1/ also looking at banjo bikes as links below (ahren rogers is the builder who builds the pelican randonneur for boxer bikes in san francisco...ahren has a good reputation on bikelist.org too..lovely carriers he also makes)
http://www.banjobicycles.com/
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/articl...tra-mile-25244
http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/02/27/...-touring-bike/
(check out the racks...cool)
2/ have sent email to steve bilenky on concept of 'all rounder' (both touring and randonneuring) doable truly or not
...will also discuss with jeff lyonsport when we next communicate.
...also considering tweaked gunnar or waterford and IF club racer...all on short list
3/ veloria: i'm waiting to hear more from other jitensha riders: looks/finish are important but how it rides even more important of course.
...read from one jitensha ebisu (former) owner who has alot of bikes he found the ride to be uninspiring...a bit staid (of course everyone has different expectations/needs/style etc...so am still awaiting others....
mercian suggestion: as mentioned in earlier reply any UK builders are cost prohibitive: we in canada would pay duties, HST taxes (12%) etc...so unless i (cough cough) ''sneak'' it across the border (have it shipped to a US post office) then UK purchases don't make sense. (and i already got busted before for 'cough cough' misquoting accidentally a set of skis...'what mr border officer: i was sure the receipt said $100, not $1000...
4/RENOVO wooden bikes below (cool..not that I'd buy it)
as your suggestion below in quote on 'renovo' = very cool...wooden bikes...just love how people can be innovative.
http://www.renovobikes.com/
will investigate more if only to become familiar....interesting technology and approach
Originally Posted by
PDXaero
Another custom builder that I have ridden is a Renovo.
They are amazing and will turn heads wherever you go. Lots of control over the frame building but they do cost more than a fancy looking steel or alu bike