Rawland

Nordavinden and 35c Knobbies: A More Fitting Affair

2012-02-12T18:16:00.000-06:00

Schwalbe Rocket Ron 700c x 35c
Incredibly light; Incredible grip
Still no toe overlap

Nordavinden and 35c Tires: A Fitting Affair

2012-01-24T19:54:00.000-06:00

56cm Nordavinden prototype with NOS 35c Continental Avenue Semi Slick
No TCO (Toe Clip Overlap)
Rides intuitively and predictably

Underbiking Nordavinden at Morgan Territory

2012-01-16T18:47:00.001-06:00

Nordavinden Production Details

2012-01-05T01:43:00.005-06:00

The Nordavinden is a contemporary lightweight steel sportive designed for 700c wheels with tire clearance for 35c (size 54 is designed for 650b with tire clearance for a 42mm). In keeping with Rawland’s established design language and versatility tradition, the Nordavinden is ideal for any kind of road riding, with gravel and dirt thrown in for good measure.

The Nordavinden is optimized for a front load, which is generally the preferred position for carrying food, tools, camera, rain jacket, and so on, over both short and long distance; the ride is equally intuitive without load as well. The following specifications and features reflect the intrinsic nature of the Nordavinden that makes this one versatile randonneur sportive.

57mm brake reach; 73mm reach for size 54
Size 54 optimized for 650b x 42mm (i.e., Hetre) without toe overlap
No toe overlap for all other sizes, up to maximum tire size of 35c
Pacenti Artisan II crown
Brake mounts for sidepull and centerpull calipers
Single-eyelet stainless steel dropouts for all sizes
Heat-treated standard diameter tubing:

Sizes 54 - 58: 8/5/8 down tube; 7/4/7 top tube
Size 60: 8/5/8 down tube; 8/5/8 top tube

28.6mm steerer
Lightweight fork blades
Hourglass mounts on fork blades
Low, graceful fork bend
Double water bottle cage mounts with star reinforcement plates
Chain hanger braze-on
Head tube pump peg and reinforcing rings
Equidistance front and rear fender mounts
Down tube shifter bosses
68mm English bottom bracket shell
130mm rear spacing
27.2 seat post diameter
28.6 front derailleur clamp
Rawland decal set under clear coat
Brillant blue wet paint
Metal head tube badge
Estimated size 54 frame weigh: 3.5 pounds or lighter
Geometry table (click on the table to embiggen):

Renderings (click on the images to embiggen):

Size 54 with a 695mm saddle height:

Size 56 with a 720mm saddle height:

Size 58 with a 740mm saddle height:

Size 60 with a 760mm saddle height:

Estimated frameset price: $725
Target delivery date: Spring 2012

Click here to pre-order.
Email me here if you have questions or comments.

Skoal,

Sean

Conversion Forks Pre-Orders

2011-12-23T13:26:00.000-06:00

We are now taking pre-orders for conversion forks. Designed with less tire clearance for aesthetic purposes, these forks also feature an increased rake for a lower trail of approximately 30mm, ideal for front loads with use of hourglass and/or lowrider mounts. Specifications and other features are as follows:

Double steel plates
Cantilever bosses
385mm axle-to-crown length
Approximately 10mm vertical gap between the tire and the steerer
58mm inside width
1.6t x 2.3t threadless steerer
500mm uncut steerer length
70mm rake
Stainless steel double-eyelet dropouts
Hourglass rack mounts in the same position as those of the rSogn
Lowrider mounts
Steerer fender mount on the underside
Steerer rack mount
$125 plus FedEx shipping
Pre-orders will not be processed until Rawland received sufficient orders
All specifications are subject to change; updates would be emailed to customers

Pre-order a 1-1/8" version in rSogn silver color here.

Pre-order a 1" version in black color here.

A 700c version might be available for pre-order as well.

Email us here if you have any questions.

Skoal,

Sean

Rawlands Down Under

2011-12-23T11:58:00.000-06:00

Yep, that is a rSogn.

Check out the ride report here.

Happy Holidays!
Sean

Why Didn't I Think of That?

2011-11-29T07:45:00.000-06:00

www.bikerumor.com (emphasis added)

Pretty cool. Click here and here for more information.

Sean

Sean's rSogn

2011-11-17T18:21:00.001-06:00

Click here for more fotos.

