In case anyone is interested we just got our first shipment of front racks.
09 February, 2007
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16 comments:
The Rack looks like a custom match on that fine bicycle. Real nice.
But why didn't you didn't drill a hole in front fender to attach to rack? Not for a plastic fender of course, but that rack looks oem for that bike.
That's the prototype. The production rack has a fender mount on the crossbar. I didn't drill the fender because I was still working on the rack design.
Wow. They look beautiful, Chris!
Regarding the Randonneur Front Rack:
How far down do a fork's rack braze-ons need to be to accomodate it? I'm wondering if it'll fit my canti Saluki without having to resort to the clamps.
Also, out of curiousity, what's the weight?
Chris,
I just noticed your front racks don't have a notch to hang bags from the side and distribute weight better on bike. Instead of one long bar hooked on sides, 2 bars with only a small hook on one side and welded at hook end would accomplish this at a reduced process cost and scrap rate. It is an added feature I value along with front end stabilization, light hanger, and possibly support for handlebar bag: but I really like weight lower near wheel axes so I don't get gyrations when pedalling hard bouncing sideways. Flexibility is key to me in relocating loads where empirically best: let the historical trend dictate saftey (and it doesn't take long to find out). Of course I don't usually carry much weight at all, but want to ready when I do since vehicle safety on all vehicles is largely determined by balanced forward/aft/left/right weight distribution loading. I even like the flat 6 pack holder to strap items down (and no I don't drink since 1/8th Cherokee Indian).
The Randonneur front rack rack does not mount to low-rider bosses or canti studs. It requires eyelets on the fork blades or p-clamps. The rack is designed to sit right on the fender and the distance from the platform to the eyelets is about 4". The tang at the rear comes undrilled, so the exact position of the fork crown doesn't matter. Weight is 212gm.
I might be outside of your intended market, but here's the question: I found out (the hard way) that a Nitto Mini front rack would not fit my Rivendell Atlantis with 26" wheels. Will your front rack fit? How does it attach to the fork crown?
I'm not sure I get all of these "Intended Market" and "Chris, you may not approve of this..." remarks that pop up on this Blog...
Do we all have to be Francophiles to shop here?
I was always under the impression that VO was about good looking, well made, and practical bike bits & goodies. Obviously, French bike culture is a major influence here but I certainly never felt any tone of exclusivity. I purchased a VO frameset and plan to build it entirely with modern bits - and nothing even European let alone French. That never struck me as unusual and I never considered myself outside of any "audience".
Just an observation.
Happy trails,
nv
Chris,
Do you have a frame alignment table or what type of expert would have that type of tool available?
Thank You
I'm not sure if the costructuer rack will fit on a 26"-wheeled Atlantis. If you tell me the distance from the dropout eyelets to the top of the fender I can check. The rando rack will fit on almost any bike.
NV, You are right, we don't cater only to Francophiles. And I like modern components; just look at my Ebisu or all the Singer bikes with Campy Ergo drivetrains. But we do try to take a constructuer's view when it comes to geometry and the idea that bikes should be designed as a unit with their racks, fenders and other accessories.
The tang at the back of the racks is best "sandwiched" between the fender and the fender boss under the fork crown. If your bike doesn't have a boss under the crown, you'll need to bend the tang up and secure it with the brake bolt. Instructions are included.
I don't have a frame alignment table, but Johnny does. Most frame builders have one.
Chris,
How wide are the fenders on that beautiful bike and what are tire widths as well?
Truely a breathtaking bike I'd like to see more pictures of.
Thank You
anon said:
"Do we all have to be Francophiles to shop here?"
Of course not.
I'm a Japanophile, and I feel right at home!
Although in some ways I guess that makes me a "Francophile by Proxy" ;-)
PS. the rack looks great, mine should arrive Friday, woo-hoo!
Chris--
Could you please give me the rough dimensions of the top platform part of the front rack?
Thanks,
Jim
The platform is about 4" x 7.75".
Ah, a fellow "Japanophile"... or is that "Nipponphile" - "nv" stands for nippon velo
Best,
nv
It seems to me that rack would mount even more dandily if the fork ends had dual eyelets -- i.e., a second eyelet in front. That way the rack would come right down ~ centered on the axle. Maybe it's worth speccing dual eyelets on the VO frames? (Unless my taste is off, and dual eyelets are a sign of cheap boorishness or something.)
Chris:
The retro head light will make a perfect companion ornament to the front.
Any word from B&M when they will be available?
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