Hmmm, trying to answer some of these questions. I'm not good at describing bikes and how they ride - - whatever one I'm riding is the one I love - - but I'll try:
For starters, I tell the builder what I want to feel on a bike, and let him make all the decisions about size, dimensions, angles; tube materials. They are professionals, and that way I get their impression of perfection on a ride. Thus, each bike is different. I asked Sacha to make a comfy fat tire flier for long long days in the saddle, and this is what he came up with. I suggested a light blue, classic color - - like an old 1973 Raleigh Pro I lusted after - - and he did a great job on the color. 1. Compared to Roadeo, the Vanilla seems to take the steep, twisty downhills just a shade better. I asked Sacha to bias the bike towards comfort. I didn't specify anything about the geometry - - my philosophy is that the builder is a professional, knows more than I do, so just let them do their job. I did not tell him what trail to use, what angles, toe clip overlap or any other detail. Anyway, I can't say enough good things about the Roadeo, but the Vanilla seems exceptionally smooth in challenging descents on crappy pavement. 2. Also, the set-up is a bit racier than the Roadeo. The handlebars are about 2 cm lower than the seat on the Vanilla, as opposed to level on the Roadeo. That's the way Sacha wanted to build it, we talked about it a lot, and I'm enjoying trying out this (very slightly) more agressive posture. I'll report back after Wednesday's ride - planned to be 80 mi + 8k in ascent. I'll have a LOT to say after that one, I expect. 3. Yep, no fenders. I have several other bikes with eyelets, some with fenders. We got close to 40" of rain this winter, I'm the oddball on the list that doesn't mind riding sans fenders. Sacha and I talked about that, too - - I asked him what he wanted to build, and he wanted to build the dropouts without eyelets. They are really, really stunning, so I'm fine with his choices. 4. Yes, I love TA Zephyr cranks; and yes, I plead guilty to hoarding. Gosh... such an ugly word, "hoarding." I knew I would have this bike built one day, so when Peter White still had a couple left, I bought one. I will do some sort of penance. This year's Death Ride should be an appropriate hairshirt for me. 5. Tires: I'm a clyde, and ride on a lot of abandoned back roads, with terrible pavement. Ergo, I'm deeply in love with 32mm road tires - Kojaks and Jack Browns. These JB's feel really, really comfy and nice on the descents. I'm running them at 75 front, 82 rear, and they seem just fine. 6. Components: that stem is a custom threadless, by Sacha. The M- Racers are incredible - - on a scale of 1-10, they are about an 18. White Hubs; very pleasing to the eye. And, great Vanilla schwaggage, I couldn't resist when I was in the showroom. Here are pics of two tasty steel bits - - at least one of which I doubt will be made again - - handy in a scap, you know: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41563482@N06/sets/72157626606134421/ cheers, Reynolds Lugs the 531st -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
