Noel’s green machine

Noel is a very accomplished randonneur from Seattle.  He owns a few nice bikes, including a nice 650B bike that he got several years ago, so I was flattered when he asked me to make him another one.  He had a pretty clear idea in mind of what he was after, and since I’ve ridden a lot of miles with him I also had some ideas about what I thought would work well.

The bike has many of the usual details appreciated by randonneurs- a dynamo lighting system powered by a Schmidt hub with automatic connectors, lightweight tubeless 650bx42 tires, aluminum fenders, removeable lowrider racks for weekend trips…the only real surprise was the color!  I had expected something a little more subdued and would not have chosen the bright green, but I really like it.  Great choice Noel, see you on the road!

Raw materials.

Lower headlug, re-shaped.

Taking shape!

Making the indent where the fender attaches under the fork crown, just one of the many small details in a proper aluminum fender installation.

Just needs pedals!

Top end of Lezyne pump, Compass brake. I make a special modification to these pumps to allow mounting between pegs instead of with the awful clip they come with.

Bottom end of Lezyne pump, MAP dropout.