And for the saddle: a Gilles Berthoud Touring Saddle fits the bill. They've got a classic look, impeccable workmanship, and for many folks, very comfortable (once broken in). This one is Black, but they come in Natural and a unique Cork finish.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/...4925154b_h.jpg

Stem, Handlebar, Seatpost, racks: Nitto

Hubs: Phil Wood

Fenders (if you use them): Honjo

Bags: Acorn / Ortlieb

I just noticed that on his website. I had the pleasure of meeting him last year in Woburn when I needed someone to straighten a fork. Very impressive work.

+1 on the SKF. Considering he purchased Rene Herse cranks, I'm guessing [MENTION=252763]Flog00[/MENTION] knows of them.

I remember, your fork story is what originally had me contact Nao.

I use SKF bearings on my fleet of school buses. Good stuff.

Wow, that's looking awesome. I can't wait to see it all together.

Custom built bike
 

I can't believe I missed this thread! A Tomii custom is truly drool worthy! I met Nao a few years ago and have been following his work since he started building. His background as a sculptor shows in his attention to filing. Artistry of the highest order

Custom built bike
 

I hit reply prematurely. Congrats, can't wait to see this come together.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/...9e9cae3f_o.jpgtomii8 by flog00, on Flickr

Whoa, that is awesome!

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/...c353ff07_o.jpgIMG_245031795847401 by flog00, on Flickr

Agreed.

Can't wait to see the entire frameset.

Stunning

Here's my custom. Dave Anderson stainless frame and fork lugged with Newvex lugs. Velo Orange Grand Cru crank with MKS Sylvan touring pedals. Rohloff 14-speed IGH; the frame has wide stays to accommodate the Rohloff dropouts, also is equipped with cable stops to allow the shift cables to be mostly bare, with custom braze-ons for the cable adjusters. Eyelets front and rear for fenders and racks, two water bottles. Composite bars, TI rail Brooks saddle. Wheels are Mavic with triple-butted DT Swiss spokes, 32 in front with a Chris King hub. I'd like a more delicate chainwheel- the one on there at present is 42 teeth, the right size but not a particularly nice looking or lightweight part, but it only cost $18.00. BB is Phil Wood, brakes are 0-G calipers made by Camillio here in the US.

Gear range is 450%, most of the time I am using the upper 7 gears, but high is too high still for level ground. I am using 165mm crank arms as I tend to feel better spinning at a higher rate. This also gives me a little more clearance against pedal strikes. I am using 28mm clinchers as I ride this bike on the road and often with gravel, jumping curbs and the like and I don't really like pinch flats all that much. The bike's intended use is commuting and touring, but by removing just a few bits like the rack (not shown) I can race it too- at the Dairyland Dare, where the low gears will be handy (although they are not bad on the Ramsey Hill here in St. Paul...). I don't expect to win any races, not at my age, but its nice to complete them at least :) in style. I like the stainless ride as its very much like a quality Reynolds frame (and it has 953 in it after all) and so is not whippy and is confidence inspiring at higher speeds. Not tried it loaded up yet though. I'm just a few pounds short of a Clydesdale.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/...89d7a096_o.jpgIMG_5621524137821 by flog00, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5606/...d2707e89_b.jpg2014-10-22_05-25-55 by flog00, on Flickr

^ is that for your bike? Stunning piece, again.

His work is truly amazing! The suspense is building.

Soon it will go for paint :)

Yes!

Tomii is also building custom racks for this bike.

Curtis Odom? Let's google for it...

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OH DEAR GOD THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL

Edit: the welds and filing posted so far are also jaw-droppingly good. Looking forward to the completed ride!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/...95016cec_o.jpgIMG_24280707932216 by flog00, on Flickr

Dear god!

Weigle and Tomii in one day here on BFC&V, I need a breather and a pot o' gold!

Man, that is AWE INSPIRING!

Wow, what a fantastic project! The fork crown is stunning. Can't wait to see it built up.

If your wife is younger than you, I hope you realize this is all a set up for her to go all out, too! But if she gave you the green light on a Tomii custom, I bet she's worth it. :thumb: