57 Sunflower Porteur

This past week I built up a 57cm Sunflower Rambler as a Portuer.  What is commonly referred to as a “city bike” these days, the Porteur has deep roots as a French newspaper delivery bike.  Optimized for getting stacks of newspapers out to the stands around Paris, the Porteur is optimized for speed and all day comfort in the urban environment, yet still able to handle well with exceptional front loads, i.e. a stack of newspapers.  THis translates into an excellent bike for most people who carry a varying load throughout the day, have a stop and go radius under 10 miles and prefer the comfort and added visibility of an upright position, think commuter.

This build has been well received on our social media channels with requests for more info on some of the details.  The build was a mix of price points, focused on a safe and transportational ride that will see daily use in Santa Clarita as well as longer weekend explorations.  Pictures tell the rest of the story…

11.1 57 Porteur-1030327 11.1 57 Porteur-1030332 11.1 57 Porteur-1030334 11.1 57 Porteur-1030335 11.1 57 Porteur-1030336 11.1 57 Porteur-1030337 11.1 57 Porteur-1030343 11.1 57 Porteur-103034711.1 57 Porteur bar-1140872

Blemish Rambler Sale

Update, Both Bikes Have sold – Thanks!

We have two Rambler blemish frame sets that are on the storefront at what I think is a smoking deal.  $1049 with free US Shipping until November 1, 2013.

In all mechanical ways these are the same as our first quality Ramblers.  They have a couple of blemishes in the Powder Coat that made it through the QC system.  While I could go through the work of sending them back through, I thought I would offer them up at our cost to get otherwise perfectly good bikes out into the wild.

The True Red 55 has complete coverage of powder.  One of the challenges with the clear top coat has been the pigment layer pulling back at sharp edges.  The clear provides the needed coating, and there is no bare metal exposed to the elements.  The look for lack of a better word is antiqued.  The pictures tell the story.

The Orange Soda 63 has the similar issue with pulling back of the color layer, though not as prominent as the True Red.  In addition there are two small spots where there was either a spec of dirt or un-sanded nub on the steel, resulting in a raised bump/protrusion in the coating.  The flaws are about the size of a mechanical pencil lead.  They can be touched up with clear nail polish, and will not impair the performance of the frame.

Both bikes include the Paul Racer Brakes, and are being sold as is.

This is a heck of a deal IMO.  If you wanted you could even get the farm chemical stripped and wet painted and still come out under the cost of our current Ramblers.

10.24 blems WP-1140753 10.24 blems WP-1140755 10.24 blems WP-1140756 10.24 blems WP-1140757 10.24 blems WP-1140760 10.24 blems WP-1140761 10.24 blems WP-1140763 10.24 blems WP-1140765

Rambler Price Increase

7.30 Yellow Frame-1110224Price moving from $1650 to $1799 August 1, 2013

In recent travels there has been an overwhelming consensus that Rambler exceeds expectations and that the current pricing sells the Rambler, us and the shops short on the true value of the Frame set with Paul Racer Brakes.  Along those lines we will be implementing a new retail direct and Minimum Advertised Price of $1799.  The price will go into effect on August 1, 2013.  All existing deposits placed prior to then will be honored at the existing price of $1650.  If you have been thinking about getting one, there is no time like the next two days to place your deposit.

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.

Plan Coming Together

Having been a maker of things most of my life, it becomes evident that you only have yourself to blame when a thing does not turn out as intended.  When in the role of designer there are more aspects to consider, more hands touching the finished piece.  Clear communication is key.  With the design of integrated or “Rando” style bikes a fair amount of the detailing is in the fork: the physical dimensions, the aesthetic of the bend in the blades, the location of wire guides, rack mounts brake bosses and clearances for fender at the top.  If this was easy you would see more of these style fork.  Even in a production setting, there has to be extreme attention to detail and repeatability.

The first of the 700c forks from this batch were used as samples for our new powder coater.  That went fantastic.  The next step was using one of the forks to replace the one on Rambler No.1. I want to make sure that I have hands on experience with every aspect of a frame set that will be sent out to a customer.  Building one into a bike now ensures that I will have experienced most challenges prior to a customer.

While practice helps, this was my fastest assembly yet.  Everything was as it should be, brakes, wheel, fenders, racks, lights and headset crown race all went right into place.

7.18 Fork WP-1140229All of the details came together.  The Nitto Mark’s rack and Bruce Gordon Lowriders bolted right up with no need for modification or adapter plates.  Our own custom rack design is still off in the distance a bit.

7.18 Fork WP-1140221The new stainless steel dropouts we selected have perfect clearances for the fender p clips and rack lower mount.  The inner faces are masked and the wheel slides in with ease

7.18 Fork WP-1140222The wire guides on the right fork blade perfectly fit the newer 3mm coaxial light wires and easily pass the traditional 2 conductor wires.

7.18 Fork WP-1140223At the crown I used a star nut inserted into the bottom with a couple of washers and a traditional rubber washer gasket for vibration absorption.  The crown race mounted straight and snug using a slide hammer.

7.18 Fork WP-1140228The results?  A fast build that will help both the shop and home mechanic get the job done without a struggle.  Rando bikes have a reputation for being fiddly to assemble, but that does not have to be the case if the frame set has everything in the proper place, as does the Rambler.

7.18 Fork WP-1140220After all of that the final aspect is the ride, and it delivers, smooth and easy, no rattles or loose bits.  I am looking forward to pushing this fork for a long time.  Proto No1. served well for over a year, but it is nice having everything perfect, as it should be for you as well.