Polyvalent Geometry and Details

 

 

Sent to you by Andy via Google Reader:

 

 

Polyvalent Geometry and Details

via The Velo ORANGE Blog by Chris Kulczycki on 10/6/09

Since The Polyvalent frames are done and waiting for a ship, here are more details. (The above photo is of Kyle's early prototype and daily rider).

Size (cm, c-t-t)	Seat Tube (incl. extension mm)	Top Tube (c-t-c, mm)	Head Tube Angle (degrees)	Seat Tube Angle (degrees)	Chain Stays (mm)	Fork Offset (mm)	BB Drop (mm)
51	530	540	73	72	440	63	67
54	560	560	73	72	440	63	67
57	590	590	73	72	445	63	67
60	620	610	73	72	445	63	67

• The idea behind this frame is that it is a city bike that's capable of being used for cyclo-touring or even light trail riding. Polyvalent is French for "general-purpose".
  
• The frame is a low trail (39mm), French inspired design, much like our Gentleman semi-custom frame. It is designed for front loads.
  
• The color is dark gray. Carbon?
  
• The wheels are 650b. That's really the best choice for riding on bumpy city streets.
• Maximum tire size with fenders is around 44mm.
• The rear dropouts are short horizontal dropouts. The reason we used short horizontal dropouts is to allow internal hubs and single speed wheels to be used without the need for a chain tensioner. Longer dropouts would make wheel removal difficult on a fendered bike
• There is a kickstand plate.
• A spring between the kickstand plate and the front of the rear fender allows the fender to flex forward for wheel removal, while maintaining proper fender line.
• Instead of shifter bosses on the down tube, there are cable housing stops under it. I don't think many folks will want to use down tube shifters on this frame and the stops look much cleaner, especially if the frame is set up with internal gearing or as a single speed.
• The tubing is all double butted CR-MO in traditional, not modern oversize, diameters. This makes for a supple and comfortable ride (not to mention the whole planing issue).
• The rear brake cable housing is uninterrupted. You can sit on the top tube at the cafe without fear of bare cable marring the paint, or your work pants. The cable is not run under the top tube so as not to dig into your shoulder when carrying the bike up the steps to your apartment.
• $450 plus shipping. We'll work out a way to do pre-orders soon.

Here are a few photos taken at the factory:

 

 

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Velo ORANGE Blog using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites