C&V inspired custom lightweight 650b
11-28-18 | 10:36 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 154
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Bikes: '84 specialized expedition, '87 specialized sirrus, '84 specialized stumpjumper sport
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
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
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From: Baltimore MD
Bikes: '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '72 Gitane tandem, '72 Raleigh Super Course, '73 Raleigh Gran Sport, '73 Colnago Super, '76 Fiorelli Coppi, '78 Raleigh SBDU Team Pro, '78 Trek 930, '81 Holdsworth Special 650B, '86 Masi GC, ’94 Bridgestone RB-T
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
#3
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Left Coast, Canada
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 | 10:58 AM
#5
Matt Pendergast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 8,013
From: North Bend, Washington State
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
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
#6
I AM AI
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,289
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From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: 2008 S-Works Roubaix SL, 1979 Raleigh Comp GS, 1978 Schwinn Volare
Very slick. Bonus points for the taillight braze-on. 
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
11-28-18 | 11:29 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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Bikes: '84 specialized expedition, '87 specialized sirrus, '84 specialized stumpjumper sport
11-28-18 | 12:01 PM
#10
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Joined: Aug 2018
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From: Allen, TX
Bikes: 2021 S-Works Turbo Creo SL, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert
11-28-18 | 12:33 PM
#12
Bike Butcher of Portland
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 12,487
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: It's complicated.
Oof!
More pix of the framebuilding process, please!
More pix of the framebuilding process, please!
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
11-28-18 | 01:16 PM
#14
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 78 Masi Criterium, 68 PX10, 2016 Mercian King of Mercia, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr
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 | 03:28 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,487
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From: Oakland, CA
Bikes: '82 Univega Competizione, '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '83 Mercian KOM Touring, '85 Univega Alpina Uno, '76 Eisentraut Limited
Gorgeous... Would love more details on the gearing and shifting...
11-28-18 | 06:13 PM
#21
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Bikes: colnago titanio oval master, pinarello treviso es, centurion prestige, tomac ti 26er, lemond buenos aires, mbk 753, vitus 992 and zx1, rocky mountain hammer disc,bd century titanium, specialized venge expert
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
#22
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From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
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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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
11-28-18 | 08:42 PM
#23
framebuilder
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 2,715
From: Niles, Michigan
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.
11-28-18 | 09:11 PM
#24
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 154
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Bikes: '84 specialized expedition, '87 specialized sirrus, '84 specialized stumpjumper sport
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.
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.