C&V inspired custom lightweight 650b
11-28-18, 10:36 AM
#1
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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.
Photos of the framebuilding process: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JqBt3mNUAWYpAw9m6
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
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.
Photos of the framebuilding process: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JqBt3mNUAWYpAw9m6
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
11-28-18, 10:47 AM
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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! 
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11-28-18, 10:49 AM
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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
Beautifully minimalist yet it has what you need with old world functional grace.
Thanks for sharing
11-28-18, 10:53 AM
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What a lovely build and finish.
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11-28-18, 10:58 AM
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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.
11-28-18, 11:07 AM
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Very slick. Bonus points for the taillight braze-on. 
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11-28-18, 11:29 AM
#8
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Thanks all,
Yes, I built the frame with a plate, saw, vise and files.
Originally Posted by northbend
Great looking bike. You built the frame set yourself?
Originally Posted by fietsbob
You the frame builder? if not, who did?
11-28-18, 11:54 AM
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Very tasty. I'd keep it minimalist and forgo the decals altogether. However, I'd consider a nice, custom, silver metal head badge.
11-28-18, 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Fahrenheit531
Very slick. Bonus points for the taillight braze-on.
Very, very nice build!
-Matt
11-28-18, 12:05 PM
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Wow, that's lovely. Pinned, too!
Interesting choice of components, love the wide range gearing...
Interesting choice of components, love the wide range gearing...
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11-28-18, 12:33 PM
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Oof!
More pix of the framebuilding process, please!
More pix of the framebuilding process, please!
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11-28-18, 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by smallpox champ
Yes, I built the frame with a plate, saw, vise and files.
11-28-18, 01:16 PM
#14
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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.
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.
11-28-18, 03:19 PM
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Man that is the sh#t.
11-28-18, 03:25 PM
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Very Very Nice. I need a plate, a vise, a saw and some files. Are you friction shifting?
11-28-18, 03:28 PM
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Gorgeous... Would love more details on the gearing and shifting...
11-28-18, 03:55 PM
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Just gorgeous. Well done, really great job.
11-28-18, 06:13 PM
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Very nice build...the attention to detail is droolworthy... the fillet brazed bottom bracket, fork, everything is done thoughtfully and with care...first time?
11-28-18, 06:37 PM
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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
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(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or whole biked 57,58)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or whole biked 57,58)
11-28-18, 08:42 PM
#23
framebuilder
Originally Posted by Happy Feet
Pardon my asking but what is a plate?
11-28-18, 09:11 PM
#24
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Thanks again,
Here's most the pics, I wish I took more but find keeping up with process pics tough: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JqBt3mNUAWYpAw9m6
As Doug Fattic said, a flat surface plate, I have a steel plate that is invaluable for aligning, measuring and pseudo jigging.
Friction shifting 9 speeds, Rivendell/Dia Compe Silver shift levers, Shimano 12-27 cassette and Campagnolo Chorus 11 speed derailleur. One benefit is that the Campy has a slightly better ratio for more precise friction shifting. Sunxcd crank with 46-28 TA rings. With careful adjustment the Suntour Mountech shifts the front nicely without dropping the chain, the rear shifts smoothy but is fussy about the wide range.
Second frame, done slow but carefully.
Originally Posted by gugie
More pix of the framebuilding process, please!
Originally Posted by Happy Feet
Pardon my asking but what is a plate?
Originally Posted by Classtime
Are you friction shifting?
Originally Posted by noobinsf
Gorgeous... Would love more details on the gearing and shifting...
Originally Posted by dunrobin
first time?
11-28-18, 09:52 PM
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Damn that is beautiful through and through.
