Custom Oak Cycles 650B French Randonneur Project.

For quite some time, I have been meaning to go for a custom frame, and I have finally narrowed down to the kind of bicycle I want to have, a 650B French Randonneur bicycle with clearance for fast 42c tyres and a small front rack for a handlebar bag.

Today, I've put down a deposit, have a quick measurement taken (had already have a bike fit that result in a perfect fit for all kind of riding from The Bike Whisperer), and spend three hours talking to Ryan about the geometry, the limitation of having such short top tube, the tube diameter, etc.

As you may have notice, the sizing is a 57cm seat tube married with a 53cm top tube;

This is what I have in mind;

No rear rack? I am disappoint.

Why have you chosen that wheel size? Just for hipster randonneur points? I'm uninitiated into this latest wheel fad so educate me.

(maybe it's so you can swap to 700c with no bb drop, maybe because it's cooler than a 29er)

No rack mount at all, nothing, only the cantilever mount will hold the rack.

Sumo, now Ed. Oak have become frightfully common.

Tiny top tube. You're a big fellow Ed, surely that's going to have you much too upright, and limit your positions?

And 'make it feel faster' is a timeless instruction, though without guarantee.

I'd like an Oak, but I can't justify spending that much on polo.

42 tyres eh? Do they roll better or something.

Why not put eyelets on for a rear rack? You know, just in case.

^^no, they're "fast" ??

And 'make it feel faster' is a timeless instruction, though without guarantee.

I loved that, we talked about how the bike handle, basically an audax (naturally), I loved the ride of my Colnago, but would not want to ride that for three constructive centuries, the limitation of the tyres clearance mean i'm stuck with skinny 25c without mudguard.

Touring bike feel stable and comfortable but ultimately dull as a dishwasher.

In layman's (or Ryan's) term; make it feel faster.

Josh, I have a CX bike for touring and everyday use, I like to keep this one strictly as a bike to ride with pleasure.

I like my Bosch dishwasher

so how much do they charge for a full frame?

Whats that size as a proper thing them, mtb 26" with tyres measured in c? Like 29ers?

What's the advantage over 700c?

That bike further up looks gorgeous, image saved :D

I'm interested to see how this one pans out.

needs my 650c dura ace wheels clincher

Nice… I'm putting together one of these at the moment, grand bois hetre tyres are so nice, only issue how do you clean the sidewalls of brake gunk?

Awesome. Really looking forward to this build.

I wouldn't go for something as plain as the raw one you posted if its meant to be a nice bike. Especially given the era. Go for something a little more classic.

Also 1" quill or custom ahead?

only issue how do you clean the sidewalls of brake gunk?

Simple, use those industrial liquid hand soap plus decent amount of scrubbing and bingo.

Now my tyres look brand new, it also worth replacing the standard inferior brake pads with a better one that leave less gunk.

Hope this build goes well......

I just had a look at oak cycles blog/site and the first picture of 'Tims bike' made me a mouthful of coffee hit my iPad and a bit of wee to pop out unexpectedly.......

Awesome. Mrs. Wicksie needs this geo according to bike fit. Well 58 / 53.
Clearly custom is the way to go.
I'm sure this will be amazing.

I have an 80's road racing bike that measured 56 st 54.5 tt if she like to try it out.

Be warned thought, that bike reek of retrogrouch.

I'm still confused why you'd pick 650 tyres over 700. Serious question, are they like 26inch tyres?

Audax bike is the way to go, but wouldn't you want rear rack eye lets just in case the need arrises?

Look forward to seeing this built up, my audax bike is my favourite bike I've owned.

Slightly bigger than 26", the 650B will be more supple and comfortable while remaining lighter than a 700c with 32c tyres (decent 700c weight 480-530g, decent 650b weight 450-500g), the 650b 42c tyres weight approx 400g.

It's a great combination of performance and comfort, that if you ignored the conventional wisdom that narrow tyres + higher pressure = fast.

It will be a bike that will;

• Climb really well.
  
• Feel stable to ride while being able to corner with precision.
  
• Very comfortable.
  
• Can cope with a bit of weight (handlebar bag)
  
• For all weather condition
  
• For all road terrain
  
• Easy to ride when tired.
  
  

Here's another example of a modern Rene Herse 650B Randonneur bike;

Odds on Ed getting rack mounts brazed on after the build is complete?