As being a frame builder there are certain things you always dream of building, such as a classic constructeur style randonneur bicycle, a nice mixte bike, maybe a tandem and for sure one day you have to build a portuer style bicycle! I guess we can call that box checked now ;)
Wolfgang came quite a while ago into our workshop and he was looking for a trekking bicycle. After showing him pictures of classic Rene Herse and Alex Singer porteur style bicycles he was on fire with the idea of building a modern interpretation of this classic bicycle concept. Wolfgang put big trust into us and gave us complete freedom to do whatever we thought was right to put his dream on to two wheels. So we designed a special geometry for this wonderful nickel coated frame and fork which is made from the best Columbus tubing. We did not like the shapes of existing handlebars, so we decided to create our own handelbar stem combo, combining classy optics with perfect ergonomics. Many thanks to my man and master framebuilder Wheeldan for tube bending support! Custom made silverbrazed stainless racks for front and rear.
The bike is equipped only with the finest available boutique components and features a wonderful Rene Herse double crankset, running on Rene Herse 38mm Barlow Pass tires, mounted tubeless on Pacenti Brevet rims. We organized a SUN XCD rear hub, shifters, front and rear derailleur mech from Japan matching a classic look with today's modern functionality. MKS Sylvan next and customized Crane Bell coming from Japan aswell. Polished silver Shimano DXR BMX V-brakes to work perfectly with Tektro's CL-740 brake levers. Light's and power by SON. Secret stem cap light switch by Velolumino. Everything is being topped up with the wonderful fenders, saddle, rearview mirror and mudflap made by our friends at Gilles Berthoud. And for sure, there is no such thing as a real porteur bicycle without a decent handlebar bag made by Kristin at Gramm Tourpacking! "Rien ne va plus"... as the french would say! ;)
Photography: Florian Haeussler / FERN Bicycles.