Most recent photos here.

I have only one word...

AMAZING.

Wow !

I want one, that looks like it'd fit me perfectly.

Looks fantastic!

-Jake

I belive that you have accomplished your goal (radnonneuse-style) and surpassed it. I have two questions:

1) is the frame/fork originally chrome or what is plated/dipped/treated after? (if so how much is this type of work(either in chrome or nickle), would you recommend it to others?

2) Why do you use platform pedals?

that is one handsome bike. well done.

Well done Colonel!

Scott

Thanks, man!
1) Voyageur 11.8s were available in chrome for a small premium according to catalogs I've seen. I removed the clear coat and decals. It has it's share of nicks but it is in pretty good shape. The lugs aren't fancy but I like them. Chrome is durable and easy to take care of, but suffers if neglected. My LBS has had forks re-chromed for $100. From what I understand, though, the plating process has pretty nasty environmental consequences.

2) These are the pedals I bought when I got back on a bike last year (first time since I was 15 - I'm nearly 30). I ride in traffic a lot and I like these for stop and go riding. I've got wide feet and most clips weren't easy for me initially. I'm rebuilding a pair of SR SP-155s and plan to use half clips. I've considered trying clipless pedals, but I need a wide shoe that I can walk around in.

This is unquestionably one of the most interesting, attractive and unique builds I've seen on here. I absolutely love this bike.

Where is the "drool" smilie?

Great job!

Great job, it's stunning in chrome!! I've got a beautiful black Voyageur 11.8 in my project queue, it's among a few of my bikes that I won't consider parting with.

A brilliant and fitting psudo-constructeur. As a matter of fact, your level saddle and bar position (plus frame size) is exactly what I'd expect to see on a classic French build.

-Kurt

I think you nailed it. Beautiful execution!

Simply Stunning!

I've seen you mention this bike a few times but this is the first time I've seen it and...W-O-W.

Excellent taste in component selection. It all looks so right together. So many awesome choices on the little details too. Braided housing, Brooks Bar Tape with Hemp twine to cover the ends , Goregeous Lights, Generator hub, barcons...its awesome.

How do you like the GranCompe brakes?

Wow! I really appreciate all the nice comments. There are so many cyclists here in this sub-forum with a lot of knowledge and super cool bikes.

I like them a lot. I had Tektro R365s on it that worked fine, but I switched to the Gran Compes because I thought they were so good lookin'. I was happy to find how easy they were to setup and they work really well. They'd work even better with aero levers, but I wanted non-aero for this bike. The little adjusters on the levers are nice. Do they work better than an old set of Weinmanns or Dia Compes? I doubt it.

Boy, do I love the generator hub/Schmidt E6 combo! I researched lights for a good while before finding a used E6 for cheap. I like it because it looks really classic and the beam is BIG. Mine doesn't have the switch and I don't wish it did. I bought the Spanninga SPXba because it was touted to have "an automatic setting that turns on the light when the bike starts moving". I forget to turn my tail light on half the time so I thought this was perfect. Well, that isn't how it works. It's an electric eye kinda thing that turns on when it's dark enough out. Anyhow, night riding is awesome.

Great job, congrats on the finished product.

Shiny!
I like it!

Outstanding! Simply outstanding! It's a stunner. Congrats Colonel.

PS.
What size cassette are you running with that long cage Ultegra? I bought one last year thinking I can use it for bail-out gearing, only to find out it still has the 27T limit. It's actually meant for using a compact double.
Looks like you are running a 28-30 tooth 1st.

I'd like to add Spiffy to all of the other compliments

Very nice looking bike, the combination looks flawless.

Mike

Is it just me, or does this bike require a chrome Silca pump?

Thanks!

The cassette is an SRAM 8 speed (11-28). PG-850, I think. I chose the derailleurs before the crank. Turns out the triple won't really work. I'm going to exchange for a double model. The width of the FD cage and the ultra low Q-factor of the crank don't work well together. Two issues with this. #1: the RD cable is (like most) routed along the top of the chain stay. If I mounted the FD at the proper height it would hit the RD shifter cable. #2: Because of the width and design of the FD cage, it either rubs the crank or the chain when in the big ring. The double should solve both issues. I can't remember why I thought I would need the triple FD.

+1
Show me where to get one. It has a 63cm ctc seat tube.

Can you explain what's "odd" about it? I think it's stunning, spectacular even!

Man, you put a lot of work into that bike. It looks great!!

Good job.