a horizontal top tube and some old-school steez whilst retaining modern-day creature comforts....
There's no guarantee that I can, but it can't harm to try...

The closest match I've found to what I have in mind is @Hulsroy 's splendid effort:

so that's going straight onto my moodboard as the general vibe
Another reference build for me is Robin Mather's Rapha Continental:

So I'm basically melding these 2... the functionality and aesthetic style of the Hulsroy with the geo and tradition of the Mather

Sounds like a great project.

Are you doing front brake only?

Thanks a lot - I'm planning front and rear with Paragon sliders

Geometry time
I'll stick to my tried and tested geometry (parallel 73deg ST/HT and a 58cm ST) these come from my old DeRosa race bike from the 00's.

A modern disc fork with bags of clearance will give me a far higher TT than the DeRosa so I can afford a decent amount of BB-drop without fretting over pedal strike.
I'll go for a slightly shorter TT than the 59cm on the DeRosa - probably around 575mm so I can still run a nice long stem (110-120mm) with comfort (cos I'm a long-stem tart).
Chuck all that in the mix, add a 14mm lower headset race and bish-bosh-bash it's a CAD

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Geometry Checks:
1) I sense checked this geo against Alex Singer Cyclotouring
Differences are that the Singer has a slightly steeper seattube (74 vs 73deg) slightly longer chainstay (440 vs 435mm) a bit more BB drop (75 vs 72mm) and a bit more fork rake (50 vs 45mm)
I'm happy enough about less rake and shorter chainstays, and I prefer a slacker seattube.
Less BB drop is justifiable for 172.5mm chainset on a fixedwheel so that all seems about right

2) sense check against the Audax-standard Fairlight Strael
similar angles (slightly steeper 73.5 deg headtube)
surprisingly short chainstays (418 mm) but then according to the internet it only has clearance for 28mm tyres with mudguards (33mm without)
The other big difference is the headtube - 160mm on the strael - this gives a load more stack.

I don't think I need the extra 30mm stack but if I do, I'd rather do it as per the Mather instead of having the sloping TT and massive HT of the Strael

a bit more from my moodboard.

including @hollow__legs disc-audax-fixed - another major inspiration for this project

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Cutting mitres

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This looks like a great project.

Will this be getting an oversized head tube or the more traditional one for 1 1/8 steerer tubes?

I would like to build a fancier version of mine above in the not too distant future so following this thread with interest.

I think you would enjoy this thread and the bike @Skant made.

Also Fern Bikes in general for modern rando style. Their insta is: https://www.instagram.com/fern_bicycles?igsh=MnZtYmUzNW1rY3lk

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This one has been a dream bike for a while now -https://www.fern-fahrraeder.de/arbeiten/chacha-disc-kindernay-xiv

Fun project:)

A timely reminder of an absolute banger

Built my own Rando last year, modern gears/brakes but front load specific geo. Like it so far.
I specifically went with small diameter tubing to lower frame stiffness v. my other bikes. And I can feel it

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exciting stuff, looking forward to it!

Thanks
Head tube is 44mm straight with headset to suit tapered fork.
I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts as this progresses. I’d value your input as a fellow long-distance-fixed-wheeler

Ooof yes, that’s an absolute banger, love it. Details are pretty awesome -definitely some learning & inspiration to be had here.

That is very nice indeed, super classic look & very nice lugs
What actually is ‘front load geometry’? Are you talking slacker headtube or more rake or trail???

Cheers man. Glad to see your workshop is up and running.

Finished the cutting today. Everything cleaned up and ready to braze tomorrow
Seatstay/seattube junction was a proper ballache

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Shopping container workshop? Nice!

Yes I’m working with John Chickens, he has an incredibly good set up in a stunning location so I’m having a blast

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Brazing today,
reasonably happy with the result as it’s about 25 years since my last efforts

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nice one brazing looks very tidy! Be wary of catching the framebuilding bug, its an expensive one...

Thanks man, my mind is racing with the possibilities so I will have to watch myself!!!
Have really enjoyed the build so far and am sure it will not be my last.