I was in my favorite bike shop this weekend to pick up some parts for my latest project of adding gears to my formerly single-speed mountain bike. The owner, Chris, had just gotten back from Interbike. Knowing my tastes for all things BOBish, he had to share with me this frame from a vendor he had seen at the trade show and about which he was really excited.
It’s a 650B all-rounder frameset from Rawland Cycles that comes as either a single-speed/fixed model or a geared model. It looks a little more rugged than some of the other 650B options out there now at the same price point like the Kogswell PR or the Rivendell Bleriot. Whereas those models I see as being good townie and randonneuring frames, the Rawland seems like it would like something a little dirtier, like some easy single track or some cyclocross. This is all purely speculation, of course, as I’ve only seen pictures, but the compact geometry, which I tend to hate for road bikes, works really well for mountain bike applications since it provides more standover clearance. The Rawland also uses cantilever brakes as opposed to caliper brakes, like the Bleriot. I’d trust the better stopping power cantis can afford more off-road. Though I suppose to be fair, the Rivendell equivalent for this would be more like the currently-in-development Bombadil, their 650B mountain bike.
Check out the biplane fork! They used to have those on old Bridgestone RB-1’s, I believe. I haven’t ridden one, but I hear it helps dampen road vibration. In fact, I’d say this bike is a modern descendant of the Bridgestone XO-1, which has somewhat of a cult following, but with more nods to modern design than Rivendell would normally go for (the compact geometry, threadless headset, and TIG-welded construction for instance).
And look at that track end with the built-in bottle opener and viking dragon! I am a sucker for little details like that. In fact, there’s a lot of viking and Norwegian theming going on. The single-speed model is called the Olaf, and the geared version is the Sogn.
I really have no need for a new bike, but if money and space weren’t an issue (and oh how they are right now), I’d be all over the Rawland bikes.
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Comments ( 5 )
Dr. J – that is a sweet looking ride. It reminds me of the old skool Bridgestone XO-1 too! I built up an old Rockhopper into something like this bike but it just doesn’t seem right. I think I need to forget it and start over with another frame/fork. BTW – I have seen your posts on livejournal in the bike pirates deal. If you’re interested I created a community on LJ called cyclocross. It would be great if you joined in and helped spread the love of bikes. Thanks!
Paul Avila added these pithy words on
Oct 02 07 at
2:36 pm
Are you the one that built up the “Roadhopper”? That thing was awesome! I’ll take a look at the cyclocross group. I don’t ride cyclocross myself as organized races never really appealed to me, but I it still looks like loads of fun. Plus cyclocross bikes are all pretty attractive looking in general.
Jon added these pithy words on
Oct 03 07 at
2:39 pm
I am not sure if you got the right Roadhopper person, I do have one tho. It’s an antique Rockhopper turned into a road rider. It has some swoopy bars and a rack on the back. This probably isn’t what you mean is it?
http://fiddy.com/bikes/rockhopper.htm
Paul added these pithy words on
Oct 05 07 at
10:38 pm
Oh, that is a different one. The one I’m thinking had compact geometry and was done up with drop bars.
Jon added these pithy words on
Oct 06 07 at
11:56 am
I rode the Sogn and it’s very, very, very sweet! So smooth riding! Better get one soon! Well worth your money!
Rush added these pithy words on
Feb 18 08 at
6:02 pm
