VintageRide

I just got myself involved with low trail 650b randonneur bikes in the last year or so, and after converting a 1981 Fuji S12S to 650b which I really like, rides and handles very nicely but is limited to 38mm tires with fenders I purchased a Rawland Stag frame and built it up. I still prefer the Fuji, no doubt the thinner forks and stays are part of it, although I am not sure if the Stag's 43 cm chain stays vs 44 cm for the Fuji are also contributing. What I was wondering is if having a lightweight appropriate fork made would be worth the effort and expense - not being very heavy I definitely prefer lightweight tubing - the |Stag is in the right direction but still feels less compliant. It handles nicely but tends to come across as a bit unforgiving on rougher pavement unless the Hetres air pressure is low. Since there are no vintage frames out there that I am aware of that will accept Hetres and 50mm fenders I have been considering something from Boulder Bicyles, such as the lugged lightweight All Road frame, or perhaps something from MAP. I know there are some other knowledgeable custom frame builders out there so if anyone has some suggestions I am open to them. Boulder appears to have the French rando geometry experience so they are at this point an obvious choice. The Stag has been great at introducing me to low trail and 650b - if I could fit those Hertes on a Fuji America for example I would have it modified for a front rack - knowing the geometry works well plus being a nice hand made frame it would be a nice lower cost alternative for me.

unterhausen

just out of curiosity, is this bike for randonneuring purposes?

RR3

I read your post several times. Not clear what you are asking other than is a custom fork worth it. Forks affect handling and comfort to a fairly large extent but nothing like putting on supple 38mm tires. The wrong fork can ruin a wonderful frame although a good fork won't turn a pig's ear into silk.

I would not upgrade the Fuji S12S. I'd start over. Thats me.

For steel, I'd get a custom frame and fork built in Reynolds 853 or True Temper OX. Probably the 853.

VintageRide

Thank you for the suggestions - I guess I was rambling on in that post as I was wondering about having a lighter fork made for the Stag, much cheaper than a custom steel frame but then a custom would be tailored to me. The bikes are used for more casual riding - I just happen to like low trail quite a lot and have been looking at Jeff lyon's offerings lately and he offers a nice low trail 650b frame.

RR3

Ask Billy, he knows all.

I tried to help, sorry.

southpawboston

I wish I had seen this thread earlier, @VintageRide. I also own a Rawland Stag and my ride impressions are similar to yours. It's a very fast bike, an excellent climber, handles great, so something was done "right" with the frame. But agreed, the fork is way too stout, and I too have to keep the front tire pressure very low to compensate for the ride harshness.

I organized a group buy on a Jeff Lyon replacement fork. 22 Stag owners jumped in, so it's not just you and I who feel the same about the harsh Stag fork. We're getting the forks made with Grand Bois crown and Kaisei oval fork blades. The fork will share the same rake and axle to crown distance as the original, but will be significantly flexier and more compliant. Jeff has a Stag fork on hand as the template, and he says the new one will be about 1/4 lb lighter.

The group buy just got rolling-- the deposits have all been sent to Jeff as of last week and he has ordered all the blades. If you contact him directly, he may be willing to add you to the list. The group batch price ends up being about $285 for the basic fork, with canti posts and fender eyelets, paint-matched to the original Stag blue.

This is a Jeff Lyon fork with the flexiest, most compliant, "rando-approved" blades! Max rider weight for this fork is about 210lb according to Jeff. He does have an alternate blade that's more compliant than the Stag's, but suitable for heavier riders. I think it also costs less than the Kaisei blades.