bike build custom bike cutlass velo Forever Bikes randonneur touring bike

Keith Barr Randonneur

2 comments by Igor Shteynbuk

by Igor

 
I first met Keith Barr at Cutlass Velo's open house back in 2019. He brought this gorgeous, raw randonneur he had been working on. Fully integrated racks, fenders, all of the braze-ons, and lots of custom machined pieces. Fast forward a few months and I had stopped by Cutlass once again to bother Tommy and lo' and behold, the randonneur was in the stand getting buttoned up for D2R2. The warm lighting and beautiful wood tones of the historic, converted mansion really exemplified Bryan Myer's (Fresh Frame) copper paint and oodles of silver components.

From Keith:

"Amelia’s travel bike was functionally built as a randonneuring machine that can accommodate custom carriers front and rear for occasional fully loaded touring. Built from Columbus, KVA, Reynolds, and Vari-Wall, the tubing selections were based on a combination function, aesthetic, and nostalgia. Though strong, the rider’s challenges with a structural knee issue prescribed a few aspects of the front end. The bike needed to climb well at low speeds under load with zero pedal overlap. The low trail (35mm) helps to keep the fender away from toes and work with the rider on ascents. From an aesthetic perspective, I love some of the old stamped Prugnat lugs, though the function of the old seat lugs are pretty lacking, so I added a proper binder, a few fillets, and a new point to these S4s. To make things a little cleaner in the rear, the S&S couplers presented the unique opportunity to easily thread the rear brake cable through the seat tube. I really had fun with the build, so there are a number of less than necessary embellishments throughout. Bryan Myers at Fresh Frame set it off with some pretty amazing paint. Cutlass Velo in Baltimore built up some badass wheels with Velocity Atlas hoops, White Industries T11, and SON Delux SL hubs. The Velo Orange Grand Cru Stem with Brass Bell really fit well with the feel of this bike, and I love the VO Retro Cages."

 
Polished, stainless wraparounds, filled lug windows, and filed lugwork make the seat cluster a real beauty.

 
 The rear brake is routed internally through the top tube and pierces the seat tube. Love the cable stop.




More filled windows around the dropouts.



Keith opted for our Grand Cru Leather Handlebar Tape.


While Keith is planning on making a stem, he opted for our Grand Cru Quill Stem and a Brass Temple Bell until his custom one is completed.


Double Retro Water Bottle Cages.


The original TA crankset hardware wasn't great, even new. So he swapped it out for our 50.4 Hardware. It all works perfectly with his 11 speed Campagnolo Potenza group.


Keith made a whole touring rack set, but opted for a simple handlebar bag for the ride.







Dave of Waxwing Bags made the classic handlebar bag.


All in all it's a fantastically capable and beautiful ride. Happy riding!

2 comments

  • Jon Michael Ross

    wow. what a bicycle. perfect.

  • Matteo

    Complimenti. La bellezza estrema sintetizzata in questa bellissima bici. Complimenti ancora.❤️

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