tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post63326077325186549..comments2024-03-18T10:19:55.782-04:00Comments on The Velo ORANGE Blog: A VO Fixie? UPDATEDVelo Orangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-69100718246783036192008-10-26T08:23:00.000-04:002008-10-26T08:23:00.000-04:00That Hammond is amazing. Spot-on.That Hammond is amazing. Spot-on.Dadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09016373487910801383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-42589287611503532672008-10-26T03:53:00.000-04:002008-10-26T03:53:00.000-04:00This Harris - Inleheart frame is pretty neat ... t...This Harris - Inleheart frame is pretty neat ... take a look at the rear Salsa drop-outs<BR/><BR/>http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/igleheart/harris-igleheart-fixie/index.html<BR/><BR/>http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/igleheart/harris-igleheart-fixie/pages/harris-igleheart-fixie06.html<BR/><BR/>I think this is close to what many are talking about. It would be nice as a lugged frame ... <BR/><BR/>Personally I don't like the paint on this example. But those rear Salsa drop outs are pretty cool.<BR/><BR/>PhillipAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-70388112300086837052008-10-25T21:15:00.000-04:002008-10-25T21:15:00.000-04:00Who needs a replica of a 1949 Raleigh Clubman when...Who needs a replica of a 1949 Raleigh Clubman when you can buy an existing VO frame that is a lot like the vastly superior 1952 (and later)Clubman, which has what a 73° headtube and 65-70mm or so of rake, light, plane-tastic 531 tubing and is imensely comfortable and insensitive to a tired or drunk rider. <BR/><BR/>Both the VO randonneur and the path hunter would work perfectly as the basis for a 1950s "lightweight" replica. <BR/> The low trail geometry that some americans think of as french really wasn't unique to france in the 1950s and 60s. The Raleigh DL1 and pre-war style low end "lightweights" shouldn't be used to define the British bicycle industry. Av<BR/>tually germans and the dutch often call low trail geometry "british geometry" because of the popular bikes from this period that were exporter in greater numbers than french bikes of the period. <BR/><BR/>JamesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-78250640951635785562008-10-25T13:11:00.000-04:002008-10-25T13:11:00.000-04:00Hey, Chris. I know you have the French bicycle th...Hey, Chris. I know you have the French bicycle thing going on, but I have been absolutely begging for someone to recreate a 49/50/51 Raleigh Clubman. The bike you're suggesting has existed for quite some time. It's just that no one makes it anymore. The angles on those Clubmans aren't standard anymore, but it should be easy enough to duplicate with fillet brazing or TIG welding. Pretty please?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-55589690431570474392008-10-24T17:15:00.000-04:002008-10-24T17:15:00.000-04:00Great discussion and I think there were some good ...Great discussion and I think there were some good ideas presented. I really look forward to what Chris & VO can do creating a classic fixxie/single speed frame with all the right details. And even though there are quite a few attempts from various bicycle manufacturers & builders most do not come close to getting what some of us would truly appreciate. Thanks Chris for asking & listening. I'm quite sure you will come up with something really cool.<BR/><BR/>PhillipAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-44617233290106612172008-10-24T13:06:00.000-04:002008-10-24T13:06:00.000-04:00Anon 24/10/08 11:34 said: Surly Steamroller...Anon 24/10/08 11:34 said: <BR/><BR/> Surly Steamroller-No fender braze ons, have to run a front brake on the rear, horrible graphics <BR/>I KINDA LIKE THE PUNK RAWK BLBC STICKERS. NOT THAT I THINK IT'S VO APPROPRIATE.<BR/><BR/> Iro Angus-Funny sizing, ugly drop-outs, no means for rear brake<BR/>THE IRO'S ARE A HACK BUT THEY ARE CHEAP.<BR/><BR/> Milwaukee Orange One-Sloping top tube<BR/>IT'S A CONTEMPOARY DESIGN TO LIMIT A HUGE SIZE RANGE.<BR/><BR/> Mikwaukee Cream City-Track geos, no fenders<BR/>TRACK GEO HAS IT'S PLACE IN DOWNTOWN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC- BROAKLAND BIKES (MY BRO'S IN OAK-TOWN) BUILD THEIR FIXED BIKES FOR SUPER QUICK HANDLING. NOTHING WRONG WITH IT IN THAT APPLICATION, BUT NOT EVERYONE NEEDS OR APPRECIATES THAT. AND A LOADED BIKE HANDLES MUCH DIFFERENTLY AND TWITCHY GEO MAKES IT HANDLE LIKE CRAP.<BR/><BR/><BR/> Soma Delancy-Not bad, but why only only chrome 2 lugs?<BR/>COST. <BR/><BR/> Soma Rush-No fenders, Track geos<BR/>IT'S NOT EVEN A CHEAP OPTION ANY MORE, AND THE FORK IS AN ADDITIONAL $225<BR/><BR/> Rivendell Quickbeam-Not currently in production<BR/>NOT SA BAD EXECUTION, BUT IT'S NOT EXACTLY A BARGAIN, AND LIKE YOU SAID, IT;S NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED. <BR/><BR/> Gunnar Street Dog-Sloping top tube<BR/>SEE MILWAKEE NOTE.