Custom built bike
#26
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,492
Likes: 270
From: STP
While I would agree on the disc brakes, I did ride a Riv Rambouillet with Tektro calipers in the Bavarian Alps last summer on a two day trip. I only had a Carradice on the back and a Berthoud on the front. The Tektros were fairly efficient overall, but man, we got those Kool Stops good and steamy at times.
If it was pouring it would have been more than nice to have discs.
If it was pouring it would have been more than nice to have discs.
#27
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,492
Likes: 270
From: STP
If you only ride one bike, I could see a dynamo making sense - but otherwise I see them as pretty pointless and limiting. The batteries on the good rechargeable LEDs are so good now, and move between bikes so easily, that dynamos don't make sense for most people. You're adding cost, weight and friction just to limit adaptability.
I saw a Schmidt that looked nifty at the swap today until I saw the price.
#28
Señor Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 3
From: Boston Burbs
Bikes: Bedford, IF, Hampsten, DeSalvo, Intense Carbine 27.5, Raleigh Sports, Bianchi C.u.S.S, Soma DC Disc, Bill Boston Tandem
I would only do an integrated rack and a dynamo on a dedicated touring bike. Not for a bike I want to use as an all rounder then do the occasional loaded tour, I mean a bike that exclusively gets used on long / loaded tours.
I currently use my Soma DC disc for commuting and light/weekend touring. It works great for that, but if I was riding thousands of miles I would want more relaxed geometry.
I have ridden mechanical discs for a few years now and I really like them. When I have my custom built, It will probably be set up to use mechanical with the option for wet discs in the future (when they inevitably become more affordable and reliable).
I currently use my Soma DC disc for commuting and light/weekend touring. It works great for that, but if I was riding thousands of miles I would want more relaxed geometry.
I have ridden mechanical discs for a few years now and I really like them. When I have my custom built, It will probably be set up to use mechanical with the option for wet discs in the future (when they inevitably become more affordable and reliable).
#29
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: Milan, Ohio
Bikes: Tomii Touring
My sons Cannondale Caffeine has wet brakes and I'm impressed with the smoothness and power but not with the leaky reservoirs.
I would only do an integrated rack and a dynamo on a dedicated touring bike. Not for a bike I want to use as an all rounder then do the occasional loaded tour, I mean a bike that exclusively gets used on long / loaded tours.
I currently use my Soma DC disc for commuting and light/weekend touring. It works great for that, but if I was riding thousands of miles I would want more relaxed geometry.
I have ridden mechanical discs for a few years now and I really like them. When I have my custom built, It will probably be set up to use mechanical with the option for wet discs in the future (when they inevitably become more affordable and reliable).
I currently use my Soma DC disc for commuting and light/weekend touring. It works great for that, but if I was riding thousands of miles I would want more relaxed geometry.
I have ridden mechanical discs for a few years now and I really like them. When I have my custom built, It will probably be set up to use mechanical with the option for wet discs in the future (when they inevitably become more affordable and reliable).
#30
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,087
Likes: 2,146
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
#31
I'd be your first 
In all seriousness - I don't think this would make sense, at least for me; I like having the option of removing the rack - or replacing it. Sometimes I change a bike up for purpose - or I might want to transport it, and a hard wired rack can't be removed to facilitate transfer.

In all seriousness - I don't think this would make sense, at least for me; I like having the option of removing the rack - or replacing it. Sometimes I change a bike up for purpose - or I might want to transport it, and a hard wired rack can't be removed to facilitate transfer.
#32
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
That makes sense 65r...thanks! I'm slow
#33
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,087
Likes: 2,146
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
[MENTION=252763]Flog00[/MENTION]
How is this coming?
How is this coming?
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#34
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: Milan, Ohio
Bikes: Tomii Touring
Nao moved to Austin, Texas and just set up shop. He is working on my bike now.
Check him out on FB.
https://www.facebook.com/tomii.cycles
Check him out on FB.
https://www.facebook.com/tomii.cycles
#36
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 310
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis, IN
Bikes: AR Cycles Randonneuse, Raleigh Competition, VeloOrange Piolet Prototype, LeJeune Townie, Motobecane Campeur, AR Cycles roadie, Rickert track, Cannondale SM 500, '55 Schwinn
This is right up my alley. Looking forward to updates. Have you decided on a gruppo?
#38
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: Milan, Ohio
Bikes: Tomii Touring
I made a decision on the crank set, https://www.compasscycle.com/images/cranks_rh_triple.jpg
Pretty sure I'm going to use bar end shifters, not sure about drives yet.
Pretty sure I'm going to use bar end shifters, not sure about drives yet.
#39
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 310
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis, IN
Bikes: AR Cycles Randonneuse, Raleigh Competition, VeloOrange Piolet Prototype, LeJeune Townie, Motobecane Campeur, AR Cycles roadie, Rickert track, Cannondale SM 500, '55 Schwinn
I made a decision on the crank set, https://www.compasscycle.com/images/cranks_rh_triple.jpg
Pretty sure I'm going to use bar end shifters, not sure about drives yet.
