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.

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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

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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.

Porteur Makeover

This last week I was able to get the 51 Rambler switched over from its original drop bar build:

There was nothing really wrong with the way the bike was built up, and it fit my wife well.  The thing is, it just was not how she wanted to use the bike.  She prefers to sit upright, be able to put our minpin in a front basket of sorts, but still have the bike preform at a high level.  I sourced some new parts, others were already on hand, and set to work on the conversion.

It came out fantastic.  Some details worth note.  The Wald bars work just fine with bar end shifters.  The newish Tektro city levers are stylish and work great with the Paul Racers.  The Pari Moto tires were swapped for a set of Soma B-lines to add a bit more durability as well as the look of the red tires.  The Porteur rack is a Soma Fab offering as well.  I modified it slightly so that it worked more gracefully with the front dropouts as well as having a couple of struts welded on for mounting the top end to the crown bosses.  The whole thing is rock solid.  The cherry on top is the new Crane mini hammer strike bell.

Only a few test ride miles in so far, but all smiles.  I still need to do a final wrap on the grips and work out a basket or box for the dog, but it is pretty close to her dream bike at this point.

Taunting

While I am keeping all the plates spinning, working on what I can while waiting for the big brown truck to show up tomorrow.  I stop to check my inbox, and find this:

Thanks David, I love the pics, but now the clock seems to be going even slower while I keep clicking on refresh for the tracking number 😉

T-Shirt Feedback

I am working through an order for my first run of t-shirts and the options are a bit overwhelming for something that should be so simple.  I know what I want to do for the art, first round of shirts will be a simple 5″ square logo on the chest.  The Dark blue area will be replaced with the color of the shirt and the text or line art will be in a contrasting color.

The next step is where things get to be a bit much.  I know what I like, but that is not always what others do.  Then there are all the social, environmental and stylistic issues that play into the mix; i.e. organic, made in the U.S.A., fit color etc.  It seems you can get one of the three, sometimes two, but never the whole thing.

I am leaning towards the US made Royal and Navy options or the non US made version in Gold this one gets some of the high viability gains for actual riding without being, ….. well kind of gross the way some yellows can be if you know what I mean.  There is more in the works, but some thoughts and feedback would be appreciated.

I want to give you what you want!