This is my homemade 650C single-speed bike. I built the frame and fork myself, from Dedacciai steel tubing. The frame is TIG welded and brass brazed, and the fork is silver brazed.

The bike uses long reach brakes (47-57 mm), so I can use either 650C (ed. note: 571 bsd) or 26-inch MTB wheels. Currently, I'm running Michelin Pro Race 650C x 23 mm tires on 28-hole Deep-V rims. The rims are laced 2x with Wheelsmith DB14 spokes to White hubs - an ENO in the rear and an MI5 in the front.

I have a 54-tooth chainring and a 22-tooth White freewheel, which yields about 60 gear inches. That seems about right to me for long rides in the hills.

The sprung Brooks Champion Flyer saddle takes all the sharp edges off the bumps!

Tony Rentschler

New York, NY

w.rentschler@mac.com
www.tonyrentschler.com