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The initial problem is whom to choose to build your bike from the many professional builders whom all offer their individual unique service. It is only after considerable research one can converse with a number of builders to begin to whittle down the list until one begins to hear echoes of your own comprehensive research. Fully qualified engineers are a base requisite with a thorough understanding of not only a record of unique building attributes, but also a comprehensive knowledge of the various types of tubing and the finite understanding of their various modes of behavior. In the case of a true Randonneur that respects the geometric heritage of the the great French builders of the forties and fifties it is a wise move to study their creations if only to ensure that your assembled knowledge allows one to be able to converse with your builder upon the specific detail that a true Randonneur justly deserves. The alleged complex issues with regard to’trail’, both mechanical and pneumatic are not so complex as it appears many seem to make out, I have found that research into the subject makes the matter relatively simple so one has just to put in a little time and subsequently one is able to converse with confidence. Be aware of the many bikes that are fitted with a front carrier, but have no respect for their geometric heritage yet are allowed to be called a Randonneur. There is little point in naming those builders whom contact was made suffice to say that contact was made with the firm of Paulus Quiros, the partnership being comprised of Jonathan Paulus and Jose Quiros, and from the outset it was abundantly clear that their dedication to producing a Randonneur bike to the exacting geometric constraints such a bike demanded became clear from the very outset. It became even clearer and confirmed in my own mind when they asked if they could exhibit the bike at the Bristol Bespoke Hand Built Show 2013 and yet the construction was still on paper and many a component part were still under research. Further detailed discussion between us created a classical Randonneur essentially true to its heritage, geometrically correct, pneumatic and frame trail exact, to compliment its classical French Randonnuer inheritance. The extraordinary fact is that this bike was built by email and telephone, which is a further qualification of the partner’s abilities and my trust in both to produce a truly fine bike.
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| A truly classical photograph which gives a view of nearly all features of my Randonneur, through the front wheel spokes to nearly under the bottom bracket, much detail of the Low Trail frame, the bespoke hand built carriers, the high flange hubs and many other components. |
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| This great photograph shows much of the rear end unique to the builders inclusive of the superb Gaudi in stainless steel providing the stop for the rear brake cable. The detail of the exacting rear view of the seat post binder bolt and the rear of the lug combined with the 'Dragon Fly' finish stays show engineering at its very best.The unique fittings and design of the rear carrier simply compliment the frame finished in stainless steel. The Grand Bois Hetre 42mm tires are just visible under the rear stainless mudguard, also the centre pull brakes by Dia Compe. |
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| The front end showing the fork dropouts, the detail of the high flange hubs and skewers, and the excellent detail of how the front carrier has been fixed showing considerable thought in the design to provide for the very fine detail. |
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| Here we have the detail of the Rene Herse triple chain wheel and the Lyotard type platform pedals and the whole complimented by the unique hand built bespoke toe clips fitted with 'Brooks' 1930's original toe straps. |
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| Here is my 650b Low Trail Randonneur photographed just after the 2013 Bristol Hand Built Show where she was exhibited along with a number of very fine bikes from the Paulus Quiros stable.The fact that she has been photographed against a very light colour has begun to loose a little of the depth of her main colour, namely Ivory. Much detail is visible and in particular the Bespoke hand built carriers with their fine curvature, and the handlebars being correctly set to be parallel with the top tube so giving an easy reach from any position to the brake levers. Just visible are the neatly wrapped bottle cages in strip leather to prevent 'bottle rattle'. The 42mm Grand Bois H'etre tires show clearly and whilst not only providing for a comfortable ride, also seemingly enhance the completed bike by showing the obvious low trail features. Other detail is the Rene Herse triple, the Lyotard Tyoe pedals, the Campagnolo front and rear transmission and not forgetting the high specification Randonneur classically built frame. |
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| The 650b On show on the Paulus Quiros stand at the Vulpine Cyclo Games at the Oval Place, Hackney, London E2 where many other fine builders were showing their wares in a Christmas easy going atmosphere where food and drink and old friends met up prior to the 2014 season. |
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| Another view of my Randonneur being exhibited at the Vulpine Cyclo Games in the East End of London just Prior to Christmas 2013 |
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