On 1/30/07, gachtem <gachtem@...> wrote:

> Can you report on the progress of the Bijou?

> A posting on another forum led me to believe it will be a lugged
> version of the P/R. If this is true, will it be designed around 584
> wheels? I need something to wrap around my rocket wheels once the rims
> get across the ocean.

Hmmmm... I think rocket wheels would look better
on a TIG'd frame. But what do I know?

Here's an executive summary:

Same head lugs as the Model G (and D and F).

If you remember back, those lugs are designed to be used
with a 28.6mm steerer. If we do that, then it will be a
simple matter to use the exiting forks for those who
want a threadless fork. A full forty percent of Mod. G
buyers chose threadless forks. The nice thing about
9/8" steering is that we can make the forks lighter than
AND stiffer than a threaded 1" fork. I find that very
appealing. Those who have P/Rs can comment on how
light a 9/8" steel fork can be.

And, as we did with the G, there will be threaded forks as
well. Choice is good.

The seat lug we used on the G was the LS 205:

http://kogswell.com/ls/L6_files/image024.jpg

For the Bijoux, we're going to use the 300R:

http://kogswell.com/ls/L8_files/image008.jpg

Which is designed for a 25.4mm top tube. The tube
tube will 28.6 and the head and taper to 25.4 at the
seat. This will lighten the frame a bit.

The down tube will be 31.8 at the head and 28.6 at
the bottom bracket. The added size at the head
will stiffen up steering and the reduced size at the
BB will soften the ride and lower weight. Yah-Hoo!

There will be two sizes to start: 59.0 and 56.3.

There will be two wheel sizes: 700C and 650B.

And all of those will be available in 132.5 horizontal
dropout, a la the P/R -and- 120mm 'track' dropouts
of a new and better design.

Everything else will be Kogswell Standard: fender
and rack mounts. The racks will finally appear in
and they will fit the forks. The pump pegged has
been moved to the back of the seat tube.

The only other thing to talk about is the name.
I'm going to change it from P/R to something like
The Kogswell Variable Geometry Frameset.
The P/R's geometry has been wildly successful
and we intend to used it up and down the model
line. By the end of the year it will include sets
designed for five different wheel sizes and a variety
configurations; mixte, folding, etc.

If you're new to Kogswell, I invite you to make
comments here on this thread. Ask questions
and state your opinion. That's how we make
things better.

And speaking of new, we picked up two new
dealers in January:

We're delighted to add Old Spokes Home in Burlington,
Vermont to the growing dealer list. Owner Glenn Eames
and manager Michael McDonald are experts in the
Yankee tradition of restoration and reuse. I've had
a ton of fun getting to know them and I encourage
everyone to meet them and welcome them to the
Kogswell Owners Group.

The other new dealer is Tyler Oulton who runs Paramount
Bicycle Repair in Somerville, Mass. Tyler is also the
responsible type who's dedicated to keeping usable
bikes on the road and out of the landfill. And he has
PW spoke machine so send your custom spoke
requirements his way.

I think that's it.

If I can answer questions, pls bug me til I answer.
The district is putting pressure on me to come back
and teach next year. They have two new schools
opening and they need the help. I'm thinking about
a morning only job because I'm not really happy
unless I'm up to my ears in stuff to do. So if you
want to have a long chat, now's the time. I've been
subbing a lot lately but I'm also by the phone a lot
too.

Matthew