Boulder Bicycle

Summer 2013 Pricing and Important Information

 

The wait time for both tig and lugged Boulder Bicycle frames is getting longer - but compared to other builders the wait times are still very reasonable.  As of early-June 2013, the wait times for your new Boulder Bicycle from the time we finalize your order with Waterford is approximately 12 weeks for tig frames and 16 weeks for lug frames.  This is when we would expect to receive your frame at our shop.

 

Deposit

A deposit of $1,000 gets the process rolling.  You can make your deposit online or call the shop.

 

 

New Paint Offerings!

The prices of stock Boulder Bicycle frames are now slightly higher (custom prices are the same), but you now have a choice of 5 stock colors on all our Boulder Bicycle frames including the road sport. Note:  the fun green color is no longer a stock color option - it just didn't find much love among our customers! 

 

Light Blue with dark blue decals                       -    the original Boulder Bicycle choice

Medium Metaillic blue with cream decals        -    a new favorite (often used on hand lettered, for an upcharge, frames)

Black with white decals                                      -    a fun looking combo, we used white decals for more visibility

Yellow with dark blue decals                              -    a great looking combo

Garnet red with cream decals                           -    a darker slightly metallic red that is very understated and elegant

 

 

Sizing your bike and fit Mock-ups

It is vital that your new frame fits.  And we take lots of time with our customers to help them, and we have size info on these pages that will help guide you.  But we are not fitting experts nor can we fit you easily from a distance.  We are happy to provide mock ups of a stock geometry frame with your saddle height/reach/drop info (or provide custom drawings once you commit to a custom frame).  But this is very important - you must provide us with saddle height, reach, drop, (and the seat angle for the frame for which these numbers "work" for you) that you need your new frame to be able to achieve.  You can even give us a range.  But we can not "guess" for you what the optimal numbers may be or make accurate judgements if you say I have a race bike but I want to be more upright.  We urge you to test out the contact points you want for your new bike on your current bike (i.e if you want a more upright position, try that on your current bike to see if it works). 

 

Shop Support

Rando style bikes can be very time consuming to assemble - we are happy to provide email and phone support once you purchase a frame/fork and hopefully some parts from us so you can get it on the road.  We are also happy to chat with a local shop you may use for some of your assembly if questions arise.

 

Full bikes

In addition to frames, we also sell complete bicycles, but we only schedule in a few as rando builds are very time consuming and we have limited shop resources.  Our shop is already booked-up with complete bicycle builds through October 2013.  The next available build slots for a complete bicycle build is late November 2013 (subject to change).  Many of our customers purchase a frame/fork and perhaps some special rando parts from us, and either assemble it themselves or patronize their local bicycle shop for the build.  This is an ideal choice for the customer that wants the frame and specialized parts that are unique to us, yet needs the support and assistance of their local shop.

 

Click Here to see more photos of our fun new Boulder Bicycle lugged frame with hand painted lettering and stripping	Click Here to see more info on our new Road Sport model with ultra light tubing!

 

Why is Boulder Bicycle Special? A Boulder Bicycle frame represents the latest step in a journey to build frames that perform without compromise.  The designs of our randonneur frames are obtained through careful study of classic Rene Herse geometries and those of other French makers.  Some of the "classic" designs work better than others, and we obviously select those from the best-performing historic examples. Over the past 10 years the French randonneur bicycle saw a rebirth in the United States.  Mike Kone, lead designer at Boulder Bicycle, was one of the early proponents of French randonneur machines.  In fact, some of the most notable writers and modern proponents for this style of bicycle saw their first Rene Herse bicycles in Massachusetts when Mike Kone owned Bicycle Classics inc. Classic geometries are juxtaposed with modern materials to create the current line of Boulder Bicycles.  Waterford Precision Cycles does the actual frame construction.  Waterford was somewhat reluctant to embrace the low trial and light tube specifications used on Boulder Bicycles, but they have come to appreciate the performance of these machines.  In addition, Waterford brings expertise to the Boulder Bicycle line which is unique to the industry.  Waterford has arguably built more custom and semi-custom high-end steel frames than perhaps any builder in the county.  Their understanding of materials combined with their access to proprietary materials is an invaluable asset.  They are unyielding in their quest for reliability. There are many builders constructing randonneur style bicycles.  But our extensive experience yields advantages.  We know what geometries are most likely to perform well.  We know when we are pushing the envelope with extra light tubing.  And as students of bicycle history with many examples we've personally ridden, we know what is most likely to work well for a rider. Many of our Boulder Bicycle customers think of their purchase as a stepping stone to a Rene Herse.  They are welcome to think that.  But in reality, there is no performance gain in going to a more costly frame.  If there was a better tube or a better geometry for performance, we would use it on the Boulder Bicycle.  But there isn't.  Now a Rene Herse frame (or a frame from some other wonderful builders such as Peter Weigle) may offer cleaner wiring integration or more elegant lug shaping or fancier racks.  But when it is you and the bicycle and the mountain, your Boulder Bicycle will deliver the same ride and performance as a frame costing many times more.  So please take advantage of our experience and eye for value, and let us supply you with the bicycle that will provide the ride of your dreams.