Pretty sure I'm going to use bar end shifters, not sure about drives yet.
#42
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: Milan, Ohio
Bikes: Tomii Touring
#43
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: Milan, Ohio
Bikes: Tomii Touring
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Spidel-Simpl...item234268b590
#46
I'm actually going through this process right now, although money definitely is an issue in my case. It's still a semi-custom frame from Joshua Bryant (which is being painted as I type this) with a custom front rack for my Berthoud handlebar bag, as well as custom bolt-on low rider racks if I ever decide to do any longer trips. The bike is designed for front loads only, and it will usually only carry the handlebar bag. For components, I'm reusing parts from my Univega that are compatible, with new parts where they're necessary. Since this bike will be 650b instead of 700c, I had a wheelset built with Grand Bois rims, a Schmidt front hub, and a Suzue cassette rear hub (I'll be using an 8 speed cassette). Concering dyno hubs and lights, I've made the switch on my commuter and my Univega (and now this bike), and I can't imagine ever going back to battery lights unless I just had to for some reason. For a headlight I'll be reusing the Schmidt Edelux I have on my Univega, and for a tail light I plan to adapt modern LED guts to an old Soubitez fender mounted light. I'm reusing the TA cranks and Shimano 1st gen XTR rear derailleur from my Univega, as well as the old Dia Compe cantilever brakes and brake levers. I have some 8 speed Shimano 600 downtube shifters I plan to use, and hopefully my Suntour Cyclone front derailleur. I'll also be reusing my Brooks Team Pro saddle, Nitto stem, and Belleri handlebars. Tires are Compass Cycles 650b x 42mm, with 58mm Honjo fenders.
Now if money were no object? I would definitely change a few things. But from a functional standpoint this should suit my needs nearly perfectly. Hopefully I'll find out soon!
Now if money were no object? I would definitely change a few things. But from a functional standpoint this should suit my needs nearly perfectly. Hopefully I'll find out soon!
#47
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: Milan, Ohio
Bikes: Tomii Touring
It sounds amazing! You have some great parts, why not use them?
And money is always an issue
And money is always an issue

I'm actually going through this process right now, although money definitely is an issue in my case. It's still a semi-custom frame from Joshua Bryant (which is being painted as I type this) with a custom front rack for my Berthoud handlebar bag, as well as custom bolt-on low rider racks if I ever decide to do any longer trips. The bike is designed for front loads only, and it will usually only carry the handlebar bag. For components, I'm reusing parts from my Univega that are compatible, with new parts where they're necessary. Since this bike will be 650b instead of 700c, I had a wheelset built with Grand Bois rims, a Schmidt front hub, and a Suzue cassette rear hub (I'll be using an 8 speed cassette). Concering dyno hubs and lights, I've made the switch on my commuter and my Univega (and now this bike), and I can't imagine ever going back to battery lights unless I just had to for some reason. For a headlight I'll be reusing the Schmidt Edelux I have on my Univega, and for a tail light I plan to adapt modern LED guts to an old Soubitez fender mounted light. I'm reusing the TA cranks and Shimano 1st gen XTR rear derailleur from my Univega, as well as the old Dia Compe cantilever brakes and brake levers. I have some 8 speed Shimano 600 downtube shifters I plan to use, and hopefully my Suntour Cyclone front derailleur. I'll also be reusing my Brooks Team Pro saddle, Nitto stem, and Belleri handlebars. Tires are Compass Cycles 650b x 42mm, with 58mm Honjo fenders.
Now if money were no object? I would definitely change a few things. But from a functional standpoint this should suit my needs nearly perfectly. Hopefully I'll find out soon!
Now if money were no object? I would definitely change a few things. But from a functional standpoint this should suit my needs nearly perfectly. Hopefully I'll find out soon!
#48
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 310
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis, IN
Bikes: AR Cycles Randonneuse, Raleigh Competition, VeloOrange Piolet Prototype, LeJeune Townie, Motobecane Campeur, AR Cycles roadie, Rickert track, Cannondale SM 500, '55 Schwinn
I wonder if these would work with the riv pods?
Spidel Simplex Super LJ SLJ Retro Friction Downtube Shifters | eBay
Spidel Simplex Super LJ SLJ Retro Friction Downtube Shifters | eBay
They should work, just unbolt them from the band clamp. I happen to have retrofrictions and riv pods in the parts bin, I'll mate them up and post a picture.
P.S. your frame is looking amazing!
Last edited by vqstaphbeard; 10-16-14 at 07:24 PM.
#49
Also, the details of your frame look incredible! Some incredibly clean workmanship there! I can't wait to see the finished bike.












