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@tomsvoboda
Right, so, I have to put this up seeing I've been to see the great man himself this morning :) The 0530 wake up and all those damn hills down that way were well worth it.
Got there a bit early but he was more than happy to take me on before the actual appointment. True gent!
First i oogled at all his bikes he had there whilst he tidied things up a bit.. Some insane coupled tandems made to take on the world are currently being put together. The usual selection of 953 road gorgeousness coupled with carbon Campag groupsets.. a mere £4500 but IMO worth every single penny.. Then his different track frames hanging on the walls. Mainly to show the type of builds, lugs etc which are available.. I knew I had come to the right place :)!
So first we discussed what I'd be using the frame for. Seeing I'll be doing approx 20 miles on it daily plus extra and then weekends he suggested to go for slightly slacked off track geo both for comfort, speed and handling. He reckons it'll give you more higher speed over longer distances as you won't be concentrating on keeping the bike under control 24/7.
Afterwards it was about what I wanted on the bike.
Wishbone was ruled out as the one available is too thin and twists especially w 80kg on it.. Fastbacks were also ruled out as he reckons they're not as sturdy on a track frame due to the smaller welding/contact area of them to the seatcluster.. Going for pretty much what jaygee has with the seatstays as CR reckons it's the stiffest and best for track bikes he can offer.
External cable run: less hassle to use; no holes drilled in the tt which can crack with repeat tensions especially if he uses thinner tubing; more responsive. It's his cross-over style that runs along the bottom of the tt (right side on the front and left at the back) and tbh looks damn sweet.
SS track ends; 1 1/8" steerer for all the reasons mentioned. He said it was good thinking..
The whole thing fillet brazed of course :)
He did look at me a bit strange when I mentioned I want it pink but said nothing! Going to have to pick a RAL and let him know as I've not actually decided on that yet. Matt black everywhere else as previously suggested. He's got a gloss white with matt black frame on his wall just now and the fork crowns were white with the blades black. Looks stunning and hence I've changed for that look also.
Aaaaaall finished off with a black CK sotto voce... Done!
Measuring was pretty straightforward. Apparently I'm well proportioned. Haha! Approx 56cm tt with a 10cm minimum seat to bar drop but adjustable with a few spacers..
Soooooo £400 deposit later and 3 months to go and hopefully I shall be a proud owner of a new CR piece of amazingness. So far I'd thoroughly recommend him but his history and heritage speaks for itself. If anyone has an inkling for one then don't think about it, just do it ;)!!