Not Exactly Gravel

[MattiThundrrr]

This is my second attempt at a CCM build this year. First time was with a smaller step through frame
Not quite enough clearance for the 28" wheels. It's a pretty interesting hub, two speed automatic. Once a certain speed has been reached, it shifts to a higher range. No cables, coaster brake only. I'm attempting to make a bike to ramble the countryside. My area is surrounded by hundreds of KMs of hardpacked dirt roads

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Intended use:
Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec gravel

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Unlike the American bikes, these were made for adults to ride, as evidenced by the large sizes

More on the geometry. Here it is next to an 80s Nishiki 26 designed by Norco. I've aligned them at the dropouts for comparison
This thing is freaking huge!

20" seatpost, 18.5"/18.75" stays, 23" top tube

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Gratuitous crust/details:

I'm going to try and preserve as much as I can with gentle cleaning and boiled linseed oil treatment. Those painted details are too sweet to lose

 

[MattiThundrrr]

There was considerable struggle removing the stem

Manual attempts weren't cutting it, so a friend took it to work to get it apart.
Big Bertha was up to the task

 

[greencat]

Hello, Canada here. You may not know us, but we're pretty rugged. This is Main Street in Ottawa, the nation's capital, circa 1896. We've been riding rough for a long time.
View attachment 670856

Norman and Allan Ballantyne by Mary Ballantyne, Library and Archives Canada PA-132226

That's interesting. I wonder if they are showing how they mount the bikes there ie from the back like a Penny farthing?

 

[R-V]

Intended use:View attachment 670916View attachment 670917View attachment 670918View attachment 670919
Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec gravel

Awesome place

 

[KermitGKona88]

This is my second attempt at a CCM build this year. First time was with a smaller step through frame View attachment 670911View attachment 670910
Not quite enough clearance for the 28" wheels. It's a pretty interesting hub, two speed automatic. Once a certain speed has been reached, it shifts to a higher range. No cables, coaster brake only. I'm attempting to make a bike to ramble the countryside. My area is surrounded by hundreds of KMs of hardpacked dirt roads

Can we all move in with you?

 

[R-V]

Btw the bike is very interesting. Bended top tube adds style, and some protection against resonance

 

[KermitGKona88]

My choice would be

View attachment 670999

A very fine choice indeed.