New frames sporting the older look?
#26
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
#28
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,310
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From: The Pearl of the Pacific, Mexico
Bikes: '12 Rodriguez UTB Custom, '83 Miyata 610, '83 Nishiki Century Mixte (Work of Art), '18 Engin hardtail MTB
Brand new bikes with a classic or retro look are very much alive. Steel and titanium are the materials of choice. As you've discovered, there are still a quite a few Italian builders designing and building the traditional way. There are also no shortages of builders in the U.S. ranging from larger companies like Surly to small independent/boutique custom builders. Most will give you the option to purchase the frameset alone or a full bike. Custom builders will even work with you in completing your build with the exact components and accessories of your choice. One important aspect I appreciate about American custom builders is that they will give you the option of any design your heart desires: Italian, French classic, retro modern, etc. They generally tend to work closely with the customer in fine-tuning the ride and aesthetics.
In fact, we recently got delivery of this classic "randonneur style" bike from R+E Cycles (AKA Rodriguez Bikes) in Seattle. Some of its classic features include level top tube/stem, canti-V brake (built with Paul canti brakes), Pacenti twin plate crown fork. A spin on this build was adding S&S couplers and going out of the norm with 26" wheels to facilitate air travel. Aesthetically, we went with TIG welding with hand-painted faux lugs, 70-style fork & stays tips in white (originally wanted chrome tips but learned the process is not very environmentally friendly), retro stickers and lots of stainless steel throughout. Additionally, the build was completed with classic components and accessories: Brooks saddle, Nitto handlebar, fenders, mini front rack, King water bottle cages, etc. Obviously, being custom these were very personal choices.

The custom touring bike, on the other hand, was built with sloping top tube, disc brakes, Rohloff belt-drive ready, and finished with lots of classic accessories. This puts it more firmly in the retro modern category.
In fact, we recently got delivery of this classic "randonneur style" bike from R+E Cycles (AKA Rodriguez Bikes) in Seattle. Some of its classic features include level top tube/stem, canti-V brake (built with Paul canti brakes), Pacenti twin plate crown fork. A spin on this build was adding S&S couplers and going out of the norm with 26" wheels to facilitate air travel. Aesthetically, we went with TIG welding with hand-painted faux lugs, 70-style fork & stays tips in white (originally wanted chrome tips but learned the process is not very environmentally friendly), retro stickers and lots of stainless steel throughout. Additionally, the build was completed with classic components and accessories: Brooks saddle, Nitto handlebar, fenders, mini front rack, King water bottle cages, etc. Obviously, being custom these were very personal choices.

The custom touring bike, on the other hand, was built with sloping top tube, disc brakes, Rohloff belt-drive ready, and finished with lots of classic accessories. This puts it more firmly in the retro modern category.
Last edited by Chris Pringle; 04-05-13 at 01:46 PM.
#29
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Insightful comments, Pringle.
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 247
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From: Colorado
#31
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 250
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From: Nebraska
Bikes: 1974 KoKo Sport 3000, 1987 Lotus Elite 600, 2003 Qunitana Roo Kilo tri
2011 Salsa Casseroll. I bought it because it looks understated and retro but with modern geo & parts. Proof positive it underwhelms.....I showed a pic of it to my hubby I snapped of it before I brought it home "Huh, are you sure that isn't a bike from the 70s? I don't even think you'll need to lock it up!"
lol! Exactly why I bought it.....I can wear my chucks, Levi's rolled up, cycling wool hat, and Surly merino jersey and look like I just rolled out of a time machine! Well, except fancy lug work. I sure wish they had some that to complete the vibe.
#32
Decrepit Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,488
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From: Santa Rosa, California
Bikes: Waterford 953 RS-22, several Paramounts
Check these out............... https://store.somafab.com/index.html I plan on building a Soma one of these days. I currently have a vintage Soma that will be the donor bike.
#34
Pretty rigid member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 506
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From: The 951
Bikes: Sycip Unleaded, Raleigh SS, Trek 1.5, IF Crown Jewel, QR Kilo
https://www.richardsachs.com/site/the-next-wave/
I chose Independent Fabrication.
#37
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,141
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
#38
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,141
Likes: 2,165
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
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orangeology
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10-07-13 11:18 AM







