agmetal

So here's the deal: I'm replacing a bike that was totaled in a collision with a car, and I finally know how much I'm getting to go toward a replacement, and I've got a pretty good idea of what I want to do, but I'm struggling with some of the details. While I enjoy the look of a semi-modernized vintage bike, I've decided to go for a new frame instead of modernizing an old one...but I'd still like for it to look like a mix of old and new.

Here's the bike I'm replacing:


And my other, more modern, bike that's serving as partial inspiration for overall fit and feel:



Here's the frame I'm planning to use:
Privateer (Frame) ? New Albion Cycles


This is my basic build list:
New Albion Privateer Frameset
Mavic A119 Black rims, black spokes, Shimano Tiagra hubs (silver)
Surly Single Speed cassette splined cog, 18t
Spacer kit (Origin 8 38901)
Sugino RD2 crankset
Headset (Origin 8 Pro Fit Silver 35576)
Soma Hwy One bars (Silver)
Soma High Rider stem (Silver) <- Threadless stem that resembles a quill
TRP RRL Alloy road drop levers (Black/Grey)
Tektro RL721 cross levers (Black/Silver)
Tektro Oryx cantilever brakes (Black)
Kool Stop salmon pads
Fork crown cable hanger (Tektro?)
Brooks Cambium C17 (Black)
Topeak Explorer Rack
PDW Full Metal Fenders City
VO Alloy Chainguard, 48t size
Problem Solvers downtube shifter braze-on covers
Problem Solvers derailleur hanger plug


Here's where I'm stuck:
The frame has some red accents, and I'm trying to decide where else red might be appropriate. Red anodized headset with the silver stem and bars, or keep that all silver? Red or black spacers around the cog? (Single cog on cassette freehub)

Apparently nobody makes a 3/32" 48t 130BCD chainring in black, so go with all silver for the crankset, or black for the cranks and silver for the chainring? Keeping in mind I'll have a polished aluminum chainguard, silver stem/bars/seatpost, and gunmetal fenders.

I've been planning on a Brooks Cambium saddle in black, but what color bar tape to go with? I'm kinda thinking about the Arundel Gecko Grip tape in grey, but also somewhat wishing there was a more honey brown type color option from the Cambium line ("Rust" doesn't really do it for me).

What to do about the downtube shifter bosses? Problem Solvers has their covers, but they look weird to me and I'm trying to think if there's something else to do with them that makes sense on a single-speed build.

This is a cool-looking taillight, anyone know anything about it? Soma Edison Rear Tail Light

LazyLegs

There's a Touring forum that might be more relevant for a new bike build, Touring or if it's not a full on touring bike your are specing then the guys in the Utility Cycling forum might have the inside line on whats new in everyday bikes. Utility Cycling

agmetal

I'm looking more for opinions on cosmetic details, figured C&V was the place to ask for the aesthetic I'm after.

LazyLegs

agmetal

LazyLegs

Just curiosity, Is it for the pristine condition, lower weight or different geometry that you are going with a modern frame.

Red bar tape and cable housings might be enough to combine with the frame accents, bling out the rest with chrome/silver fittings and it should make a nice combination - The rear light fixture will then be a nice blend/balance.

The Anodized red pieces can be nice but, I'm sure you'd want a darker red and then the black and red might look smudged together.

agmetal

My main reasons for the modern frame are geometry (I like the steep seat tube combined with tall and relatively shallow-angled headtube), and the ease of finding a stem with a removable faceplate with compact drops. Also, after getting a small insurance settlement for an older frame that I had a lot of money in, in parts, I feel like if something were to happen to a newer frame, it'd be easier to get more back.

RandolphCarter

Danscomp has a 48t black 3/32" 5 bolt 130mm chainring

I'm thinking a 48t red 3/32" 5 bolt 130mm BCD chainring from Porkchop BMX would look snazzy too.


Good luck with the build!

The Golden Boy 

I think that's a styley tail light.

I'm not sure about a red headset- I'm just old fashioned- heck- black is too much of for the kids these days.

I support you in your endeavor.

RandolphCarter

Also, using this straddle cable yoke for those Tektro canti brakes would look sharp.

KMC makes a red 3/32 chain you might want to consider.

agmetal

So, I still have some little things to be finished, like shortening the steerer, but here's how this ended up looking:

agmetal

bikemig 

Sweet looking bike; nice build.

BensonFlyer

Awesome build! Looks really sharp and clean! I do have one question, and it may just be a preference kind of thing. Why a rear rack and not a front rack?

Either way, awesome job! I bet you are enjoying the HECK out of it!

agmetal

Because all my bikes have the same rear rack, so that I can easily move my pannier from one bike to another without making any adjustments. I've never ridden with a front rack, but porteur racks are expensive, and I prefer the look of a rear rack anyway. Steering geometry is a factor here, too.

I've actually only taken it out for one ride so far! I'm trying to keep it reasonably clean for as long as possible, and the roads have been in pretty rough shape with all the snow we've had here. I'd planned to ride it to work tomorrow, but then we had to get more snow today - so I'll probably be riding my Bianchi instead.

ezln64

you may be able to transfer those panniers to front low rider racks fairly easily with that fork and for much cheaper than a porteur.

I used to commute with a rear rack, the handling is much improved with the weight low on the front. i didnt believe itd change anything but it was awesome in the end and i got a cheapo set of the racks on amazon for like 20 bucks. to each their own, but its worth a try.

edit: beautiful bike!! the tape is perfect

BensonFlyer

I got ya. I use a Salsa Down Under rack for my panniers in the front and I love it!

I just checked out those New Albion frames and OMG thank you for giving me ONE more thing to obsess over! =) And the price point is PERFECT!

DMC707

Neat bike - I like it - Shades of what Rivendell is doing with a lot of their new bikes too

Rocket-Sauce 

Looks VERY nice, but I think a zero setback post (Thomson or VO) would look nicer IMO and give a better fit than slamming your saddle forward on that offset post.

agmetal

It's actually not that far forward of center, it's just where the rails are located. I'd thought about using a zero-setback seatpost originally, but the seat tube angle is only half a degree shallower than the bike I based its fit on. That bike uses a different saddle from the same brand, and has a standard Laprade style seatpost, and I've got the saddle pretty close to the center of its adjustment. I was concerned that a zero-setback seatpost would end up having the saddle too far back, and if I'm going for an extreme, I'd rather have the seatpost under the point where the most weight is gonna be.


Also - that picture was taken before I took it out for a ride.

agmetal

One of my friends said the headbadge reminded him of the Rivendell Atlantis one. I know Grant's into the TRP RRL levers now, but I'm fairly certain he wouldn't often use a saddle that narrow or have the bars lower than the saddle!