Curto Cycles 1999 Advanced Mountaineer

Greetings Jim and all!

For your review-. In 2005 I converted my 1999 Curtlo custom Advanced Mountaineer mountain bike (fillet-brazed, triple butted and air-hardened (True Temper OX Gold) to a 21st century interpretation of an English three speed English touring bike. I wanted to evoke the1960's/1970's Raleigh touring bikes while using up-to-date materials.

Since I ride mostly rails-to-trails, the Curtlo frame was perfectly suited to the task, especially with its curved seat stays. I decided to forego a more traditional touring frame and keep the Advanced Mountaineer. (Think Thorn Touring bikes from SJS Cycles of England with its mountain bike frames-sloping top tube, 1 1/8 inch steerer).

This hand-built Curtlo has gone through several permutations. The only thing NOT changed from the original setup from 1999 are the wheels - Mavic 217 rims, White Industry hubs and Wheelsmith DB spokes - those and the Avid Arch supreme brakes (no longer made - alas!).

The Olive Green Metallic and cream panel paint job is courtesy of Assenmacher Cycle shop right here in Michigan; again meant to be reminiscent of 1960's and 70's raleigh touring bikes. The original paint was British racing green.

Here's the specs for those wanting to know:
Brooks sprung B67 saddle on a Kalloy Laprade seatpost;
1 X 9 setup: XT 9-spd cassette with a Sram 9-spd X-9 derailer;
Middleburn single chainring crankset;
MKS 1970's style rat trap pedals with reflectors - (Raleigh Touring bikes used this type of pedal);
XTR brake and derailler cables in gray;
FSA titanium bottom bracket;
Sram X-0 9-spd thumb shifter (Again meant to replicate the famous Sturmey Archer three speed internal gear hub only in nine speeds; both thumb shifters!);
Nitto North Road handlebar - also known as an Albatross bar for you Rivendell folks;
Vintage 1970's white grips;
Chris King Headset;
Dimension Stem;
Carradice Barley Saddlebag;
NOS Nylon whitewall tires 1.75 off of ebay;
Fork: Tange Infinity.

I may switch over to Schwalbe Returner tires (balloon tires) with a non-sprung B-68 later this summer.

laurencep@comcast.net