 

 

Rando Frame and fork - Made in USA T I G   Construction 650b or 700c   You can pay more for a frame, but you can't get a better riding frame.  From the wizards in Waterford WI.   Frames feature a true low-trail design.  Stock tubing is lightweight oversize.  We design the frames to be as lively as possible yet still provide the stability and resistance to shimmy that we've found most riders prefer.
Pricing Information		New for 2013 The light arm off the canti bride is being eliminated and now there will be a post on the seatube to mount one of our proprietary battery lights.  The light price is approximately $120.  Note that small size frames cannot accept the seatube mount light. Later this year we hope to have a hard-wire light for the new seatube mount as well.  But it isn't ready yet....
$1,435 - stock geo and tube selection - light oversize. Frame/fork with fully custom geometry and tube selection $1,685 - light oversize or skinny tubes add $100 to above prices for in-store personalized fitting

 

Rando Frame and fork - Made in USA Lugged  Construction - light oversize tubing 650b or 700c For those who want the elegance of lugs at an a reasonable price.  You can pay more for a frame, but you will not get a better riding frame.  The workmanship is very nice and takes advantage of the decades of experience from Waterford Precision Cycles.  Pricing Information A few more details Full custom geometry and customized tube selection with fastback style seatstays, single color.  $ 1,995 Options Contrasting headtube panel  $125 Handpainted lettering  $200 Box striping in classic French style  $200 Flat seatstay caps  $95 Skinny tube option with special lugs $ 175 We'd love to explain why a lugged frame will perform better - but we can't.  The tig frame option rides just as well.  In fact, the tig frame rides as well as our Rene Herse bicycles.  But lots of folks, including ourselves, love the look of lugs.  We especially enjoy the look of contrasting panels and cleanly brazed lug shorelines.  So if you are drawn to lugs for similar reasons, we are here to help you indulge.  But don't purchase a lugged frame for the wrong reasons.  A tig frame with modern air hardened tubes is a great way to build a frame.      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 suggest the use of 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.    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 Models   We offer two 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 generator lighting - specifically the SON generator hub.  Boulder Bicycle forks 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.   The frames are 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, but there is an up charge depending on the color selected.      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.   NOTE:  Scroll down to the very bottom of this page...way down.....for some more fitting information!

 

Size and wheel/tire size	Top tube length - theoretical due to sloping top tube	Seatube length - Actual to top, but less than theoretical due to slope for most sizes models to enhance standover clearance	Seatube Angle	Headtube Angle
Size A - optimized for 650b 32mm	51.5 cm	47 cm	75 degrees	71.5 degrees
Size B - 650b or 700c	53 cm	51 cm	74.5 degrees	72 degrees
Size C - 650b or 700c	54.5 cm	54.5 cm	74 degrees	72 degrees
Size D - 650b or 700c	56 cm	56.5 cm	73.5 degrees	72.5 degrees
Size E - 650b or 700c	57.5 cm	59 cm	73 degrees	73 degrees
Size F - 650b or 700c	59 cm	62cm	72.5 degrees	73 degrees
Size G - 650b or 700c	61 cm	66cm	72.5 degrees	73 degrees

 

To Order

To order, we require a $1000 depo

Sizing Information

Click Here for a PDF illustrating these measurements

When we size a bicycle for someone, we like to get three pieces of information.  This information is easiest if supplied in metric - plus the charts below can help also!

1)   Saddle height.  On a bicycle that fits well, get the measurement from center of crank to top of saddle.

2)   Reach.  This is simple but the hardest to explain.  Look at the bike from the side. Now consider the line going through the center axis of the seatube, then it extends through the center of the seatpost, and then continues until it "pierces" the top of the saddle.  From the point where the top of the saddle is "pierced" by this imaginary line to the top center of the handlebars is the Reach.

3)   Saddle to bar drop.  Also known as the difference in height between the bars and the saddle.  It is easiest to measure by taking the measurement from ground to top of saddle, then ground to top of bars, then subtract the difference.  Then be sure to make a note which of these is higher. Usually the bars are lower than the saddle, but that is not always the case, especially on rando oriented machines.

Now, if your reference bike doesn't fit well, or if the seatangle of your bike is not "typical", or if you are using a post with extra setback (or no setback), please let us know.  But as a rough guide, these numbers work really well for dialing in the fit on the vast majority of riders who are comfortable and set up well on their current bikes.

 

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