Ted Bennett wrote:
> Hi Ken. The first thing is to determine what it is you
> want from a custom bike, and why a non-custom would not
> suit you. Almost anyone can be fit just fine with an off
> the rack bike, with minor changes such as seat position
> and stem length/height.
I am 6'4.5" and have had to build extended seat posts with a
"set-back" on the 2 bikes I use for riding around the city.
The road bike (30 y.o. Peugeot) is more efficient than the
chinese garage sale MTB. Since I trued up the wheels and
used the Park tensiometer i realize how much better things
are when the wheels are set up properly. Duhhh! OK, so I am
slow on some things, but anal I am not.
> If you want to specify some unusual characteristic, such
> as some special braze-ons, then custom is the way to go.
Yes, purpose-built add-ons are really nice - instead of just
using bolt-ons.
> It's not the only way to get couplers; Co-Motion is one
> maker that will include them. I bought a custom made
> Mariposa from Bicyclesport in Toronto 23 years ago not
> because my proportions are unusual but to get some nice
> features, and I still use the same bike (among others), so
> the relatively high cost has turned out to be a bargain
> for a fine bike.
True, but I wouldn't want to use either of the 2 bikes I
have with S&S couplers. The couplers alone would cost much
more that the price of the 2 bikes combined.
> I went with 700c wheels, with enough clearance for fenders
> and fairly fat tires. I can fit up to 35mm tires, although
> I always use 28mm. The question of 700c versus 26 inch is
> argued a lot, and you probably won't get a definitive
> answer here. Both sizes are widely available in a lot of
> different constructionsand widths. Rolling resistance and
> puncture resistance varies more among tires than any
> difference in RR due to diameter, and the gear ratio
> difference is not an issue with the many options in rings
> and cogs available. I guess the answer is that it doesn't
> matter. But get 36 spoke wheels for loaded touring.
> Because of rear wheel dish, your front wheel is the
> stronger, so put the heavy stuff up front.
>
Now, why not 40 spokes at the front and more (48) at the
back? The bikes I ride in the city are both 36 spoke -
Peugeot is 27" and Chinese is 26". Both have slick tires.
> Some makers construct integral racks of steel tubing. Very
> nice, very tough, but the Blackburns on my bike have held
> up very well so I have no complaints about them. Integral
> racks could be a problem for a bike that's going in a box.
> Couplers didn't exist when my bike was made, so I modify
> cardboard or the plastic equivalent in order to fit the
> complete bike, fenders and racks included. No airline
> problems, but things may be different since I last flew
> with that bike.
>
> Good luck with your new bike, and let us know what you end
> up with.
I will have the bike built here in Canada . Arvon Stacey
will build it in Alberta. Canadian dollars for the frame and
forks. Don't expect a fancy paint job as the bike is for
travel and commuting, not for gawking/admiring. My Brooks
saddle will be on and I am not sure of the wheels (rims and
hubs) and BB - Phil Wood perhaps, Shimano otherwise.
Deraillers, brakes etc will most likely be from e-bay
(Shimano most likely) Not worried right now about these
things as there is lots of time. Mostly just opportunistic
purchases (NOS and some used). Some things will be purchased
- like fenders and odds and ends. I will probably use 8
speed rear gears, but chain ring will be 3 rings in not-sure-exactly-
what configuration.
Thanks for your thoughts!