700c light randonneur/road bike
I built this bike to replace the road bike that I’ve had since 2002. For me, that’s a long time without an upgrade! A lot has changed about the way I view bicycles over the past 16 years. In my eyes, a bicycle can still have fenders and a dynamo powered light system while still being a true road bike. The front rack is now essential for me to carry a small amount of food or clothing on my rides as I’m not usually just going out for a fitness ride around the block.
This road bike was referred to as a randonneur at the 2018 North American Handmade Bike Show (NAHBS). I guess the rack, pump, fenders, and lights might indicate as such but it’s still a road bike to me. This particular bike weighs in at 18.5lbs as seen here. The weight was kept low mostly in the components but lightweight steel was used in the frame construction as well.
Many of the SRAM and Ritchey components were de-badged to make the bike look less like an advertising billboard. The carbon handlebars and seat post were sanded and re-cleared. The SRAM Force shifters were dismantled, drilled out, sanded, and re-cleared as well. The SRAM Red rear derailleur was also modified by removing the pulley cage, sanding off the logos, and re-clearing the raw carbon.
The small and very lightweight Velogical dynamo was mounted to the seat stay and actuated by a single shift lever on the non-drive side. Most of the time, it is disengaged but is easily activated when I need lighting in a pinch.
I fabricated the fillet brazed tubular steel crankset which is only moderately light but very unique. The hardware is mostly titanium and aluminum alloy. The beautiful chainrings were drilled by Jon Williams of Drillium Revival who unfortunately passed away suddenly last month. Jon was a friend and his work on the TA chainrings and MAFAC brakes on this bike will keep his memory alive for me. Rest in peace, my friend.
Greg Collins
January 8, 2024 @ 8:32 pm
Dude, I mean…dude.
Paul Jacobs
July 26, 2023 @ 10:01 pm
Brian, Might I ask how you removed the lettering from the seat post without harming the Carbon Fiber?
Brian
September 2, 2023 @ 9:47 pm
I sanded the decals off to the gel coat and then re-cleared.
John Clay
May 16, 2019 @ 8:48 pm
Pretty bike!
Does the Velogical dynamo slip in when wet, or under any conditions?
Brian
May 17, 2019 @ 9:31 am
It definitely does not slip in wet conditions.
Eli
May 14, 2018 @ 12:06 pm
This bike is beautiful. I love the logo-free components.
How has your experience been with the Velogical dynamo? I have one on my 700c randonneur bike and, while it’s functional, I’ve ridden alongside folks with the same headlight (Edelux) and a generator hub and their lights were much brighter at the same speed. I have wondered if it’s worth messing with the angle/pressure/position of the dynamo or if the performance I’m getting is the most I can expect.
Brian
May 14, 2018 @ 2:43 pm
My dynamo outputs 3W which powers the lights just fine. I can’t tell whether or not my light is dimmer than my riding companions because I have not done a side by side comparison with the same Busch & Müller Eyc-T light. Perhaps you and your friend have different versions of the Edelux? There are three different versions of the Velogical dynamo for different riding speeds as well. I would confirm that you have the correct model. Good luck!