C&V inspired custom lightweight 650b
 

Over the weekend I finished building up my custom 7/4/7 Ox Platinum lugged 650b frameset, gravel, all-rounder, randonneur, what-have-you... I've only been on short shakedown rides so far, but it really begs to be ridden fast. The chainstays are a relatively short 420mm for the 41mm actual Pari-Moto's, the handling is definitely sporty and quick. The frame is incredibly lively, I can flex it easily but at no point has the handling suffered, though I haven't hammered too much or taken any hairpin turns yet. I was initially nervous because the frame was sitting for a couple months before paint and little doubts start to creep in, but I'm loving the ride so far, it's just plush, light and quick.

The build turned into chasing light weight, but nothing on it is stupid, I feel, except for the titanium skewers. There are a couple hidden titanium bits but nothing is chopped, filed or drilled. The frame and fork together are 5.1lb. The wheelset, with DT Revolution spokes and alloy nipples is 1450g. The bike without pedals is 17.9lb.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ae52123c6e.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b7ac68d915.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ca5ff0ea56.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5a97145ad2.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9be5221b1d.jpg


Photos of the framebuilding process: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JqBt3mNUAWYpAw9m6


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...628d67a42.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6c163ec11.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6a7139ed0.jpeg


Aesthetic notes: The olive tape was not bicycle specific, it's actually a tighter weave than Newbaum's or Tressostar, making it harder to wrap without creases or folds. I should have gone with tan wall Pari-Moto's but got too good a deal on the black pair to pass up. I need some modest decal suggestions, but I'm so enamored with the bike as is I may forget about it altogether.

-Devin

That is insanely great, and I can't believe it's weight with a Brooks. The lug work looks top notch too. I'll take it! :)

Excellent bike build and the frame build photos were fantastic! Seriously jealous of the frame building skills.
Beautifully minimalist yet it has what you need with old world functional grace.
Thanks for sharing :)

What a lovely build and finish.

Great looking bike. You built the frame set yourself? I like the placement of the fender bosses inside the seat stays, fork. Very clean looking.

Very slick. Bonus points for the taillight braze-on. :thumb:

You the frame builder? if not, who did?

Very tasty. I'd keep it minimalist and forgo the decals altogether. However, I'd consider a nice, custom, silver metal head badge.

I thought that was pretty slick too.

Very, very nice build!

-Matt

Oof!

More pix of the framebuilding process, please!

Pardon my asking but what is a plate?

Awesome modern classic!

I kind of like it plain with no decals, but I could accept a head badge if it was cool, and/or a retro sized discreet DT decal.

5.1 lbs, frame and fork? That's very light indeed. OS should help overcome the noodle-ness, while keeping it superlight.

Man that is the sh#t.

Very Very Nice. I need a plate, a vise, a saw and some files. Are you friction shifting?

Gorgeous... Would love more details on the gearing and shifting...

Just gorgeous. Well done, really great job.

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

That is a beauty. I would be proud to ride that around.

Very nice build...the attention to detail is droolworthy... the fillet brazed bottom bracket, fork, everything is done thoughtfully and with care...first time?

with a quality build like that you need a headbadge and a nice script on the down tubes....though I think you need a better builder name than smallpox champ :)

I'm assuming he is referring to some kind of flat surface on which he placed aluminum blocks made by Paragon Machine Works (that hold the frame tubes) over his full scale drawing so this main tubes can be tack brazed together. During the brazing process he brings the frame back to the surface plate to check and adjust alignment as necessary.