The first bike, a simple singe speed uses a "Standard Gauge" True Temper tube set. This tube set is very close to the classic Reynolds 531.
The specs for standard gauge are:
25.4 mm (1 inch) Top Tube
28.6 mm Seat Tube
28.6 mm Down Tube
1 inch Headset
The tubes are "double butted" . Thickness tapers from 0.9mm<->0.6mm<->0.9mm same as Reynolds 531.
This bicycle is flexible. A noodle some would say. Not surprising for a 62cm Seat Tube and a 1" Headset!
At first I was tempted to dismiss the bike as a bad experiment, but I got hooked on it 's comfortable ride. I love it. It still rolls swiftly and handles predicable every time. As a minimalist bicycle it's working perfectly.
The second is a road bike that uses Double Over Sized True Temper OX Platinum Tubes. Over Sized tubes have a larger diameter that allow thinner walls. This results in lighter bikes than the standard steel frames of the 70 & 80's. Additionally The OX tubes are heat treated to make them even stronger.
Double Over Sized Specs are:
31.8 mm Top Tube
31.8 mm Seat Tube
34.9 mm Down Tube
1 1/8 inch Headset
The Butting on these tubes is:
0.7mm<->0.4mm<->0.7mm
I like to ride this bike on weekend rides up in the Santa Monica Mountains. What can I say?
Is it Stiff? You betcha.
It is Comfortable? I can not feel this bicycle under my butt.
How's the Handling? Telepathic.
It's light at under 19 pounds while my personal weight is right around (censored!). If you went to a bike shop and they offered you a clunky Clydesdale, you want this instead. Try it for you self.
Both bicycles are build using lugs. The single speed is using classic "pressed" lugs from the 70's, the double OS uses modern investment cast stainless steel lugs. I customized both sets of lugs with large "Windows".
Well I'm back to the shop to build some more bicycles for the show up in Portland. I want to build more test bicycles for you guys to test ride. It's akin to developing a taste for wines. The trick is exposure to the good stuff.Ride with "the Blaze"
