Design

I’ve abandoned the full custom model of framebuilding to focus on perfecting one design.    At first glance, those in the know would call it a randonneur bike and they wouldn’t be wrong.  The design of these bikes is based on that of a classic low trail randonneur bike, however the goal is not to simply copy and re-create that design but to take the key elements of that design and incorporate them into a lightweight, fun to ride, fast bike.  Calling it a randonneur bike pigeonholes it into category that implies it has limited uses when in fact the opposite is true.  I just call it a Jonny Cycles and it’s perfect for:

Pavement: Even though they are wide, the Compass tires these bikes are designed around are some of the fastest rolling tires out there and they certainly won’t slow you down.  The low trail fork adds a confidence in handling that you won’t find in many other bikes and makes carrying a few things in a  handlebar bag much nicer than other front end geometries.  The thin and light tubing keeps the weight down and flexes just right, these bikes climb with the best of them.  Fenders allow no excuses on account of rain.  If you have a bike like this your other road bike with 23 mm tires will spend most of its time hanging from a hook in the garage.

Gravel and dirt: These bikes are even more fun when you take them off the well traveled routes and onto the rougher stuff.  The wide, supple tires and flexible fork soak up the bumps and the low trail geometry helps you stay on your intended course.  Worrying about the lack of tread on gravel?  Don’t.  Most gravel routes tend to include a little pavement, a lot of gravel, and the occasional muddy or grassy section.  Tread isn’t needed and for the most part won’t help you on the pavement, gravel, or well packed dirt so why add the extra rolling resistance for most of the ride when it only helps on the occasional rough section?  If you do find yourself signed up for an event or plotting a route that you know will have a large percentage of extra rough or muddy stuff you can remove the fenders and install some wider tires with tread, up to 2.3″ wide depending on what tire size the bike is designed around.

Touring : Assuming you don’t want to bring everything but the kitchen sink, these bikes make fantastic touring bikes.  If you can fit everything you need in a large handlebar bag, two full size panniers mounted to a front low rider rack, and a large saddle bag then you’re set for a tour on a light, lively bike.  If you’ve ever toured on an overbuilt, rear-loaded touring bike you will understand how great this is:  An under 25 pound bike that can easily carry 35 pounds of gear.

Commuting:  Not everyone would think of using a bike like this to commute to work, get groceries, etc. Shouldn’t the bike you ride everyday be the nicest one?  Sure you will get some scuffs and scrapes from locking it up, but it’s a bike and it’s meant to be used.  Most get by with a large handlebar bag, but if you want to up the grocery hauling capacity consider a large platform porteur rack.  Add a nice dyno hub lighting system and you’ll be in commuting heaven.