Skoal,
Sean

New Serendipity Stickers

2011-11-15T10:22:00.017-06:00

The Viking sea serpent starbuck and striped sail are always a sight to behold. Click here to order five 3 1/2" by 2" glossy stickers for $5.

Cheers,

Sean

Disc Nordavinden: Crazy Like a Fox?

2011-11-08T09:35:00.002-06:00

This disc Nordavinden (dNordavinden?) was a design exercise Rawland conducted about two years ago, well before production disc cyclocross and road started to pop up. Although not exactly a lightweight at around 22 pounds, the dNordavinden was a joy to ride, on both 700c and 650b wheels (it took about ten seconds to swap between these configurations). Fwiw, the dNordavinden rode even better after the fork was re-raked for a lower trail. Being a prototype, the unsightly steerer was left uncut for future use and reference. This whole project was shelved after I was talked out of bringing it to production because the concept was deemed too radical at the time.

Sean

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T12:04:00.000-05:00

Rawland Joins the San Francisco Bike Expo

2011-10-25T07:56:00.000-05:00

Click here for information.

See you there!
Sean

Henry's Roadworthy rSogn

2011-10-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Henry!

Sean

The Sogn: Successor of the rSogn

2011-10-16T11:51:00.011-05:00

Mount Diablo a couple miles from Rawland headquarters.

Four frame sizes
Head tube frame pump peg
Lowered seat tube water bottle cage mount (by 1 cm)
450-500mm uncut, lighter steerer
New color to be revealed upon arrival in a couple months
Sogn is pronounced Sohngn (Credit to St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN)
Size SM might have TCO with larger tires
Geometry will be posted a couple weeks prior to landing of Sogn framesets.
Click on the images below to embiggen.

Small (SM) at about 68cm saddle height, with 58mm tires:

Medium (MD) at about 71cm saddle height, with 58mm tires:

Large (LG) at about 74cm saddle height, with 58mm tires:

Extra Large (XL) at about 77cm saddle height, with 58mm tires:

Drakkar in the Philippines

2011-10-15T13:40:00.001-05:00

Too cool. Thanks, Agu.

Return of the Drakkar

2011-10-07T09:18:00.000-05:00

By popular demand.

Steel disc 29er all-arounder with new features and price. Color TBD.

Further details forthcoming.

Skoal,
Sean

Steve Jobs, Requiescat in Pace

2011-10-05T20:04:00.001-05:00

Thanks, Steve.

Rawland. Always powered by Mac.

SeAnna

Dick G.'s Olaf

2011-10-04T10:26:00.000-05:00

In Dick's words: "It is a pretty sweet setup." I could not agree with him more.

Congratulations, Dick!

Sean

Another rSogn by FreeRange Cycles

2011-09-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

One more custom build by Cycles. Click on the foto to embiggen.

Nordavinden Prototype Build

2011-09-22T23:14:00.005-05:00

The Build:

Frameset: Medium Nordavinden prototype
Headset: Chris King
Stem: IRD 70mm
Handlebars: Soma Highway One 31.8
Brake Levers: TRP
Tape: Cinelli Natural
Seatpost: Dia Compe Gran Compe
Saddle: Dimension Afton
Bottom Bracket: Chris King
Crankset: Sugino OX801D 48/34
Pedals: Crank Brothers
Derailleurs: Dura Ace
Shifters: Dura Ace
Brake calipers: Tektro R538
Brake pads: Yokozuna
Wheelset: DT Swiss / Dura Ace
Tires: Panarcer Jack Brown 33.333c, with room to spare
Chain: Dura Ace
Front Rack: Nitto M18
Click on the pictures to embiggen.

Email us here for further details and updates.

Cheers,

Sean

rSogn by FreeRange Cycles

2011-09-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

Thrice cheers to FreeRange of Seattle for a solid build! Click on the picture to embiggen.

Skoal,
Sean

Cycle EXIF on rSogn

2011-09-17T11:00:00.002-05:00

"Every Rawland Cycle is instilled with a fighting spirit..."

Visit the blog here.

Thanks, Cycle EXIF.

Nordavinden Protoype

2011-08-25T22:40:00.005-05:00

Leaning toward this color of the original prototype for production.

Geoff's rSogn

2011-08-25T08:39:00.000-05:00

This is in Beartown State Forest in Berkshire County, MA. It was very wet and the Hetres had turned gray but that's the beauty of Hetres. I'm going to ride them on the fresh cut lawn and see if they turn green.

