I’ve delivered the first of the CF framesets and the owner, Jeff, seemed quite pleased initially.  He’s going on a ride tomorrow to shake it down and get a better impression of it.  I hope the bike inspires him to ride more and more, getting out to explore as well as commuting daily.  Good riding Jeff.

I’m playing with the idea of doing another run of these.  I’ll probably offer a different approach, but the same idea of standard geometry (though expanding the selection) and perhaps a couple parts-lists to choose from.  Drop me a line or leave a comment if you have any interest.

Check out the photos of this first bike here.  The other bike is in progress and pics will be posted soon.

Among the hey-day of French Randonneuring, many big-time constructeurs offered bikes of lesser quality and distinction built with cheaper parts for customers at the urging of the FFCT (federation francaise de cyclotourisme). These projects were known as Cycles-Federal and were aimed at appealing to the masses, not just the doctors, politicians, and other professionals who sought the freedom of the open road via bicycle. It is with this history in mind that I am pleased to offer a C-F Branded frameset to you.

The Details:

I am planning on putting together a few frames at a budget price of $1500. These frames will be filet brazed and untouched by a file after brazing (or you can upgrade to a simple-lugs for an extra $250.) This includes Frame, Low Trail Fork, VO Roller bearing Headset, VO Fenders with proper hardware, Custom Front Rack and rack-bolts, and all necessary brazeons. They will be designed around the 650b x 42 Grand Bois Hetre, OR 700c x 30 Grand bois Cypres tires, Canti-Brakes and come in “stock” sizes. Powdercoated frames in your choice of color and front rack in powdercoated “black chrome.” Actual chrome plated rack adds $150 to the price. An example of a nice build, but keeping the budget in check can be had with SON generator forward lighting and Battery Operated rear lighting, DT friction shifting, Paul Components Jono Freewheel hub and a compact 2×7 drivetrain for an additional ~$1500-1750 complete of everything except pedals, saddle and bar tape. Full assembly, including wheel building will run at $400

Here’s the breakdown on sizing.

Top Tube – Seat Tube (measured Center-to-Center)  It’s best to size by Top Tube.  If these sizes don’t work for you, please let me know as I’m willing to tweak sizing a bit in this initial run.
61-63 Head Angle 73° Seat Angle 72° (slightly sloping TT)
59-60 Head Angle 73° Seat Angle 72°
57-58 Head Angle 73° Seat Angle 72°
55-56 Head Angle 73° Seat Angle 73°
53-54 Head Angle 73° Seat Angle 73°
51.5-51 Head Angle 72° Seat Angle 74° (optimized for 650x32B)

Kaisei Tubing will be used except in the ST of the largest size. “Nominal” 25.4mm Top Tube 28.6 Down and Seat tubes. .8-.5-.8 wall thickness as standard-heavier or lighter tubing available for certain riders where appropriate.

If interested, I’d like to have a $700 deposit by Jan 8. I’ll be finishing up other projects about then and can focus on this small run of frames. About 4 weeks later when I start building the project, I’d like to get half the remaining total. Delivery should be about mid April-early May. I have a total of 6 spots available, so act soon.

Happy Holidays and joyful riding in the new year.