Custom Bicycles.

[vash]

Some of you are missing the spirit if the thread. I’m wanting something not off the shelf.

Zero logic. I led off with that.

[vash]

And I almost cleaned my nemesis trail this morning. Just put my foot down ONCE! I had to keep ahead of much younger riders. I didn’t want them to overtake me.

Coming down, I almost taco’d Everything craning my head backwards trying to catch a glimpse of a jogging wood nymph. I need to write a strongly worded letter to lululemon. Those shorts are irresponsible!

[stevej37]

This is off the shelf (online)...but not very common. I've had it for about 4 months now...like it a lot.
Belt drive..8 speed shimano alfine with disc brakes.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by jwasbury

@ look 171, I haven't encountered a road bike from the era of that Trek or earlier that won't accept 28c tires. I have 3 bonded Vitus frames from the 80's through the early 90's. All of them take 28c tires no problem.

My 1979 Guerciotti is on 28c, no problem. While there aren't many available, I am sure I could get 30c tires on there, and possibly 32c.

I considered trying out these 30c tires, but don't know enough about them to drop the coin:

Strada Bianca PRO

This place is a great source for tires and items to turn your old road bike or old thin steel MTB into a mixed surface machine:

https://www.compasscycle.com/product-category/components/tires/

Further, having used the Compass tires, I know they are made by Panaracer. The Panaracer Gravel king tires are virtually identical to what Compass offers, but are less cost.

https://www.thebikesmiths.com/products/panaracer-gravelking-700c?variant=44543411474&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7pm8mYuA2wIVhFqGCh198g6AEAQYBCAB EgLQovD_BwE

These are lightweight and high threadcount fast rolling folding clincher tires that are designed for more rugged use than racing tires.

The old steel road frames had a bit of clearance between the seat stays a wider tire can be fitted, but the real issue is the space between the tire and the down tube. Usually that's really close. The carbon frames are made much tighter. No way I can get a 28 into my Look frame. It was the Laurent Jalaburt special. I can't get a 25mm tire into my old Trek OCLV. I have cramped a different brand in there but at the end of the day, the clearance is less then 1mm. A 25 will rub under the fork crown on my current Time frame.

[NutmegCarrera]

Hey Cliff-
Just some gentle reassurance. I get you. Unique is cool. Not to mention “New Shiny Metal Object!!!”
I am jonesing for a new gravel bike. Big thing is the brakes. Sick and tired of caliper pads wearing out. Gross noise when there’s mud. Varying braking torque when it’s wet.
Those photos in your original post. Sweet! Ouch on the price, but that’s the cost of exclusivity.

Find what does it for you and make the plunge. And keep riding. Wish I could join you.

Ciao!