<BR/><BR/> Raleigh One Way-Sloping top tube and not available as a frameset.<BR/>SEE MILWAUKIE NOTE, AND THE BIKE IS SO CHEAP A FRAMESET WOULD CANNIBALIZE COMPLETE BIKE SALES PROLLY. <BR/><BR/> Raleigh Rush hour-No waterbottle or fender mounts<BR/>DUMB - NO FENDER MOUNTS FOR A BIKE MADE BY SA CO IN SEATTLE....<BR/><BR/> Bianchi Pista-Not available as a frameset<BR/>SEE ONE WAY NOTE. <BR/><BR/>WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE TORELLI TIPO UNO? NARROWISH TIRES, ROAD GEO, MINIMUM FENDER CLERANCE, BRAZEONS IN ODD PLACES, NOT QUITE VO LEVEL IN MY OPINION.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01015305191743399671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-25339713727790927302008-10-24T13:04:00.000-04:002008-10-24T13:04:00.000-04:00That Hammond sure is pretty. I will never make en...That Hammond sure is pretty. I will never make enough money to be able to divert enough to go with something that pretty--especially for what would (for me) be a specialty bike. I have had fixed gear bikes for almost 20 years, and they have always been parts bin queens. But perhaps if I had 4 or 5 thousand dollars to put toward a 4th or 5th bike and found riding an older road bike with vestigial brazeons was offensive to me, I would love to have something like that, the same way I would find having three homes or a classic car collection or even being an avid pen collector a nice enough thing to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-5206318178748670432008-10-24T11:34:00.000-04:002008-10-24T11:34:00.000-04:00Do it. Here's whats wrong with everyone else's pr...Do it. Here's whats wrong with everyone else's product. <BR/><BR/>Surly Steamroller-No fender braze ons, have to run a front brake on the rear, horrible graphics<BR/>Iro Angus-Funny sizing, ugly drop-outs, no means for rear brake<BR/>Milwaukee Orange One-Sloping top tube<BR/>Mikwaukee Cream City-Track geos, no fenders <BR/>Soma Delancy-Not bad, but why only only chrome 2 lugs? <BR/>Soma Rush-No fenders, Track geos<BR/>Rivendell Quickbeam-Not currently in production<BR/>Gunnar Street Dog-Sloping top tube<BR/>Raleigh One Way-Sloping top tube and not available as a frameset.<BR/>Raleigh Rush hour-No waterbottle or fender mounts<BR/>Bianchi Pista-Not available as a framesetAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-15291175607126662352008-10-24T01:45:00.000-04:002008-10-24T01:45:00.000-04:00I think this is a fantastic idea, Chris, especiall...I think this is a fantastic idea, Chris, especially since some other people seem to just not "get it" or only see the fixed gear aspect of your potential bike, rather than the whole package. A fixed gear bike with fenders, clearance, low trail for a low handlebar bag, and the now legendary VO quality and attention to detail? Consider me a customer in waiting! <BR/><BR/>(I "vote" for lugs or at least fillet-brazed, though. Also, long dropouts which keep the rim and brake pads in synch while sliding the wheel either direction should be part of the design.)Chris Kostmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05056622357667732064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-68079289817801513632008-10-24T00:19:00.000-04:002008-10-24T00:19:00.000-04:00You guys make and offer very classy products at ve...You guys make and offer very classy products at very reasonable prices. I look forward to seeing the fixed gear frame you propose.<BR/><BR/>There are a number of "fixed" frames out there that people have mentioned in this thread that are similar to what you have proposed, but there are very few of them that have that classy, understated edge consistent with the VO brand.<BR/><BR/>You guys would probably do very well with this frame... for example, the Soma Delancey is a very classy lugged fixed gear frame that isn't too terribly expensive--and they are consistently on backorder.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-21415016013146212092008-10-23T12:16:00.000-04:002008-10-23T12:16:00.000-04:00Patates -Sorry you didn't like fixed gears. But i...Patates -<BR/><BR/>Sorry you didn't like fixed gears. But if you set one up with a fairly low gear (I always used 42x17 as do many in my area) and take it for a long hilly ride, you won't believe how much it can help improve your spin. When you get back on a road bike after 1k miles on the fixie, it will seem like riding a tricycle! <BR/><BR/>I don't know anything about this messenger stuff, I have just used the fixed gear in a pinch to get in shape fast. Speaking of which, it's about time to do that again.Dadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09016373487910801383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-43044360043690328052008-10-23T10:12:00.000-04:002008-10-23T10:12:00.000-04:00I