Jim:

Attached are photos of my 2008 Toei Randonneur. ÊI've been wanting a randonneur specific bike since 1997. ÊI've talked to several builders and actually made three previous attempts to get a complete system. Ê ÊWith the american builders that I spoke to there was resistance with regard to the making or evenÊaccommodatingÊa seat tube tail light, Êthe rack(s), or the caliper mounts, the "eclariage san fil"(internal conductor between the fork and frame to conduct electricity inside the frame.ÊÊI got a Toei and my desires have been satisfied. ÊIt uses a Campagnolo drive train with a chorus rear derailleur, centaur front derailleur, chorus cassette, daytona brake/shift levers. ÊAnodized aluminum, which Campagnolo held the highest standard of implementation, was the driving theme. Ê It uses a 10 speed rear cassette, ÊTA Zephyr Cranks (50-40-30 chainrings). ÊMafac 2000 (engraved version) centerpull calipers. ÊToei Stem, Nitto bars, seat post and bottle cages. Honjo Fenders. Brooks B-17 saddle with a titanium frame. ÊI got the saddle before the economic spike devalued the dollar. ÊThe frame tubing is oversized on the top tube and down tube. ÊIt is 61 cm c-c along the seat tube. ÊIt handles nicely with a 10 lbs. load on the front end. ÊThe down side of a low trail bike is that it is more difficult to do track stands at traffic signals. ÊThe tires shown are Vittoria CX 25 mm. ÊAfter getting a puncture in the first 150 miles of riding I concluded that the tires are too tender for my fitness rides. ÊThey have been replaced with Panaracer Pasela Tour Guard and I've had no flats in 650 miles. ÊI haven't concluded whether or not it "planes" but I feel pretty fast on it.

Todd Teachout

thteach@sonic.net