![]() ![]() Both mine & R’s would use an internal hub gear (IHG) for the ease, the ability to change gear whilst stationary would be incredibly useful especially for R as kids don’t always plan in advance when they stop, for me being able to do so whilst fully loaded seemed a no brainer. I’d spent a long time planning the wheels. ![]() With all components in hand I went about measuring and ordering the spokes from Ryan Builds Wheels and picked them up a few days later from his new workshop. I also had an old Shimano Deore XT disc hub for the front which needed a new axle and bearing cones. This was tricky as it needed to be 32 spoke holes to match the limited supply of available rims of decent quality in that size eventually finding a great price from an obscure online German shop with the aid of translation. ![]() I also sourced a rollerbrake for him but quickly realised this was unsuitable so upgraded to an Alfine 8 hub for discs. Alfine 11 and Shimano dynamo for me with 622ERD (700c) rims. The first wave arrived, the running gear rims and hubs. I got hold of the BBC and ordered 2x home kits with custom design having given every dimension I could think of: the components, the purpose of the bikes (tourers) and all the extra add ons. He was growing quick so allowed some growing space for the future, from this I determined his crank length. Then measured my bikes for reference and all R’s dimensions I thought would helpful: height, inside leg, effective leg length. First I went about determining all the components I’d need. So I decided to make bamboo ones to my spec. R was fast out growing his Islabike, a well proportioned steed for a kid’s geometry. And it wasn’t ideal for loaded touring as the frame had no fittings for racks it was a bit whippy. This was my first road bike and my workhorse. Up to now I’d been using my 1984 Claud Butler Sierra. From the search I also came across the Bamboo Bicycle Club (BBC) I wanted to go on one of their weekend courses but couldn’t find the time. ![]()
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