That is a sweet bike, I would only change it to 700c

Beautiful build so far, that's definitely going to be one gorgeous and useful machine. You offering it up to Jan for a review in BQ?

What all is involved in this?

Not sure exactly, but Bicycle Quarterly often features bikes that were loaned to them for a review. I don't think I've ever seen a review of a Tomii in there before, and this 650b masterpiece is right up their alley. Looking at your build (the tires and BB) I figured you were a fan. You could probably just reach out to them direct, although not sure how the shipping and all work out:

Bicycle Quarterly: Contact

Congratulations Scott. Beyond that, I am speechless, your 50th birthday gift is indeed a work of art!

Fantastic.

I would pass on that.

So would I.

I would just enjoy your nice bicycle.

Yes,
I'm not shipping it anywhere. I did drive 3,000 miles to pick it up :)
I would love to have it reviewed for Nao's benefit, but to submit a bike for review should be the builders choice.

Scott

Scott,

Good man!

Nao's rep will grow all on its own.

The custom field is very crowded at this moment. From my vantage point, it will be interesting to see which of the up and coming, for that matter, established builders make it over the next half decade.

He has clearly made you very happy so far and I sincerely hope that counts in this tough market.

This sounds right to me too...and I'm not convinced a review of a bike built for someone else, intended for someone else, is really fair.

I like the frame details very much.

Wow! Stunning so far... Are you going to go with the handlebar bag despite having room on that beautiful front rack? I'd switch to a large rack mounted bag and leave the handlebars roomy. I'm sure you've thought this through already :)

I agree, the top end is pretty rarified.
I do think there is an open gap between the "VeloOrange" level of bike and Tomii, ( insert your favorite builder).
Someone will find it and make a decent living.

Gunnar

So, everyone I know that has a Gunnar is a pretty happy camper.

Low pocketbook damage for a nice rider.

I know that Clockwork and A Train locally are gathering steam in a somewhat similar pricepoint.

I just don't know about this whole custom bike business though.

I'm more than worried for many of these guys.

Cash flow has to be at critical mass for some really solid builders.

I have two, maybe three orders left in me before I retire.

How many guys are in the same spot?

The front bag is on the rack... it is tough to see from my poor cell pictures.

I agree, sending out for review a bike you didn't build yourself would be in very poor taste. This thread is pushing it and you should probably delete it and hide the bike in your den.

I noticed from your for sale thread that the current seat post didn't work out for you [MENTION=252763]Flog00[/MENTION]. You're probably aware of it already, but VO makes a very nice looking long setback seatpost that curves much higher up, so you could insert it further.

http://store.velo-orange.com/media/c...seatpost_2.jpg

VO Grand Cru Seatpost, Long Setback - Seatposts - Components

I agree with the others...and you...besides...if you sent it, you would not get to enjoy it...and Nao built it for you!!! But, as gorgeous as it is, how are you EVER going to take it outside to ride?? :-)

I hear you Duane.
Nao told me that all the bike needs now is for me to add "patina" by way of several thousand miles this summer.
I will say that I've never stored a bike inside my house until this Tomii. It parks right next to my couch in the living room :)
Everyone who has seen the bike in person says it is too pretty to ride...lol
Pictures really don't do it justice.

Threw the bags on it and my Brooks off my Jamis.

Pictures not very good, if I used flash the reflective material on the bags messed up the shot.

If the weather ever improves I can get some pictures in good lighting.

Still gathering parts.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8678/...1a8f7971_h.jpg20150304_174312 by flog00, on Flickr

My kids say I should go with a black saddle, bar tape and brake levers.

Ok the Milan in question (location) is not Northern Italy if you are getting a frame from someone in Austin Texas. Right?

Nice mock-up. I actually like the current saddle cover better than black for what it's worth. If you could find cloth tape that matches or at least doesn't clash...

Newbaum's maroon may work, though tough to tell on a computer screen. Once again, beautiful.