Cheers,
Geoff

Home, Sweet Home

2011-08-19T21:51:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken a couple minutes from Rawland's headquarters in Danville, California, located at the base of Mount Diablo. More pictures to come soon.

Skoal,
Sean

Steel Nordavinden: A Sneak Preview

2011-08-11T14:10:00.002-05:00

Yes, the color is still blue. Click on the picture to embiggen.

Skoal,
Sean

rSogns in the Mountains: An In-Depth Review by Will

2011-08-06T11:30:00.002-05:00

Build Details

Frame: Rawland rSogn, size Medium

Headset: Chris King
Bottom Bracket: Syncros Titanium
Stem: Easton
Bars: Ragley Luxy
Brake Levers: Cane Creek SCR-5
Brakes: Shimano XTR M900 cantilevers w/VO roller straddle wire hangers
Wheelset #1 (all-road): Rear: White Industries 8/9sp hub, Velocity Dyad 32-hole rims, Shimano XTR M900 11-30 8-speed cassette; Grand Bois Hetre 42mm 650B tires. Front: Schmidt SON dynohub; Schmidt deluxe headlight)
Wheelset #2 (specifically ruff-road/trail): Shimano XTR M950 8-speed hubs, Velocity Dyad 32-hole rims, Shimano XTR M900 12-32 8-speed cassette; Pacenti Quasi Moto 2.0 650B tires
Crankset: Specialized Discovery triple 46-36-24 chainrings
Pedals: VO Touring
Front & Rear Derailleurs: Shimano XTR M900 8-speed
Shifters: Suntour Power Ratchet bar ends
Seatpost: Tom Ritchey-Nitto
Saddle: Brooks B-17 Special
Front Rack: Nitto M-12
Front Bag: Carradice Nelson longflap saddlebag, modified for use up front.
H20 Bottle cages: King Cage Isis

Backcountry version with Pacentis

Road version with Hetres

I waited many months for my rSogn to be delivered, and was happy to be involved in the design process (along with many others) with feedback on features I was interested in. Primarily I was interested in a all-roads bike that was responsive and would handle a front load well; and, I was one too that lobbied for many braze-ons so that the bike could be set up in a number of different configurations with racks, etc. I had a vision as to how I would build the frame up, and had many months to acquire the necessary components. Primarily I saw the bike being built-up with MTB components, as the sort of riding I was interested in doing with it were big loop routes that usually consist of off-pavement on rough dirt roads and trails, with sections of paved roads.

When the frame arrived, I was quite impressed by the quality of the workmanship as shown in the tigging and the paint job. I was initially concerned about the heaviness of the fork, but actually since I've built the bike up and ridden it on some pretty rough routes, I am glad that it is as beefy as it is. Someone with more expertise will have to evaluate whether the fork blades flex nicely -- I'm assuming they do under a load.

Sometimes the dirt roads are rough enough with rocks, etc. to warrant using big fat knobbies to add suspension and traction, and sometimes they are not too bad and one can use something like Hetres for the whole ride - therefore, I chose to build two wheelsets to minimize the headaches and hassle of swapping out tires depending on what ride I was going to do that day; one mounted with fat knobbies (Pacenti Quasi Moto) and one mounted with fattish road tires (Grand Bois Hetre). Some claim the Hetres are fine on dirt and rocky roads - and I have ridden them on such roads as well - but when climbing out of the saddle on dirt my assessment is that they don't offer much traction and will slip a lot more than knobbies; some "roads" have un-relenting rocky sections where Hetres just don't have the air-volume to handle well; and, and when bombing down a rough rocky dirt road, Hetres don't hold a candle to the stability of a fatter knobby tire - and overall, they just aren't as sturdy/tough for the real ruff-stuff as the Pacentis. But if a ride is mostly some form of pavement, even if it is rough (like the local roads here that are primarily chip-seal and in bad shape) and damaged (such as the road up Mt. Evans, which has many cracks, holes, and ridges from frost-heave damage), then the Hetres rock, fair-dinkum. There is some overlap of course which is great - the Hetres are fine for moderate off-pavement stuff, and the Pacentis don't completely suck on pavement (esp. with the addition of a few more lbs of air). BTW, if using Hetres there appears to be plenty of room for fenders, if one wanted them. I did buy some fenders for it, but haven't installed them, and may not unless I am setting the bike up for touring or a brevet series.

