Details ....
This rando build is a frameset built by Jack Trumbull of Franklin Frames.
I had engaged his services last fall to replace the top tube on my weekend rider, a Giordana Polaris. The Giordana had developed cancer of the top tube, basically in the areas where the concealed brake cable entered and exited the tubing. By 'cancer' I mean rust. The rust had been there for the better part of a decade and had finally made the tubing soft to the touch. I had contacted Dale Brown or Cycles D'oro in Greensboro for a referral to a frame builder and he recommended Jack.
While we were discussing the repairs, I asked him about 650B bikes. Among other things, he said that he had built a number of frames for a company that was no longer offering them and that he had a few frames in stock. He asked questions about my height, weight, etc. and told me of a frame that he had that would likely fit me and my needs. He would have to build a fork to fit the frame but otherwise had a bike that he thought I might be interested in. He sent me these pictures to review.
I had engaged his services last fall to replace the top tube on my weekend rider, a Giordana Polaris. The Giordana had developed cancer of the top tube, basically in the areas where the concealed brake cable entered and exited the tubing. By 'cancer' I mean rust. The rust had been there for the better part of a decade and had finally made the tubing soft to the touch. I had contacted Dale Brown or Cycles D'oro in Greensboro for a referral to a frame builder and he recommended Jack.
While we were discussing the repairs, I asked him about 650B bikes. Among other things, he said that he had built a number of frames for a company that was no longer offering them and that he had a few frames in stock. He asked questions about my height, weight, etc. and told me of a frame that he had that would likely fit me and my needs. He would have to build a fork to fit the frame but otherwise had a bike that he thought I might be interested in. He sent me these pictures to review.
When I saw the lug work, I was sold. We agreed on a price, talked about details and I asked him to proceed.
The Details
The color of the frame is Imron Graystone Metallic #35908. I was going for something similar to the Trek touring bikes of the early 1980s. I like those shades for being understated but clean and classic. It looks good with the white decals under the clearcoats.
The drivetrain is an IRD super compact, 46-30, with their super smooth cartridge bottom bracket.
MKS touring pedals.
Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultregra long cage 9-speed.
Front derailleur: Vintage Campagnolo.
Shifters: NOS Shimano Ultegra friction downtube shifters.
Cassette: Shimano Mountain Bike 10-speed, 32-11.
Seat post: Campagnolo single bolt, vintage. 27.2.
Shimano cantilever brakes, front, and rear.
Vintage NOS 105 brake levers.
Tange NOS needle bearing headset.
Compass Randoneur handlebar, 46mm, wrapped in Maware pigskin leather tape.
Cinelli 100mm stem, vintage.
Velo Orange fluted fenders.
New Brooks B-17 saddle, butchered and tied.
Edelux II headlight.
Busch & Müller Toplight Line Brake Plus taillight.
SONdelux Wide Body generator hub, 36H, laced to Velocity A23 rim by Peter White Cycles.
NOS Shimano 105 rear hub, 36H, laced to Velocity A23 O/C rim by Peter White Cycles.
Nitto M12 front rack.
Catseye bar-end mounted mirror.
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I've put about 25 miles on the bike just messing around testing fit, etc. I'll be taking this baby out for some real mileage this weekend, weather permitting.
Stay tuned.
posted by Doc Bradshaw at 6:50 PM
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