Finally got round to finishing off the @Squidbikes So-Ez forks for my tracklocross build. I wanted to fit a disc brake mount and then match the paint to the frame in @spray.bike copper and green.
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Longtail Cargo Bike paint
Finally got round to choosing the paint scheme for the longtail cargo bike. After some thought I decided to keep the original paint on the front. It had some memorable scars from our previous life together but wasn’t too bad overall. Once finished, it also allowed me to get a few miles on it. I was originally going to run a hub gear setup, which still may happen but the shifter I had wouldn’t work so started off with a derailleur setup. It would benefit from an extra chain tensioner in this form so that may happen if it stays like this for long.
Bike packing bags
I was planning a big trip for this year and as well as making the bike I fancied a go at making some bags for the trip. I’d never done anything like that before so got hold of a sewing machine and a very welcome bit of help from a friend for how to use it. These are the first attempts. Some cordura, wax-cotton and a bit of recycled climbing gear. Testing so far has gone well. Looking forward to doing more.
Tall bike packing
The third part of our tall bike quest was to give them a proper bike packing trial. The frame size makes packing them relatively easy and seems to leave the handling pretty much unaffected. They also make surprisingly good touring bikes with plenty of stability and provide fantastic views over hedges.
Tall bike test ride
After finishing the build and paint of Cass’ tallbike we arranged a meet in Bristol for the build and test ride. We lucked out with the weather and had a great time cruising the town. To fully appreciate a tallbike you really have to ride one. The number of conversations you have and smiles you see never cease to amaze me. Good times.
Cass’ On-One tallbike
After meeting Cass Gilbert at the Bespoked show last year we agreed to make him a tall bike after he’d had taken some photos and had a quick test ride of mine. He had an On-One Inbred 29er that he had a strong bond with but wasn’t being used any more so it seemed like the perfect candidate. We spent a very enjoyable weekend massaging it into something a little taller. He looked a bit less worried as things started going back together!
H to C Gravel Bike Ride
For some time my brother and I had been planning a ride from his place in Huntingdon to mine in Chertsey using as much off road as possible. It turned out to be nearly bang on 100 miles of decent trails, good cafes and reasonable weather. Interesting comparing the Tomo Cross and Gravel bikes too.
Red Hook Crit Milano
Earlier in the year we started a fixed gear crit race team to help a couple of guys go racing with the ultimate aim to get to the Red Hook Crit in Milan in October. It’s been a bit of a journey but the guys have done really well in the Thundercrit, Nocturne and Minet crit races. It’s been a joy to help them through the races so far and we’ve just got an entry into the Red Hook crit race in Milan. Looks like a cool skunk works roadtrip to Italy coming up.
Jenny’s ladies town bike
It was some considerable time in the making but finally finished Jenny’s bespoke town bike. Columbus Chromor tubing, a few bends, hub gear, custom stainless basket rack and lovely Velo Orange mudguards.
Eske’s Balance Bike
This had been delivered to The Netherlands some time back but I had forgotten to post the final picture. Here’s the lovely Eske with her birthday Tomo Balance Bike:-)
TeamTomo at Minet Crit
Mr Porter Nocturne
Second race for our Fixed Gear Crit team today at the Mr Porter Nocturne race in London. We only managed to get one entry unless we find some last minute luck Jamal will be out on his own.
Classic roadster build
2 out of 3 ain’t bad
Inaugural bamboo bike ride was great fun and turned a few heads at the local cafe. Unfortunately we were one down due to late delivery of some wheels but the other two faired well. Interesting the amount of attention the unfinished ‘lugs’ got. It really did look like it was just tied up with string – cool!
Frame clearance
I’ve got something slightly different underway and wanted to make something pretty short at the rear with close clearance. Looks like I won’t be using a bigger tyre than that then!
Brass singlespeed nuts
It seems that most of the nuts on single speed wheels look ok when new but cut up, rust and look pretty dreadful after w while. As part of a steam punk bike build we were looking to add various amounts of brass components and knocked up these brass wheel nuts and bottle cage bolts. They look soooo much better than the standard steel ones!
Clear lacquer Single Speed
Finally built up with S2C hub, so not a single speed at all really. Suitably steam punk in clear lacquer over the blasted steel. Coaster brake so minimum of braze ons or cables. Just waiting for the snow to melt to give it a try. Can’t wait to try the bars out too. They feel really comfortable when stationary. Very natural hand/wrist position. Let’s see how they work.
New Single Speed project
I’ve started on my new Singlespeed frame, to replace my Cooper. Columbus Chromor tuning and a few individual details to follow.
