Hey Jim - Here is another one for your consideration...

Full custom Capricorn by Brad Wilson http://www.capricornbicycles.com/
Patterned after a 1954 Alex Singer featured in Bicycle Quarterly

56cm ST, 54cm TT 73/73
80mm BB Drop / 430mm CS
1" threaded HT
60mm Rake / 40mm trail (with 30mm Grand Bois 700c Tires)

Hand carved Pacenti Artisan Lugs
Custom Front Rack Carved Paragon DO's
Carved Crown
Internal Rear Brake Routing / Internal Wiring

Nitto TechDlx. 100mm Stem / 44cm Nitto #177
Thomson Post / Brooks B17
Cane Creek Drop V Levers / Kelly Take Offs / Ultegra 8spd Bar End Shifter
Cateye Wireless Strada
Campagnolo Brazeon Front Derailleur / XT Mid-Cage RD w/ Avid Rollamajig
TA Pro 5Vis w/ 50/36 / Phil ISO 125mm: 138mm Tread

Paul Motolite Linear Pull Brakes
Velo Orange Grand Cru Headset
Nitto Touring Cages

Phil Cassette / Sunrace 8spd 12-30
Schmidt Son 28 Generator Hub
Open Pro 32 hole Rims / Sapim Laser Spokes / Sapim Alloy Nipples
Grand Bois Cypress 700c X 30mm Tires, 60lbs.

Schmidt Edelux / Seculite Plus Lights

Honjo Fenders from Velo Orange - Front is extra long for better protection of the front bag in the rain / VO Leather Washers VO Constructeur Decaleur / Gilles Berthoud GB25 Front Bag
Rivendell Burrito Wrap under saddle
Topeak Frame Pump

I have put about 250 miles on the bike within the first week of its completion. I have ridden it in the rain and on nice days. I have had it up to 50.4mph. I have carved tight downhill switchbacks at 35mph. Ridden it downhill at 30mph no hands. I usually have about 10lbs in the bag and 60lbs in the tires. It runs out smooth and stable in all conditions and at all speeds. It is a joy to lay over GP motor style and rail corners. It is a great friend on climbs and leaves me feeling exhilarated for the downhill payoff. Brad Wilson was an attentive builder who studied the Randonnee genre to produce a fully integrated modern classic. I assembled the parts and the ease of assembly is a testament to the forethought Brad put into each of the details like bridge placement, the internal wiring, the rack, etc. Everything just fell into place. The most difficult part was running the wire for the rear light through the fender bead - it took several hours and many beers!

The top and downtubes are oversize but ultra thin 747 butting profiles like the bikes Lyon build for BQ's Double Blind Planing experiment article. I have nothing to compare as my last bikes were a Ramboullet and a Kogswell PR - but this bike does have a feel that I have not ever experienced. Maybe it is in my mind, but it does feel light and lively when cranking up a hill. It does not shimmy at any speed. I have ridden it up to 50mph in a full tuck with my hands on the tops near the stem and it was as stable as it is riding the white line at 20. I have had my hands off the bars on a downhill and looked at the clock to see no shimmy at 30mph! It is wild that these guys knew what they were doing so long ago - like the Beatles - the music endures!

countrybicycle@gmail.com