Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Kogswell P/R

The consecutive training streak ended at two. No worries, however, because yesterday's training time was spent going to Trinity Bicycles to pick-up the new second generation Kogswell P/R.



This was the intended replacement of the failed Schwinn experiment months ago. The Schwinn seemed like a good plan, but the frame just didn't quite have the right design. So far, this new frame works very well.

Fixed gear (48x18), generator-hub-powered headlight, and Nitto M12 front rack.

There will be a few refinements in the build soon. Fenders and front bag are coming and consideration is being given to shellac on the bar tape. That green is just a little too bright. A nice olive green color would be about right.

6 comments:

  1. So what was wrong with the Schwinn frame?

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  2. Hey, Jim,

    Not sure really. Never had documented or measured geometry.

    I do know I converted a frame designed for 27-inch wheels to 650B and the bottom bracket was too low...even for my 165mm cranks.

    I also know that it felt "over stable". It didn't want to turn without hands on bars. I'd lean (while no-handed) and the bike would just fall over.

    I'm guessing the head tube angle was too shallow. It rode pretty good with the original wheels and narrow tires.

    I decided to find a frame designed for 650B.

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  3. Looks like a sweet ride. That "no gears" thing still gives me shivers. Hope you enjoy it.

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  4. Hi chris. What model Kogswell is your green "geared" bike?

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  5. Hey, Jim B.,

    The green Kogswell shown in the previous blog post is a "Model P". It is a lugged steel frame and is no longer in production. It has geometry similar to the Rivendell Rambouillet. If you need more details, let me know.

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  6. Thanks for the quick answer Chris. Looks like a really sweet ride. Love the cream headtube - really shows off the nice lugs.

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