don't really see what the big deal is with fixed...I don't really see what the big deal is with fixed gear bikes. I have tried them and they've made no big impression on me. On top of that, they are extremely popular right now, and there's a lot of snobbery attached to it with the "messenger" BS--a definite turn off. You can keep them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-27537418824449037742008-10-23T00:45:00.000-04:002008-10-23T00:45:00.000-04:00Chris- I would love to see VO build a proper Path ...Chris- <BR/><BR/>I would love to see VO build a proper Path Racer in the tradition of Malvern Star, Speedwell, Jack Taylor, etc. Would go perfect with the Sturmey Archer 2sp fixed reproduction.seaneeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07062077325097666410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-47700779818744662792008-10-22T23:09:00.000-04:002008-10-22T23:09:00.000-04:00Clearly, Chris, we all agree that you should stop ...Clearly, Chris, we all agree that you should stop making new bikes altogether.<BR/><BR/>After all, other bikes have been built in the past and are still rideable. Not only that, but AT THIS VERY MOMENT there are dozens, perhaps millions, of bike companies building and planning to build new bikes of their own.<BR/><BR/>Also, did you know that some of those existing bikes can be used in multiple ways? It really makes me wonder why anyone would bother to design something for a particular purpose! Why buy a swimsuit when you can just take some scissors to your jeans? <BR/><BR/>Also, did you know that you can get really good day-old bagels out of the dumpster behind the bakery? Why do they make new bagels every morning, if there are all those perfectly-edible bagels in the trash at night?<BR/><BR/>Anyway, please limit your new bike offerings to a niche for which nobody has yet built a bike. For example, I find that my 1975 Schwinn Collegiate does not function well as a hat. Though I carefully followed Sheldon Brown's instructions, it just flops around up there and fails to protect my ears from the wind. Maybe that's something you could explore?<BR/><BR/>Of course, once all existing bikes are gone and everyone else has stopped making them, you should feel free to do whatever you'd like.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-65402163889060368002008-10-22T16:49:00.000-04:002008-10-22T16:49:00.000-04:00somebody said it earlier, but this bicycle concept...somebody said it earlier, but this bicycle concept would be a rider's 3rd, 4th or 5th bicycle - i.e. a luxury item. there are so many many 70s/80s racing frames that make outstanding, functional fixed gear rides. I have a '73 team raleigh that is full 531, has nice lugs, long campy dropouts, minimal braze-ons and when converted to 650b (which is easily done), will comfortably fit 35mm tires with fenders.<BR/><BR/>so, if VO goes to production with such a bike, make it special because there's just too many old bikes out there that already serve the purpose very well and can be had for a song.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-27831946615486148952008-10-22T15:13:00.000-04:002008-10-22T15:13:00.000-04:00I wouldn't be interested in a fixie. But judging ...I wouldn't be interested in a fixie. But judging by the 100's of them I see around Portland (some very expensive frames, too) I think there is a market for a good quality frame like VO produces. It would be a shame if it interfered with the production of other bikes, though, IMHO.<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>KarlK Matthiashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10302994067650991669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-39982594168137902472008-10-22T14:49:00.000-04:002008-10-22T14:49:00.000-04:00As one can see I'm really into single speed specif...As one can see I'm really into single speed specific frames and I personally would like to see a high quality semi-custom frame design that I think Chris could create. About two years ago I really researched the the new frames and found that the Rivendell Quickbeam was about the most well thought out design. One can google the "Quickbeam" and find Sheldon Brown's articles amongst many others. I understand that Grant is no longer taking orders for this frame and I'm not really sure why. It was made for him by Panasonic in Japan. From what I can tell it was one of Rivendell's better sellers if not the best. And like another reader said was not offered in the smaller sizes which left me out of the picture. <BR/><BR/>I think one can take this design and put on the the horizontal sliders with the vertical dropouts and maybe included some extra little touches and it would be the best of the breed. I thinking road geometry with big tire clearance and all of the right features. The Quickbeam was all this with the