John P's Alex Singer
click on a picture for larger view. also see John's
Rivendell and Saluki!
2004 Alex Singer Randonneur Custom
57cm seattube x 55cm top tube measurements.
Bar and stem: Nitto randonneur bars (replaced 3TTT original),
Alex Singer custom stem.
Brakes: Mafac levers, Racer centerpulls (with brazed on pivots).
Wheels: Maxi-Car hubs, Mavic Open Pro rims, 6sp freewheel.
Crankset: TA "CycloTourist" 50/38/28 rings. TA
bb.
Saddle: Brooks Pro, Simplex post.
Shifting: Huret Jubilee front (Alex Singer modified),
Shimano Deore (older version) rear (replaced Jubilee original),
Simplex Retro-friction shifters (replaced Jubilee pure friction originals).
Racks: Custom Alex Singer front with detachable lowriders,
custom Alex
Singer rear, Gilles Berthoud handlebar bag (modified for custom Alex Singer
stem attachment).
Other: Alloy custom fitted fenders, built in lighting with
internal wiring to rear dynamo.
"The Singer is very similar to my Rivendell in ride. Both are
extremely
comfy to ride with good positions (I can get the bars up higher on the
Rivendell but I ride with my bars slightly below saddle anyway so that's not
an issue). Both place you back behind the bb and have long wheelbases. The
Singer is more stable, not surprising when you think about it's calling;
long, long rides much of which are done when the rider is tired. You don't
want a twitchy bike in those circumstances. So to this it holds its line
easier than the Rivendell and the front geo. is such that the handlebar bag
with contents doesn't adversely affect the handling. On the other hand, it's
a bit slower to change direction and on sharper curves and turns requires
a
bit more body language to get it to turn in. The Rivendell here is much
more responsive. This is not to say that my Rivendell is a twitchy racer,
far from it. It's handling strikes a beautiful balance between sharp, fast
handling and stable going. Both are just as I'd want them to be ride-wise.
M. Csuka and Grant Petersen both know what they're doing. And of course, it
really brightens the day when I look down and see either of them below me
on a ride".