How about a video on some of your equipment? That helmet light looks interesting, also the bike computer that was shown in your previous video. You're obviously a very experienced randonneur, I'd like to see the things you're using as they must obviously work well for you.
Hello, first of all; great video's! Second; what brand of front rack is on the bicycle? The front light location looks perfect to me, (clearly visible on 3:58 in the video) opposed to some racks that I have seen (including R Herse's) where the front light is positioned lower and backwards, and thus will throw a shadow from the front wheel on the road.
JC: That rack was built for the bike by the Alex Singer shop. It had a different (vintage) headlight when I bought it, which I replace with a more modern light when I installed the front dyno hub. My other Singer, which is a bit older, has a similar rack. That bike’s rack was built to accommodate a specific type of French headlight, so left that light on (replaced with bulb with a small LED) and added an Edelux on the other side. You can see my other Singer in this video at about 1:32: ua-cam.com/video/hOebfZqqynI/v-deo.html
I have a Gilles Berthoud frame that was built for another gentlemen, with mostly similar geometry, except the chainstays are shorter, to the point the fender mounts directly against the seat tube. I am unsure of the thinking behind this, since the front end has more low trail geometry similar to your Singer. Any experience or thoughts behind the choices made for this frame? Previous owner passed away so no opportunity to pick his brain.
He may have wanted a frame with specific handling characteristics? Other than that, I don't see why you would want to put stays that short on a randonneuring bike.
Yes. Most important is that the bike is comfortable to ride, dependable, can be repaired on the road, and has a good lighting system. Any bike that meets those criteria can be used for randonneuring.
I have had four 531 frames break, thro normal use, cracks in chain stay, seat tube other areas. I dont rate it as a frame material however I do know people riding 65 yr old 531 frames.
I like the tires. They come in the Extra Leger and standard versions (EL costs more), but I don't find much difference between the two. I've used both types on many, many rides. The bike is an Alex Singer, not a Rene Herse. Thanks for watching!
I've been using Crank Bros pedals for many years. I like being able to walk in my shoes, and I appreciate the fact that these pedals are very durable and relatively impervious to dirt, mud, etc. Should they wear out, you can buy replacement bearings and seals, which are easy to install.
Not sure what you mean by modern handlebars. I assume you mean STI/Ergo levers for modern brake levers. Braking and hand position is identical between the older style brake levers he is using and new STI/Ergo levers. The levers mount in the exact same position and you grab both types with your hands in the exact same way. Only difference is with the shifting. With his downtube levers you have to move your hand down to the downtube shifter to shift gears. With modern STI/Ergo, you can keep your hands on the bars if you are riding on the hoods or in the drops. Of course if you are riding the tops with your hands either side of the stem, then you have to move your hands too.
You're making the assumption here that we all have more than one bike to choose from! It wouldn't do any harm to mention that any well maintained bike will do.
Yes-see PBP Tips #15, in which I talk more generally about bikes and what works for PBP. As I point out, people have ridden PBP successfully on some very interesting bicycles ranging from push-bikes to 1900s singlespeeds.
Beautiful bike. Getting back into the sport after a decade off. Looking forward to your vids.
How about a video on some of your equipment? That helmet light looks interesting, also the bike computer that was shown in your previous video. You're obviously a very experienced randonneur, I'd like to see the things you're using as they must obviously work well for you.
+1 for equipment video
Absolutely beautiful bike!
Gorgeous bike!!
Hello, first of all; great video's! Second; what brand of front rack is on the bicycle? The front light location looks perfect to me, (clearly visible on 3:58 in the video) opposed to some racks that I have seen (including R Herse's) where the front light is positioned lower and backwards, and thus will throw a shadow from the front wheel on the road.
JC: That rack was built for the bike by the Alex Singer shop. It had a different (vintage) headlight when I bought it, which I replace with a more modern light when I installed the front dyno hub. My other Singer, which is a bit older, has a similar rack. That bike’s rack was built to accommodate a specific type of French headlight, so left that light on (replaced with bulb with a small LED) and added an Edelux on the other side.
You can see my other Singer in this video at about 1:32: ua-cam.com/video/hOebfZqqynI/v-deo.html
That is a beautiful bike.
That fork, those lugs, that TA crankset...
*drool*
Thanks! It is a wonderful bike. Recently rode it from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, and it made the ride so much more enjoyable.
I have a Gilles Berthoud frame that was built for another gentlemen, with mostly similar geometry, except the chainstays are shorter, to the point the fender mounts directly against the seat tube. I am unsure of the thinking behind this, since the front end has more low trail geometry similar to your Singer. Any experience or thoughts behind the choices made for this frame? Previous owner passed away so no opportunity to pick his brain.
He may have wanted a frame with specific handling characteristics? Other than that, I don't see why you would want to put stays that short on a randonneuring bike.
Thanks much for ur sharing! What kind of tyres and tyre width ure using in this bike?
What kind of front light is that one? Can you tell me the model?
A Fuji touring could works also ?
Yes. Most important is that the bike is comfortable to ride, dependable, can be repaired on the road, and has a good lighting system. Any bike that meets those criteria can be used for randonneuring.
@@campyonlyguy Fantastic ! Thanks a lot ,🚴🇮🇹
I have had four 531 frames break, thro normal use, cracks in chain stay, seat tube other areas. I dont rate it as a frame material however I do know people riding 65 yr old 531 frames.
What rims did you use on this beautiful bike?
Hello Sir. I notice you have Extra Leger tires on the bike. How does it performs in long distance ride? Is it Rene Herse?
I like the tires. They come in the Extra Leger and standard versions (EL costs more), but I don't find much difference between the two. I've used both types on many, many rides.
The bike is an Alex Singer, not a Rene Herse.
Thanks for watching!
Please, how much does it weight your bike ?
It's been a while since I put the bike on a scale! Totally unloaded (bags on but empty, not water in the bottles) it's about 25-26 pounds.
Any insight to your choice in pedals?
I've been using Crank Bros pedals for many years. I like being able to walk in my shoes, and I appreciate the fact that these pedals are very durable and relatively impervious to dirt, mud, etc. Should they wear out, you can buy replacement bearings and seals, which are easy to install.
Super beau vélo !!!!
But is it campy?
It's what works ...
Why not modern handlebars and brake levers? This setup is so bad for braking and hand position
Not sure what you mean by modern handlebars. I assume you mean STI/Ergo levers for modern brake levers. Braking and hand position is identical between the older style brake levers he is using and new STI/Ergo levers. The levers mount in the exact same position and you grab both types with your hands in the exact same way. Only difference is with the shifting. With his downtube levers you have to move your hand down to the downtube shifter to shift gears. With modern STI/Ergo, you can keep your hands on the bars if you are riding on the hoods or in the drops. Of course if you are riding the tops with your hands either side of the stem, then you have to move your hands too.
You're making the assumption here that we all have more than one bike to choose from! It wouldn't do any harm to mention that any well maintained bike will do.
Yes-see PBP Tips #15, in which I talk more generally about bikes and what works for PBP. As I point out, people have ridden PBP successfully on some very interesting bicycles ranging from push-bikes to 1900s singlespeeds.