Ryan sez, "Fat knobbies rule on Rollins Pass!"

I included the build details in this review because obviously one doesn't ride just the frame - you are riding a whole bike! Therefore, the components you select for the build and how well they work (and work together) heavily influences the final outcome of the bike you end up with. The fact that I am VERY happy with the Sogn as a bike is due in no small part to how well the components I selected work, and work together.

While most of the components I used to build up the Sogn are older, one of few parts that was new is a new design of dirt-drop type handlebar that is quite radical (Ragley Luxy). I was using similar On-One "Midge" bars on other bikes - and like them mostly fine - but the Luxy bars are in my opinion more comfortable and offer seriously wide drops which are great for climbing steep stuff, and great stability for descents. I'm going to do some more rides with them before I decide whether to keep them or chuck 'em in a box. Handlebars - like saddles - are a personal choice and reflect the reality that it's not a one-size-fits-all world and "to each their own" - for example, my friend and riding buddy Ryan built up his new Sogn with Nitto "Noodle" bars, which you couldn't pay me to use on such a bike - but he seems to like them just fine.

Some will undoubtedly see my fairly large saddlebag that I am using as a front bag and gasp in disbelief - therefore some explanation might be necessary. First, I do not like to use a backpack if I can avoid it - I don't like having a sweaty/clammy back, and the best packs are still unwieldy to some extent. I will use a backpack if the gear/water needs necessitate it, such as on some long backcountry rides in shoulder seasons. I live and ride in the desert and the mountains (Moab, UT), and ride in the mountains of Colorado as well. It astounds me how little gear many cyclists carry with them. In years past I worked as an outdoor professional, teaching mountaineering and sea-kayaking courses, and that is probably where I acquired much of my philosophy about being prepared for being in the backcountry. Changes in altitude and weather necessitate being prepared for a range of temperatures and possible foulness - which can either accentuate ones experience of adventure and comfort, or cultivate an epic, depending on your preparation! For example, Ryan and I rode up Mt. Evans over in Colorado this last weekend (on our new Sogns), which has a paved road that goes to 14,130 ft., which is well above timberline into real alpine country where anything can happen weather-wise. We started with other riders who were wearing regular sublimated racing cycling kits with a few things stuffed in their jerseys, and later we saw them coming down, having turned around well short of the summit - simply because of threatening weather because they were not prepared for it. We were dressed in wool and had good raingear and other extra items of clothing well-suited for riding in wet and cold which were stashed in our bike bags - way too much gear to stuff into jersey pockets! As well as the extra layers of clothing and raingear, I had the storage capacity for plenty of food, a camera, and extra fluids. We were prepared for foul weather, and continued on undaunted to the summit. We got hailed on during the descent, but were warm and cozy, and the bikes handled the wet and bumpy road quite securely due to the relaxed geometry and fat cushy tires (Hetres).

A brace of Sogns on the summit of Mt. Evans, CO (14,130 ft), shortly before it started hailing.

OK, I will finish this discussion of the utility of using big front bags by saying that the geometry of the Sogn is well-suited for carrying a front load, and I am pleased about that because of obvious reasons. I usually carry extra clothing layers and raingear, tools, plenty of food, misc. items such as camera, and two extra liters of water up front and it did not adversely affect the handling of the bike at all, even when climbing for extended mileage or bombing downhill. The Nitto M-12 rack is a strong, secure front rack well-suited for carrying a front load.

Will sez, "no need to leave the kitchen sink at home, when you might need it out here!"

My impression so far of the Sogn is that it "planes" well for me. I am about 5'9" and about 150 lbs, so am of average height and weight, and I chose the size Med frame. "Planing" is a term invented recently by someone in the industry to describe the ability of a bike and rider to be in synch with each other. This quality can be more easily felt and evaluated if you have other bikes made from various tube diameter and thickness, and materials, which I do. OK, I will say that I am not an engineer tech-weenie type -- I have a long love-affair with bicycles and riding them (and have about 10 currently), and am into cycling more for the aesthetic experience of how being in nature and riding pleases my sensorium in all sorts of delicious ways - and, I am enough of a masochist that I can enjoy the challenge and suffering involved in climbing or long punishing rides - but I could care less for more technical discussions about bicycles. So I can have fun riding most anything -- the bike I was riding for the sorts of rides I got the Sogn for was a Surly "Long Haul Trucker", which I had tons of fun with, but my beef with it was primarily that it was extremely heavy. It most assuredly did not "plane" either. My experience of "planing" is this: if a bike does not plane, it feels like you are either in the front of it pulling it like a cart, or in the back of it pushing it like a wheelbarrow - both of which create a sensation of you being a motor in front or in back of the bike, depending on the bike. The Surly I felt like I was pushing from behind.

