Monday, July 29, 2013

Ramble On!

Looking for a new bike? You could do worse than this one! Seriously, it's a damn fine bike, made in the States, designed by good people (Rob). Something to consider at least!


http://oceanaircycles.com/2013/07/25/why-a-rambler/

Why A Rambler

The Rambler is a true Cyclotouring bike, steeped in traditional French design, but brought forward to work with modern components and fittings.  It is the kind of bike that once dominated the market, but went away as racing came to the forefront.
7.25 blue GP WP-1140094
As we, the cycling tribe, move back to a cycling style that is more practical, able to function as transportation, take the load off our back, yet handle well and with a lively ride, the Rambler is there to fill that need.
The larger market is slower to move, has longer design cycles due to their economic scale, and may have generally different motivations.  I decided it was time to take my dream bike, and bring it to the market as a fully developed product and the Rambler was born.  In many ways it is unique in the market, the only production bike of its kind.  All of the details are there to build out a functional sport bicycle, that also serves as practical every day transportation.
Rambler Specs:
  •  TIG welded, double butted CroMo tubes, custom matched to the frame size for optimized performance.
  • Room for 42mm tires and fenders on all bicycle sizes
  • Designed with the provision for Paul Racer brakes, mounted with braze-on bosses.  These provide unparalleled power and modulation in a rim brake.
  • Paul Racer brakes are included in the frame set package.
  • Double eyelets for rack and fender mounts at the front and rear dropouts.
  • The fork has an investment cast crown with cast and machined rack mounting bosses, with provisions for small upper and low rider racks, & fenders.
  • Lighting wire guides on the right fork leg. Reinforced entry and exit ports for internal routing of lighting wires, from front to rear of the frame.
  • Columbine Quickchainger braze-on, for easy rear wheel changes without having to touch the chain.
  • Braze-on fender mounting points placed so installation is simple and results in even fender line.
  • 130mm rear spacing to work with modern road bike components.
  • Color options: American Blue , Orange Soda and Sunflower Yellow
Partnering with an US engineering and fabrication team, the Rambler delivers on all levels of build accuracy, quality, hand-built craftsmanship, as well as looks and performance.  Unique in the marketplace, it serves as the backbone for the custom-built bike you have been dreaming of.
7.25 Y Rambler2 WP-1100711Ocean Air Cycles is the embodiment of my passion for cycling in a form that shares what I know to be a better alternative with you.  It is my work, and my dream, to apply my skills as an engineer and an entrepreneur to deliver a bicycle that can change the way people see local transportation and recreation.  Using the Rambler as a tool for travel, transport, running errands, getting to work, etc.  Getting out and around under your own power will transform you, your family, and community.  Having the best tools available will make the transformation more lasting.  Adding to the function is color, function with flair, because color choices make thing more fun
7.18 email -1140196
Our first large production run of Ramblers is currently in the powder coating phase.  They will be going final QC and prep over the next two weeks, then distribution begins.  I need your help, spreading the word, or better yet buying a Rambler of your own.  You can start with a frame set and build up your own, or we can facilitate custom builds for your ready to roll custom dream bike.  You can click-through any of the Rambler links or photos in this post to place your deposit today, reserving you place in this batch.  The next run will not be here until next Spring, and this is your chance to get rolling before Summer passes by.
7.25 blue bch WP-1010362Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, we will make sure you are getting exactly what you want.
We are in this for the long haul, but can not do it without your support, Thank you.  We provide the tools, but you make the wheels go round and round.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Sold --> Co-Motion Double Espresso Tandem For Sale <-- Sold

This great tandem has been sold, thanks for looking!!!

Pictures below. The Double Espresso was Co-Motion's beautiful go-fast tandem. And it's best named tandem ever! It has extra marathon style lateral supports to reduce frame flex from a powerful team. The frame is beautifully fillet brazed and has an amazing deep metallic garnet paint. Made in Eugene, Oregon. Like most tandems, it has low miles on it. Probably ridden at most 20 miles per year over the last 10 years, and then prior to that, probably less than 200 miles per year. I will guesstimate it has less than 3,000 miles on it.

Exceptional drivetrain built around Phil Wood and Shimano XTR components. There is no need to change any of the drivetrain components out on this.

Fit was designed to get bars level with a 79cm seat height, although seat is lower than that as pictured.  A long and steep stem was used to accomplish that. Easy to swap out if you want lower/closer bars. Frame geometry is designed to accommodate a wide range of riders and is flexible.

Paint is not flawless, but nicks have been touched up with close match. No dings/dents on any tubes. Wheels are fantastic and very true. Phil Wood hubs and bottom brackets are barely to the point of just breaking in.

Asking $1,250. Basing that on similar era Santanas, but asking more as it's a Co-Mo which was hand fillet brazed and all the Phil Wood drivetrain upgrades on it. Feel free to let me know if that's out of line.

Tandem is located in Inland Southern California, and for the cost of gas, delivery can be arranged anywhere between San Diego, Santa Barbara and Blythe. I can also ship, but don't like the option of it. It would need to be in two OS2 boxes, and will probably be around $200.

Geometry (all approx):
  • Front Top Tube (c-c): 59cm effective
  • Rear Top Tube (c-c): 69.5cm effective
  • Front Seat Tube: 55.5 (c-c)/59 (c-t) (tall extension)
  • Rear Seat Tube: 51 (c-c)/53 (c-t)
  • Wheelbase: 173.5cm
  • Chainstays: 44cm
  • Head Tube: 15.2cm
  • Stoker Stem: 12cm/10deg rise

Build:
  • Front Hub - Phil Wood
  • Front Rim - Velocity Dyad, 40h, double butted spokes
  • Rear Hub - Phil Wood Tandem hub (threaded for drag-brake)
  • Rear Rim - Mavic T217, 40h, double butted spokes 
  • Freewheel - Sunrace Seven Speed (13-28)
  • Bottom Brackets - Phil Wood
  • Front (Captain's) Handlebars - Specialized 44cm
  • Rear (Stoker's) Handlebars - 3TTT Form 42cm
  • Front Seatpost - American Classic
  • Rear Seatpost - Suntour XC
  • Brake Levers - Dia Compe 287 (rear) 287-V (front)
  • Front Stem - 12 cm/45 deg (approx), 1-1/8 quill
  • Rear (Stoker) Stem 12 cm/10 deg (approx)
  • Shimano Bar-End Shifters
  • Seats - Avocet M30/W30
  • Front Brake - Shimano XT V-Brake
  • Rear Brake - Shimano LX Cantilever
  •  Front Derailer - Shimano XTR FD M950
  • Rear Derailer - Shimano XTR RD M950
  • Crankset - Specilized (low Q) tandem 175mm/170mm 54/44/32 
  • Tires - Panaracer Pasela Tourguard 32mm (80% tread, sides drying out).
Extras:
  • Avocet 45tt Computer (works, needs battery)
  • Bullhorn stem (option for stoker)
  • 12cm original flat steel stem (quill is quite rusty)
  • Matching halves of Dia Compe 287/287V Brake Levers (NIB)
  • Suspension Seatpost (option for stoker)
  • Suntour Superbe Brake Levers
Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale

Co-Motion Double Espresso for sale