exception of simple fender installation. Anyway it's a good place to start. And with Rivendell no longer offering this frame it might be a good market opportunity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-45397163470223829752008-10-22T14:45:00.000-04:002008-10-22T14:45:00.000-04:00just what the world needs, more fixies...just what the world needs, more fixies...nordic_68https://www.blogger.com/profile/16681928489719451333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-61345785818186944412008-10-22T12:29:00.000-04:002008-10-22T12:29:00.000-04:00I for one would like to see a VO fixie. I have a ...I for one would like to see a VO fixie. I have a Lemond fixie now but I find on longer rides that a low trail, tire and fender clearance is really needed. I have neither on this bike. I also want to be able to put on some nice fenders with clean fender lines. <BR/><BR/>I second Phillip 21/10/08 04:19 on the horizontal slider with vertical drops. My singlespeed mountain bike has this and works great. It would also give you an easy option of having a separate dropout made for Rohloff if anyone wants that later. <BR/><BR/>MikeMikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08987251196229322384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-36887600463646933002008-10-22T12:25:00.000-04:002008-10-22T12:25:00.000-04:00Some cruisers that come either as coaster brake si...Some cruisers that come either as coaster brake single speeds or coasters with three speeds and such have threaded bosses in the frames for cable guides. They are just single bottle cage bosses brazed in in the appropriate locations. That way, the same frame can be used either with cables or no cables. Neat way to do it, especially with some tidy stops that are made for the application. A couple of such bosses on the bottom of the top tube, some nifty stops to fit them, and a nice cable stop to clamp on the chainstay would make for a versatile and clean looking system.<BR/><BR/>Matt, how can a clamp-on bottle cage boss be super clean looking? Please share! I have a couple of frames in need of such cleanliness.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-16885993814314531332008-10-22T08:21:00.000-04:002008-10-22T08:21:00.000-04:00There are plenty of frames out there that will do ...There are plenty of frames out there that will do the trick, although I'm sure VO could add something to the design that would contribute something that is not in production currently. But I would say skip making a VO fixed gear frame.<BR/>But please do stock the Sturmey-Archer S3X 3-speed fixed rear hub and a nice matching dyno front hub with VO switchgear!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-83666185436583275062008-10-22T04:27:00.000-04:002008-10-22T04:27:00.000-04:00Why not use the old-school horizontal dropouts ins...Why not use the old-school horizontal dropouts instead of track ends (like the quickbeam or track bikes like the Bianchi Pista.<BR/><BR/>The key to a clean SS/FG is getting rid of braze ons. But if you just replicated the old Peugeot PX-10 without the crazy headset/BB/seatpost threading, you would have a winner. I have a PX-10 as a FG, and I LOVE it. I use a Midge bar and a Sella An-Atomica seat with Campy cranks and a Mavic brake up front. It is incredibly light and I just love to be on it.<BR/><BR/>But I think much of the appeal is that I don't have cable guides or shifter bosses on the frame. In fact, even my bottle bosses are clamp-on not braze-on. Keeps it super-clan looking.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-85873254551597599742008-10-22T02:22:00.000-04:002008-10-22T02:22:00.000-04:00I will take two.I will take two.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-63117630838926367922008-10-22T02:18:00.000-04:002008-10-22T02:18:00.000-04:00> What about vertical dropouts with an eccentri...> What about vertical dropouts with an eccentric bottom bracket?<BR/><BR/>Like the <A HREF="http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/raventour.html" REL="nofollow">Thorn Raven</A>, though that's aimed at internal gear hubs rather than fixed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-42582692182858454582008-10-22T00:28:00.000-04:002008-10-22T00:28:00.000-04:00Anon @ 21:35- if I put 650b wheels on my fixed com...Anon @ 21:35-<BR/> if I put 650b wheels on my fixed commuter, it would drop the cranks about 20mm closer to the pavement. that's 20mm too close for me, and it would negatively affect trail, and finding a front brake with 20mm longer reach that actually stops is non-existant. <BR/><BR/>Sorrry, no. <BR/><BR/>I like hacks and all sorts of interesting 'concept bikes' but I like my commute to be normally safe. I'll leave the Safety 3rd type bikes for others to play with.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01015305191743399671noreply@blogger.com