If the bike "planes" - and I do think the Sogn planes - then it is more like riding a horse, where you are on top of the bike and you are more "one" with it, and the energy you are putting out with your effort more directly transfers to the bike in such a way as to give the sensation/experience that you are in sync with it - rather than pushing or pulling it - i.e., you are more "one" with it. This is my own experience of what is described as "planing", and someone else could very well explain it differently -- at any rate, the feeling of it is best brought home experientially rather than a verbal description. And, to be fair, as I said before, I just love riding and I can have a great time on a heavy stiff bike like the Surly -- but the bottom line is, I VERY much enjoy riding the Sogn because of the added dimension of its responsiveness to my own efforts -- it is like an animal, a sentient beast rather than a steel "thing" which has no lively potential, and so therefore a bike which planes can be a friend and companion that lends itself to being named! And so instead of a thing that you pull or shove around for fun, you can have something more "alive" that you actually ride!

Ryan flying up Mt. Evans due to ability of the Sogn to "plane." The dark clouds up
ahead was what turned around a group of less well-prepared cyclists.

"If it's really alive, do I need to sneak up on it to get on it?"
Ryan contemplates a wild-west style bike mount.

Like a burro, sometimes the Sogn cannot be ridden and must be pushed from behind.
The Sogn performs no better than other bikes in this respect, unfortunately.

But is the Sogn durable? So far, I have ridden the Sogn on some very rugged roads (an understatement overall), and despite being built of skinny tubes and relatively lightweight tubing (both things that contribute to planing), I definitely think the materials and construction are strong enough to handle a steady diet of ruff-stuff riding. Strong enough. I felt very secure bombing down many miles and thousands of feet of rocky bumpy rutted dirt road off the west side of Rollins Pass, with my front load -- it was all smiles -- the bike handled beautifully. In this respect, ones choice of tires make a huge difference too, as that is where the rubber hits the road!, and I found the Quasi Moto to be superb on loose, rutted, rocky terrain.

I feel like the Sogn is perfect for the kind of riding I got it for; routes that incorporate mostly dirt or 4WD roads along with sections of pavement, or randoneurring-type riding on rural/country roads that may be in rough shape. This means having clearance for bigger tires, and load-carrying capacity via the geometry and braze-ons to allow front and rear racks. I knew intuitively that the bike was probably going to plane (and therefore be enjoyable to ride), as the design was inspired by much-touted classic French geometry and would be built of lightweight skinny tubes. Being that I prefer to carry significant weight up front, I am very, very pleased at how well the bike handles with a front load. Good job, Sean!!

A brace of Sogns on Rollins Pass, CO at 12,660 ft.

Will & Ryan's rSogns in the UT & CO Mountains

2011-07-30T11:40:00.003-05:00

Gran Compe Seatpost by Dia-Compe

2011-07-30T11:13:00.000-05:00

One-piece 2014 T6 aluminum shaft
Forged head and clamp
Single-bolt clamp on the side
Inner diameter directionally butted for weight savings while maintaining strength
Weight: 240g
Length: 250mm

Quite possibly my all-time favorite seatpost. Stay tuned.

Cheers,

Sean

Chad's Drakkar in Sedona

2011-07-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

Click on the picture to enlarge.

I went with mostly West Coast/American components: Phil Wood bottom bracket, White Industries crankset and hubs, Chris King headset, and Thomson stem/seatpost. I was the only fully rigid 29er on the trails and the Drakkar handled everything I threw at it, looking pretty the whole time.

