Custom Oak Cycles 650B French Randonneur Project.

Never, already got a bike with rack mount;

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

It's the correct length for 100mm stem and Nitto Noodle bar with non-aero levers, any longer and I'll be stretched out.

thanks Ed for clarifying that.

Will 650 tyres always be easy to get hold of?

There's a reasonable number of decent 650B tyres out there, the bike must be able to fit the Grand Bois Hetre 42c tyres as a benchmark, there are other equally good tyres such as the Pacenti Pari-Moto 650b 38c tyres that weight a surprising 280g, equal to a 23c Continental Gatorskins.

What are the pedals on the Genesis?

White Industries Urban;

These are the following example that are based on a French randonneur geometry (the French like to have their weight on the handlebar bag, whether the English on the saddle bag), there are also some evidence that the handlebar bag is oddly more aerodynamic than a saddlebag, but of course, this is the least of my concern;

(this one got a bottom bracket of 235!);

The last two bike below are classic well known French randonneur bicycle; Rene Herse (dark blue) and an '48 Alex Singer (aqua);

there are also some evidence that the handlebar bag is oddly more aerodynamic than a saddlebag

Citation?

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

Oh my days, LOL!

Never, already got a bike with rack mount

Doesn't mean anything. Why limit yourself?

Citation?

more aerodynamic than an equally sized saddlebag says a Carradice rather than those tiny saddle bag intended just for tools and credit card;

http://janheine.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/aerodynamics-of-real-world-bicycles/

Doesn't mean anything. Why limit yourself?

Because this isn't a touring bike, can be used for light touring or credit card touring, but otherwise that it, if I want to take it on a proper tour, the Genesis is suitable for such ride with it's stiffer frame and extra front and rear rack mount despite a higher bottom bracket being a CX bike.

I have already been experimenting with several set-up, the Lotus was the end result of such experiment, with a larger handlebar bag and a smaller seat bag, it'll be spot on;

A handlebar bag was more aerodynamic than a Carradice saddlebag that extended just slightly beyond the hips of the rider (see photo at the top of this post).
is not the same as
there are also some evidence that the handlebar bag is oddly more aerodynamic than a saddlebag
.

The former is specific, you make out like it's always the case.

Having a rear bag which does not extend past the hips would drastically change the results.

I'd like to know what climbing with a large front bag and nothing/small bag on the rear would feel like.

The former is specific, you make out like it's always the case.

I do apologise for the confusion, large but slim saddlebag like a compressed seatbag have a smaller impact than a large and wide carradice saddlebag.

How long is the wait time Ed?

Estimate completion: October/November.

Just in time for the rubbish weather! Look forward to seeing it built up. Does this mean your getting an AUK membership then?

No such thing as rubbish weather, just the lack of mudguard.

never seen a brake like this before

No such thing as rubbish weather, just the lack of mudguard.

Mud guard won't stop you from slipping in ice mate and denting your new frame. Don't you dare say don't lean!!!

I'd like to know what climbing with a large front bag and nothing/small bag on the rear would feel like.

I can only imagine a bit better than climbing with large bags on the back and nowt up front. I was never good at wheelies though.

Definitely a bit better.

When climbing on a 33% grad, I have to stand up not because it's more effective (it isn't), but it's the only way I can put a bit more weight on the front end of the bike to keep the front wheel on the tarmac, it does not help when your weight is slightly more on the rear than front when seated.

No such thing as rubbish weather, just the lack of mudguard.

rolls eyes

Ah I see.

Touring with carbon forks is a laugh, have wheelied a few times.

I've decided that I'm going to stop hating on ed's build. He's going by the book on this one so that should only be encouraged. I'm gonna get all Supernanny up in this bitch by ignoring the bad and praising the good. I still think you should get rear rack mounts though. If only to stop it looking as gash as the Lotus.

Ed, I like the sound of this.