New Project: An Off Road Touring Bike

I’ve been working on a project in the shop recently. There’s a type of bike that I really like that I wanted to build a few of. It’s an off road touring bike, a “gravel bike,” or, in this case a so-called 29er touring bike. There are many different ways to build this bike. I’ve chosen to build them with 29 inch wheels because of the comfort on bumpy terrain, no suspension needed. Also for tire selection – there’s a wide range of fatter tires that come with or without tread for on and off road use. I want this bike to be a solid touring rig that can take the trails, forest service roads and whatever else you may come across on your travels. I want it to be able to stably and securely carry all your camping gear. And I want it to be comfortable for long days in the saddle, whether you’re on the road, or off of it. This would also make for an excellent year-round commuter, able to take all road conditions and all weather types.

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Eli Light Road

This light, sexy road bike was designed for comfort on the long rides. It's a very classy lugged frame with a small front rack for a handlebar bag, with an integrated light mount on the rack. The stem and fenders are powder coated to match, and the whole bike is a simple design that mixes the best of the classics with a taste for the modern.

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Kare Touring

Kare's touring bicycle is built first and foremost as a comfortable, stable, solid touring machine. Utilizing lugs and oversized tubing, this bicycle has an elegant, "classic" feel, and compromises nothing in the way of stability for a larger rider, especially when the bike is fully loaded for travel. There are S&S couplers so the bike can be packed to travel anywhere, and even the front rack breaks down so there's less risk in damage while in transit. It's got disc brakes, a front generator hub and a stem mounted light.

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Lee R. Stainless Road

This is one of the fanciest bicycles on the road. It's a long distance, fast climbing, polished stainless lugged road bicycle. Many hours of work were put into the finishing polish of the stainless, and the effect is amazing. The final powder coat is shadowed with Celtic knot work, and the lugs are finely outlined for highlighting. Lee has put a lot of miles on his bike, and the reports have been good. He loves to climb and likes the century rides, which is exactly what this was built for. And it certainly catches the eye! Beautiful, light and fast!

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Magu Commuter

This is a very special bicycle, for sure. It's a serious commuter for year-round riding, and it's packed full of style. The bike runs 650b wheels, and accommodates tires on the wide side for any road conditions. It's got an integrated rear touring rack, brazed to the frame, and a detachable upper basket. There are all the requirements for serious commuting, including secure pannier mounts, an integrated front light powered by a generator hub. The light is wired internally down the fender support. The rear light is mounted to the fender, has a solar charged battery, and is motion sensitive. There's an integrated chain guard and kick stand, a pump tucked behind the seat tube, wide fenders, disc brakes, and, of course, a brass bell. This bike was entered in the 2009 Oregon Manifest race, and was ridden by Natalie Ramsland of Sweet Pea Bicycles. She finished the race with flying colors (all 77 miles in Sidi's and a skirt!), and the bike placed 4th overall by the judges. Not a bad showing.

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