Ahearne Cycles

generator front hub

Stainless Steel Touring Bike

News, TouringJoseph Ahearne3 Comments

This bike has gotten a lot of attention so far in its short life. People seem to like shiny things, and this one does indeed shine. Beyond being blindingly bright, there are so many details that I figured I ought to lay it out for those who might be interested. The bike is mostly finished. There are a couple more bags that need to be made, and a decaleur that will mount off the stem -- in this sense it is still a work in progress. So, here's the low-down:Stainless Steel Touring

Spork Head Tube BadgeThe frame and fork are made from KVA stainless steel. The split-plate fork crown is made from laser cut stainless.  The racks and stem are made from chromoly steel, and were polished and chromed.

The bike has 26" wheels (international standard -- this is a touring bike, after all), disc brakes, a connectorless front generator hub made by Schmidt. That means that there is no plug to worry about when changing a flat tire. The wire runs from the inner face of the dropout directly into the fork leg. The front and rear lights are powered off the hub, and the wiring is all internal.Breakaway Binder

The frame is a breakaway style, with a coupler on the down tube, and a breakaway point on the seat tube. The seat post is integral to the structure of this system, which is brilliant and simple (No, I didn't invent this. Neither did Tom Ritchey -- it came from way further back than even his design). The seat stays come in below the seat tube breaking point, and the rear rack stays attach higher up on the seat tube, where seat stays would normally be. This gives the bike the appearance of having a traditional rear triangle, and serves to support the rear rack. 

Front Rack & LightThe front rack has an upper deck that can be used intependantly of the low riders, which are detachable. The rack supports the fender and the front light. The rear rack has an integrated u-lock holder. Notice the leather sleeve on the lock shackle. This was made by Dirt Jr., right here in Portland. I plan to put these up for sale on my website soon. They look so much nicer than what comes with the lock. We're working on a vegan option as well. 

Rear Rack & Lock HolderThe frame uses traditional tubing dimensions (1" top tube; 1 1/8" down & seat tubes), and has a straight truss, or second, top tube. This supports the head tube and seat tube, stabilizing the ride for weight bearing, particularly when the bike is fully loaded with bags. The space between the two top tubes was an ideal place to add storage, and the frame bag was custom made by Black Star Bags here in Portland. There's enough capacity in this bag to carry a couple of tubes, maybe even a folding tire, tire levers, patches, a multi-tool, energy bars, phone, etc. 

Stainless LogoThe down tube logo is also stainless steel, laser cut and brazed on. It took three of us to keep it set while brazing. Next time, I need to video record the process. I left the panel around the logo exactly as it looks right after brazing, without polish. That gives it the burnt, dirty look, which really stands out nicely.

There is a polished titanium spork head tube badge that is removable, and fully functional. People who ride bikes have to eat, right?Stainless Steel Touring

Part of the reason I built this bike was because I hadn't yet seen a really utilitarian bicycle made from stainless steel. Stainless is expensive, and the amount of time and labor required to bring it to a mirror finish was ridiculous, but the final product is so striking that I believe it was worth it. I hope you agree. I would like to see the same style bicycle, or something worthy of commuting, made from stainless steel and with a brushed finish. Everything Shiny!

Polished StemAnother reason I built this bike was because I was invited by the Portland Art Museum to display a couple of bicycles along with the Cyclepedia exhibit this past summer, 2013. It was an honor to be invited, and I wanted to make something that I believed was worthy of being shown in such a prestigeous museum.

Here above is the photo series from my flickr site. There are a few repeats, but I chose to use them all, because each of them looks so good. Photo credit goes to Anthony Bareno. He took all these in the studio at Velo Cult. He said it was the most difficult bike he's ever shot. Too many reflections. If only there were some way to photograph this bike in the dark! Please check back in the future to get a full ride report. 

 

 

Guiseppe's Randonneur

RandonneurJoseph Ahearne
Giuseppe's randonneur includes many of our best elements of bicycle design. The details are numerous. We were going for the classic style lugged bike, using a mid-weight steel for comfort and stability. The geometry allows for a more upright riding position, and the fork, with its longer rake/ lower trail, gives the handling characteristic that desirable feel, especially when carrying weight in the front bag. The rack was built specifically to fit this bag, and so keeps it comfortable and steady, even on bumpy terrain. The rack also has a front light mount on the road side, and the wiring from the front generator hub is routed...

Bill Alsup's Randonneur

RandonneurJoseph Ahearne2 Comments
Bill's bike is a very stylish randonneur with a lot of subtle features. It has all the requirements for long hours in the saddle, which is a good thing, because Bill will be riding it in the 2011 Paris-Brest-Paris. This bike, which Bill has named "Clara," uses a custom blend of True Temper tubing. The front and rear racks are minimal and to the point. Both front and rear lights are run off the generator front hub. The bike has...

Magu Commuter

City BikeJoseph Ahearne
This is a very special bicycle, for sure. It's a serious commuter for year-round riding, and it's packed full of style. The bike runs 650b wheels, and accommodates tires on the wide side for any road conditions. It's got an integrated rear touring rack, brazed to the frame, and a detachable upper basket. There are all the requirements for serious commuting, including secure pannier mounts, an integrated front light powered by a generator hub. The light is wired internally down the fender support. The rear light is mounted to the fender, has a solar charged battery, and is motion sensitive. There's an integrated chain guard and kick stand, a pump tucked behind the seat tube, wide fenders, disc brakes, and, of course, a brass bell. This bike was entered in the 2009 Oregon Manifest race, and was ridden by Natalie Ramsland of Sweet Pea Bicycles. She finished the race with flying colors (all 77 miles in Sidi's and a skirt!), and the bike placed 4th overall by the judges. Not a bad showing.

Adam Marx Porteur

City BikeJoseph Ahearne
Adam's commuter was inspired by the style of old French porteur bicycles. The front rack was built to carry a 50+ pound load, and on the road side has a bright halogen light that is powered by the front generator hub. The light wiring runs internally through the rack. This bicycle also boasts a single stem mounted shifter and a 1 X 9 gearing -- very simple, clean and perfect for city riding. Adam's bicycle is very utilitarian, uncomplicated, and has a distinctive classic feel.