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Rene Herse Heritage Series model: PBP
Frame / Fork / Rack $ 4,500 |
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Headlug of the new series |
The demand for Rene Herse
bicycles is much greater than our capacity. With
handmade lugs, bottom bracket shells, and some forkcrowns, the
time it takes to produce a frame is considerable. For many
machines, this extra work is necessary (for example, to get the
chainstay clearance we demand on 650b machines for wide tires). For many 700c machines, however, standard frame materials are certainly sufficient. In fact, most "classic" Rene Herse bicycles used commercially available stamped lugs; Herse typically made custom lugs and bb shells on machines with either oversize tubing or custom Herse sealed bottom brackets. In fact, some classic Herse frames are a mix of handmade and stamped lugs. With this in mind, we've decided to tap into the talents of another builder who can deliver both great quality and much quicker delivery times. In the upper left you see Benjamin Franklin holding one of the lugs we will use on this new series of Rene Herse bicycles. Those versed in the background of Franklin know that he maintained a lifelong admiration for folks who actually make stuff with their hands. Plus, he had a love of Philadelphia. So he would be proud, we are sure, that some of the legendary bicycles born of a French (a country Franklin loved and which aided the United States in its time of need) company will be made by Bilenky Cycle Works in the city he loved. The bicycles made using stamped lugs and production components are part of the Heritage series from Rene Herse. While some of the materials may be different, the craftsmanship and designs are absolutely without compromise. The first bicycle we are releasing of this series is the PBP model. This is timely, as the 2011 edition of this storied event will be upon us soon. In fact, to qualify for 2011, it is advisable to complete a Brevet series in 2010. So those wanting to complete the next PBP on an Herse have little time to wait. The Rene Herse PBP model will be limited to 700c. Clearance will be optimized for a 29 to 32mm tires, but a 35mm might just make it. The idea is to design a bike that will do PBP on a go-fast wide 700c, yet accept tires a smidge wider for the occasional off road jaunt later on. The price of the frame/fork/rack is $ 4,500. Rene Herse stems and the stem cap on/off switch for the the light are available for this model. Please see the Rene Herse price sheet for more information regarding options. The forkcrown on these bicycles will be either the new crown shown to the left that is designed for Imperial Oval forkblades, or the new Pacenti forkcrown that we've used on previous Herse bicycles and which looks very correct. The bottom bracket shell is investment cast and of the highest quality. We expect that from time of order, we can have the frame/fork/rack back in our shop for assembly within about 90 days. So that means, if an order is placed soon, you can be on your Rene Herse by late spring 2010! And of course, all Rene Herse frames of this series are custom designed for their rider. Geometry follows the classic Rene Herse design parameters of course, and tubing is carefully selected for each riders preferences and needs. Please contact us for more information regarding these exciting new frames! |
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Forkcrown option for new series |
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All Rene Herse bicycles feature the legendary Rene Herse name handpainted on the downtube and headtube. The heritage series also sports box striping over a choice of premium single color paint. The front rack is chromed for durability and outstanding looks.
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