Custom Oak Cycles 650B French Randonneur Project.

Now when are we going for a ride? :p

Let do a 200k DIY.

^ you two can compare mudguards and lighting systems.

^rep

I will not enter the saddle angle debate today.

Is it me or the saddle is lower now than on the previous pictures? It looks even better like that, with less post showing.

Mandatory crossed chain comment though...

^

I've finally picked it up yesterday, quick adjustment (lowered saddle, slammed stem etc.) and gave it a good ride, it's better than I thought it would be.

I will not enter the saddle angle debate today.

You know, two people took that bike out for a spin yesterday.

One find it a bit too low, but comfortable, the other however said he feel like he's sliding backward (also too low), so it really is very much depend on the person, some need the nose higher than other, some doesn't.

I wanted this bike to look very much like a French Randonneur, with very little seatpost and stem showing (stem is surprisingly stiff when sprinting, which is probably a combination of slammed and the quality of the Nitto).

It also mean I can get those extremely light and short plain seat post (that need a clamp) that'll look the part too.

^

Sorry I tend to look at pictures more than I read the text...

I will not enter the saddle angle debate today.

Is it me or the saddle is lower now than on the previous pictures? It looks even better like that, with less post showing.

Mandatory crossed chain comment though...

I agree on seat post looking 'right' now.
I'm not crazy about the visual effect the extended head tube has on the quill stem though. I guess its stiffer but I prefer a 'non-slammed' quill stem.

French Randonneur.... sprinting

Doing it wrong?

I agree on seat post looking 'right' now.
I'm not crazy about the visual effect the extended head tube has on the quill stem though. I guess its stiffer but I prefer a 'non-slammed' quill stem.

I'd agree with this, I like a quill with a little bit of "neck" showing

You mean the gap between the ahead stem and the quill adaptor?

^ ha. I was querying that at TNRC.

screw you man :p

Again the ahead stem is a roll over from the bike fit i had, i brought along a quill to ahead adapter to save the fitter a hell of a lot of hassle changing quill stems whilst dialling in my position.

I like the practicality now and ease of changing stems and stem position, and aesthetically i don't mind it :)

^ you two can compare mudguards and saddle angles.

.

Not a thread I thought I'd see you in TM!

Thinking about getting some aero bars as well, just for you guys ;)

In the past I've ridden bike with front rack and they always compromised the steering a bit (especially on a Colnago SL)

especially on a Colnago SL

You put a front rack on a 'nag?

(but the rando does look lovely now it's finished)

Yep, wanted to carry a little more than a small saddlebag content and don't want to have a rucksack, got a rude awaken after descending in the Surrey Hills.

Was a great bike, but mainly because it got "Colnago" written on it rather.

1 Attachment

I have two more thing left to do, one is going to see Scherrit tomorrow to get the fit finalised, I know it fit me perfectly, but I want to make sure it's spot on to prevent fragility.

After that, I got a 400k audax on the 11th, the aptly named Asparagus & Strawberries in Norfolk, a perfect test for the new bike;

http://www.bikemap.net/route/2088920

^Nice man,

I was tempted to do that ride, I still am! But I think I wouldn't really have the legs/time to do a hilly 200km the next day.

I want one of these though :p

I was tempted to do that ride, I still am! But I think I wouldn't really have the legs/time to do a hilly 200km the next day.

Thought about the 200k the next day but decided it's best to wait for the Buzzard 600k rather.

I have a feeling I'll be tired by the end and think "oh shit, I got a 200k the next day" rather than "yay! 200k! hey ho let go!".

I think this is really lovely! Superb really.

I have two more thing left to do, one is going to see Scherrit tomorrow to get the fit finalised, I know it fit me perfectly, but I want to make sure it's spot on to prevent fragility.

After that, I got a 400k audax on the 11th, the aptly named Asparagus & Strawberries in Norfolk, a perfect test for the new bike;

http://www.bikemap.net/route/2088920

That looks like a superb route, fish & chips in Wells-next-Sea too! Wish I had the onions for a 400 right now

Ed .. Is that route defined, as in you must follow it? I'm asking because towards the end coming from Dedham to Lawford you're going to tackle Mill Hill. If you can change the route slightly I'd recommend turning onto Long Road East which means going back on yourself, then onto Bargate Lane before joining the Harwich Road. Mill Hill is notoriously dangerous .. as in two cyclist killed in collision with cars last year .. none of the local clubs use the road. If you can't change the route take care fella