This past Saturday we had a tent set up to shoe the Ramblers at a local cross race. That combined with a couple of other factors had me under tight deadlines to get a new 61 cm Orange Soda Rambler built up for the demo fleet.
Friday night ran long, like 3 AM long with a 5:30 wake up call. I was able to have the bike built and rolling, most of the details in place too. I am really happy with how this one turned out. It is the replacement for the 63 US Blue that I tore down and shipped to Australia last month. Most of the components came from that build. I will probably be rebuilding a bit, refining the cable runs, front rack gets here this week, fenders and tail light. Even with all that left to do, it is a perfectly functional Rambler. It actually is much lighter without all that other stuff, and still has me wishing I had ridden to farmers market today to stuff the panniers.
This build is also a good study in color. You all probably know by now that we have a lot of fun around here with the colored details. I have been studying up on color theory, much more planning of the builds, and less random combinations. This build was intended to be an triadic analog, with the Orange as the driving color and the red and tan (tire sidewalls) framing that out. There was a last minute switch to the green headset, that gives you an idea what a difference contrast can make as compared to analog. Tiger Color has a really good page explaining much of the color theory stuff we should have learned back in grade school. Now on to the pictures:
Bikes like this end up as riders for us, and demo rides for customers. Some things end up locked in with my preferences, Barcons begin one of them. I may swap the headset for a red one, may leave the green, still thinking that one through.
Interesting stuff, that color theory.
I’m pretty picky about color matching.
When I got my orange Rambler I had switch from red Hetres to black because the red didn’t look right to me!
Had a quick look at the colour theory stuff, but not so sure I agree with all of it. Complementary colours look good IMHO, and black, white and silver go with everything. I’m not too keen on non-black tyres/handlebar tape/saddles as they will try hard to become black whatever one does. The red bits are bearable, but that green headset(!); the cups are upside down too, unless you’re making an anti-monarchy comment…
The stripy headset spacers are quite cool, but I’m thinking if the aim was to have the accents jar, then maybe bright blue might be a better choice than red/green, with white/yellow/black the more tasteful options (IMHO).
Still, not everyone likes the same flavours, or music, so I’m sure somebody will like orange + green. They won’t be decorating my house though! 🙂
most os the theory is just that. I have done all silver, contrasting, analogs and all manner of mixing it up. I even just shipped the first Rambler with black Racers, that will be built up all black components by the owner. In general I learn and gage my results from social media feedback or interactions at events. That and pick frame colors that leave a variety of viable options.
The upside down thing is anti monarchy to put it politely. I sell their product, love the quality, the infrastructure and design that backs the parts, but there is something there that leaves you feeling a bit….hard to put to words, but in general I recommend the Cane Creek 110.
I think the red tire problem with your build is the subtle difference in the shade of orange. The orange soda is vibrant enough that the tires and tape work. There is no hard science in this, that is why it falls under Art Theory. Honestly I would have never done it in a million years, then I saw red Hetres on Jenny Oh’s Rambler and was swayed. That said I still want green tires before 2015 is out
Rob, can you tell us what your drivetrain set up is? Looks like you’ve got your White Industries 44×26 or 28, but what about the cassette? And what about the derailleur? Crank arm length?
Nice looking ride! I like the green.
Sportiest looking rambler yet, I love it. (I have mentally photoshopped-out that green head-set and we will never speak of it again!)
I never realised before now how well red and orange sit together.
I never realised before now how much I NEED a low-rider/dynamo/headlight front-end on my current bike.
– Antoine
This doesn’t help your intent for the post itself…. but, sometimes this sort of thing happens, if you’ll forgive me: It’s a fantastic looking bike! …but, who’s stem-mounted brushed, bespoke-looking bicycle bell is that??? Must… have…. fancy….. bell…!
Thanks!
It is a Spurcycle bell. We sell them retail in person or with Rambler builds. If local drop me a line otherwise you can find them at http://www.spurcycle.com/
Oh, and every detail in every pic is the intent, so thanks for looking….at all the details
Hi, what a butifull bike:-) what Bell is that?
Thanks. it is the Spur Cycle bell, http://www.spurcycle.com/
We are a dealer, but only sell to rambler customers and walk in traffic for the time being.
I don’t mean to be that guy.. but what front lower rack is that? A bruce gordon?
No problem, yes it is the BG lowrider. It matches up pretty well on the Rambler with the Nitto Mark’s rack as an upper