Mike’s touring bike

March 23, 2019

When I started building bikes at Circle A Cycles, my friend Mike was an early supporter of mine. I think the bike I built for him was one of my first 10 that I made. I was excited when he wanted a new bike from me. The first one I had built for him was a single speed and this one was to be for more adventure/touring purposes.

I had been playing around with a Charlie Cunningham inspired set of lever-link brakes that work on the MAFAC Raid/Compass/Grand Bois pivot spacing (instead of U-brake posts). Mike’s bike seemed to be an ideal candidate to test these out. I wasn’t about to cut into my own list to make a bike for myself! Mike was onboard to be the guinea pig which I was thankful for. These brakes are much more work to make than the cantilever brakes I’ve made in the past. On top of that, they look a little strange. But they are indeed effective. I didn’t get to take his bike on epic journeys but I plan on using his feedback if I decide to make any more sets.

Aside from the brakes, Mike let me have fun with the carving of the Pacenti Artisan lugs. I’ve used these lugs plenty of times before but they come out a little different every time. I was pleased with the way this set turned out but especially the seat lug. There’s something about a long point that is just elegant.

Dynamo lighting, integrated pump, third set of bottle bosses, and detachable lowrider racks make this one a candidate for some fun touring adventures. Mike has already sent me some shots of the bike in beautiful places and I can’t wait to see where it takes him next!