For the fan of steel bikes, Classic Rendezvous is just as valuable a resource as Sheldon Brown‘s. The CR Weekend will be held on June 10-12 in Greensboro, North Carolina and Brian Chapman will be in attendance as a Seminar Speaker. His latest bike will be on display, a tourer painted in Dodge’s Plum Crazy color code.
The organisers of the Weekend know what they’re talking about. They’ve invited Brian to share his thoughts alongside Peter Johnson — Master Machinist — and Dave Moulton — frame builder, author and raconteur.
If you like your classic bicycles, it all sounds like a great weekend, especially if you get the opportunity to admire Chapman Cycles’ newest creation in person. Brian’s customer, Jerod, requested a tourer in the constructeur style, which Brian capably completed.
It’s a mix of old-world style and retro muscle car cool, which resulted in a hot rod randonneur with all the bells and whistles — literally. One thing is for certain: this Chapman will be at the top, or the bottom, of the hill first.
Brian assembled the frame from Columbus Zona and SL tubes, usually reserved for more sportier rides, but perhaps in this instance the choice reinforces the whole B-body Charger thang. He even tapered the down tube to provide more stiffness.
As usual, Brian selected a slew of classic components to set off the frame. The Mafac brakes and levers will come in handy, slowing up the power shifted by the TA cranks and Dura-Ace derailleur. The front rack is custom and has detachable low-riders.
Other details were personalised, like the shellacked bar tape to match the Berthoud Galibier saddle, the leather toe straps and the custom leather chain stay protector. Night-time riding is possible thanks to front and rear dynamo powered lighting.
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