Summer 2010

The wait for a Boulder Bicycle frame is only about 5 or 6 weeks (longer for full bike if you want us to build it)

Please see the spring 2009 issue of Bicycle Quarterly for a great review of our 700c Boulder Bicycle Brevet Model.   The review confirms that we met our goal of producing a bicycle that performs wonderfully at a very attractive price. 

We are pleased to use the Nitto M12 rack on our Boulder Bicycles. The Nitto rack is beautifully made, and has a very nice chrome finish.

Skinny 7/4/7 Tubing available on Boulder Bicycle frames as a custom option

(subject to rider weight and application)

Why Another Bicycle Brand

After listening and examining the market, we realized that something was missing. Performance oriented randonneur cyclists until now had very few if any complete bicycle options.  Most randonneurs typically "piece together" their machine. Most typical bicycles  while suitable for randonneuring with modification are suboptimal for the task.  A serious randonneur needs low trail geometry designed for a handlebar bag and wider tires, full lighting, and frame tubing optimized for rider performance.  

The reality is that many bicycle producers equate randonneur riding with "take your time and smell the flowers."  We love that attitude - but it isn't for everyone.  Some randonneurs are very concerned with speed as well;  for those riders, compromises in design that detract from the performance of the bicycle are unacceptable.  Boulder Bicycle makes bicycles that are a tool for the performance oriented randonneur and a treat for those more casually minded.

At Boulder Bicycle, we realized that it would be possible to offer a bicycle that offers nearly everything the randonneur cyclist could want (our Rene Herse Bicycles offer everything, but not everybody is ready for that step).  We merge lightweight tubing in skinny or oversize shapes with classic French geometry based on classic Rene Herse designs.  We offer a complete bicycle package kit for for just over  $3,100 that includes premium parts such as a SON generator and White Industries rear hub.  While someone could spend considerably more on a randonneur machine, we are proud to offer bicycles that are an uncompromising value.

Who Else might Want a Boulder Bicycle?

In addition to performance oriented randonneurs, we believe that your neighbors and friends will benefit from a Boulder Bicycle.  Here in Boulder, we meet up with lots of folks who like to ride, but don't "compete".  They enjoy charity rides, brisk 25 mile training rides, and aspire to do the 120 mile Triple Bypass Ride in the mountains.  They also know that there is a nearly endless network of dirt roads waiting to be explored.  Their typical road bike is not fun on the dirt and to do the longer rides means trying to figure out how to carry all sorts of stuff a typical race bike won't accommodate.  Most of these folks don't realize that wide tires are typically just a fast (or faster!) as skinny tires but offer a world of advantages.  At Boulder Bicycle, we encourage you to spread the word!

The Bicycles

We offer two bicycle models, the Boulder Brevet and the Boulder All-Road.  These models are extremely similar but differ primarily by wheel sizes.  The Brevet model is designed and optimized for 700c tires from 27mm through 32mm.  We specifically had the wonderful Grand Bois 30mm tire in mind when we designed this bicycle.   We also run the Challenge Paris Robaix (rated 27mm, really 29mm)  on these bicycles.  The Boulder All-Road is a machine optimized for 650b tires in the 38 to 42mm range.  Unlike some 650b frames, the All-Road uses lightweight tubing and is perfectly suited for Brevet riding as well as a gentle meander down a dirt road.  We generally make each Boulder Bicycle as light as possible while maintaining good handling; many steel frames tend to be overbuilt for utility.  Our bicycles are built for performance.  Frame weight is optimized for the application, not a budget.

For smaller riders, the Boulder Brevet is optimized for 650b 32mm tires to give added front center. 

Our bicycles are designed for lighting and a premium lighting system built around the SON generator hub is included.  We can omit the lighting system (but will always provide provision for it) for a cost savings.

The latest Boulder Bicycles have external loops for wiring along the fork, and special provision for routing wires through the frame.  An entry hole (reinforced) on the underside of the downtube is now standard.

Our typical Boulder Bicycle frames are tig welded by a company that has both talent and capacity.  Capacity is important since we want to be able to get our customers on their bicycles quickly.  The name of the outfit that does the welding is a secret - but the initials of the city and state it is located in begin with a W.   It is important to use a top-notch frame maker.  To use the lightweight tubes we like with inferior build quality can cause problems;  that is why many steel frames are often overbuilt.  Weight itself is not terribly important, but heavier tubing often deadens the feel of a bike (especially to lighter riders or those who spin gently on the long rides).  That is why we strive to make each frame as lightweight as possible (if a frame is too light, shimmy can be a problem).  Our goal is to have the flexibility to match geometry and frame flex usually reserved for full custom machines with the affordability and quick delivery of a production bike.

We now have an option of lugged frames for 700c Boulder Bicycles.  These frames are made in Colorado by one of the region's fine local builders.  The "basic" lugged frame provides the option for some creativity with respect to lug shape and cutouts at no additional charge.

The frames will be painted in a light blue color that has received near universal praise and we think it looks great!  In case you think differently, we can offer nearly unlimited custom paint options.  The only limitation is that our decals are dark blue, and you will want to select a color that works well with these graphics.

 The Sizes

We like to think of Boulder Bicycles in terms of top tube length.  The following is a breakdown of the sizing options.   Frames are designed to provide a relatively upright position that many Brevet riders seem to prefer.  Fully custom geometry is available as an option.

 

Size and wheel/tire size	Top tube length - theoretical due to sloping top tube	Seatube length - theoretical due to slope on some models to enhance standover clearance	Seatube Angle	Headtube Angle
Size A - optimized for 650b 32mm	51 cm	47.5cm	74.5 degrees	71.5 degrees
Size B - 650b or 700c	53 cm	48cm	74.5 degrees	72 degrees
Size C - 650b or 700c	54.5 cm	52cm	74 degrees	72.5 degrees
Size D - 650b or 700c	56cm	55cm	73.5 degrees	72.5 degrees
Size E - 650b or 700c	57.5 cm	58.5cm	73 degrees	73 degrees
Size F - 650b or 700c	59 cm	61cm	72.5 degrees	73 degrees
Size G - 650b or 700c	61 cm	65cm	72.5 degrees	73 degrees

The Parts and Specifics

These selections should give potential buyers a good idea of what parts to expect in the final build spec.  The idea is to provide a bicycle with top quality frame and wheels as these are among the most important parts of the bicycle.  That avoids the need for costly/complicated upgrades later. 

Note:  Some riders are quite skilled mechanically.  Therefore, we are pleased to offer both unassembled kits for our bicycles, as well as completely assembled machines.  We also offer Boulder Bicycles as just a frame and fork.

Note:  We are happy to make many parts substitutions or to even use your own parts if you have them!  Just let us know what is best for you, and we will work with you to customize your Boulder Bicycle to make it your dream bicycle.  Note that in general, we prefer to use Campagnolo oriented drivetrains

To Order

To order, we require a $1000 deposit which will get your frame into production.  When it is time for us to assemble your machine, an additional $700 is required at that time.  Once your bicycle is completed and ready for pick-up at our shop (or for shipping), full payment will be required at that time. 

If Boulder Bicycle is right for you, please email or contact us.  Our phone number is (303) 284-9721 and email is mikekone@comcast.net

While at some point we will have a spiffy on-line ordering system, we feel it is optimal to have close interaction with our customers and simply ordering into a shopping cart won't do.  While your Boulder Bicycle is not a full custom machine, it must be a wonderful match for your body and riding style - and if it isn't, we'll tell you.  Our goal is customer satisfaction.  Anything less is not an option!