Chambers Criterium (Model year: 2012)
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This is a criterium racer for a rider with a 78cm inseam. The wheelbase is kept to a minimum to optimise manoeuvrability. This is achieved through the combination of a 40cm chainstay length, a short top tube, 74-degree head tube angle and 45mm rake on the front fork. The trail is kept to just 50mm. The front centre distance is less than the 58cm recommended in Tim Patarek's Manual for Bicycle Framebuilders, but this is pretty unavoidable on such a small frame. It will push the rider's weight marginally forward on the bike, so that roughly equal weight is transmitted through the front and rear wheels. The crank length of 162.5mm is suitable for a rider of this height and minimises the risk of foot contact with the front wheel whilst racing. The bottom bracket drop of just 5cm facilitates pedalling whilst cornering. Braze ons are kept to a minimum and the small frame size should help to keep the weight down. It will be constructed from a Reynolds 531 tubeset and then built up using either vintage Suntour and SR parts or a Galli Criterium groupset. It will have downtube shifters. With its classic lines, thin tubing, horizontal top tube, lugged construction and period parts, this bike should evoke memories of a bygone era in cycling. It will be a one-off build.