28 December 2007

Pereira Front Lowrider Racks

So here's the first shot of the low-rider pannier racks. They are removable with three allen bolts so that I only need to put them on for some tours or long rides. I would use something like Madden Lizards on them, but they should be able to mount a variety of bags.
The bike will be at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show on Feb. 8-10 in Portland, OR. It'll be the first time I see it all complete and I will take it home from there. Come join the fun and see it!

01 December 2007

Pereira 650b Custom in Progress

Tony Pereira has been working on my frame this fall and I've got some photos taken at the Portland Handmade Bike Show by Alex Wetmore and Micheal Huber (thanks guys!). It's coming along really nicely!

The concept behind the design was to create a light-weight 650b randonneuring and fast touring bike that could use the new 650b x 42mm Gran Bois Hetre tires. It's a big set of rubber, but I've been so happy with my 700c x 30mm Gran Bois tires I knew it was worth the effort to go for something along the same lines. The fork is a custom double-plate design with a front rack and removable low-rider pannier racks. No rear rack.

Mafac Raid centerpull brake calipers will provide stopping power and do so with a bit less weight than other options. I debated whether to go with canti's, but figured I'd do something less ordinary.

The stem is also custom and will include a bell and some option for supporting the Ravena handlebar bag. I have some Madden front panniers for the time being when the low-rider racks are mounted.

The Pereira "pear" badge looks nice on the headtube and I'm leaning toward a mossy green single color for the frame. I can't wait for it to be on the road!

A bit more work on racks and details and we should be getting very close to having this beauty in full riding mode. I plan on bringing it into the Olympics and Cascades on gravel adventure routes, and the big Hetres should be a welcome change from the 30mm I have been using.

I plan on posting more as things go along, so stay tuned!