Kevin's Chosen Adventure: A Dynamic Drakkar

2011-07-17T22:11:00.000-05:00

Hubs: Civia Disc 32 Hole
Rims: Velocity Synergy 650b
Tires: Grand Bois Hetre 42mm
Bars: Metropolis
Pedals: Vintage Onza Clipless (dry weather); Demolition Platforms (wet)
Saddle: Brooks B-17
Stem: VO
Shifter Perches: VO
Shifters: Dia-Compe
Brake Levers: Generic Taiwan
Seat Post: Generic Taiwan
Grips: Lizard Skinz BMX
Derailers: Shimano XT Rear & Suntour Front
Crank: Bontrager ISIS Road
BB: Generic ISIS, 113mm
Headset: Origin 8
Brakes: Avid with Dirty Dog disc rotors
Fenders: Honjo
Rack: Bontrager

rSogn Now in Stock

2011-07-14T22:16:00.003-05:00

rSogn Geometry

rSogn Build Specifications

Headset: 1-1/8"
Seatpost: 27.2
Front derailleur clamp diameter: 28.6
Rear hub spacing: 132.5
BB: 68mm English
Most, if not all Shimano/SRAM/Campy road compact double cranksets with integrated BBs will clear the chainstays. This also goes for triple-ring cranksets.

Order a rSogn frameset here.

Coming soon: Ti Sogn, a worthwhile alternative. Same geometry as the steel counterpart.

Pre-order a Ti Sogn frame here. Steel rSogn fork included.

Questions? Email us here.

Halvmaane Prototype

2011-07-08T23:25:00.002-05:00

Specifications forthcoming, and are subject to change for production.

Questions? Email me here.

Skoal,
Sean

Ben's Olaf

2011-07-08T20:18:00.000-05:00

The instant classic Olaf in Lebanon Hills, Eagan, Minnesota.

Still Settling In

2011-07-06T09:45:00.001-05:00

Taken in the Bay Area last weekend.

Here in Northern California. Specific location TBA. We should start shipping rSogn framesets today or tomorrow. Halvmaane prototype and other products will be here in a week or so. All is good.

Skoal,
Sean

New Stan's 650b Rim: Perfect for Drakkar & dSogn

2011-06-23T07:53:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of www.notubes.com

Check it out here.

Farewell Southern Minnesota

2011-06-20T16:07:00.001-05:00

Sean's last hurrah on his BMW G650 Xcountry and then the rSogn prototype.

California Bound

2011-06-16T07:55:00.000-05:00

New headquarters location to be announced.

Skoal,
SeAnna

Halvmaane: Classic Nude

2011-06-15T08:58:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of bikelugs.com

Awaiting the fork built with the Pacenti Paris-Brest-Paris crown. Both the frame and the fork to be painted in fine-grained metallic orange. Capable of over 2,000 configurations, Halvmaane is convincibly the most versatile single speed/fixed all-arounder.

120mm rear spacing. Fender-friendly forward facing dropouts. Cast fender and rack eyelets. Threaded adjuster holes. Geometry and further details will be available when the prototype gets here in about two weeks.

rSogn Now On Water

2011-06-10T15:11:00.001-05:00

Pre-order a frameset for $625 before the price increases to $725 when the shipment arrives in a couple weeks:

rSogn

Best,
Sean

mDrakkar Titanium Rear Dropouts

2011-06-05T07:43:00.002-05:00

The all-new, suspension-correct 29er Drakkar Titanium tentatively named mDrakkar Ti (mountain Drakkar Titanium) will feature the new Paragon rocker sliders with fender and rack eyelets. Single speed insert also available through Paragon. Unveiling of mDrakkar Ti prototype likely in first week of July.

Photo credit: Paragon Machine Works.

Rawland Fall Tour 2010 Video

2011-06-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

Some More rSogn Pictures

2011-05-27T07:10:00.001-05:00

rSogn Progress

2011-05-26T07:54:00.001-05:00

More pictures coming soon.

Skoal,
Sean

Sogn Ti Prototype

2011-05-25T16:15:00.002-05:00

Made in the USA. Size ML. 3.8 pounds. 68mm bottom bracket, with clearance for double-ring cranks. Fits the Neo Moto 58c. Several features currently under evaluation, and are subject to change. An extensive review forthcoming.

6/1 Update: The pump peg is being removed from the prototype.

6/1 Update: The housing stops are being replaced with threaded stops with barrel adjusters.

Deceptively plain-looking, eh?

Skoal,
Sean

No Foolin': rSogn Production

2011-04-01T21:08:00.005-05:00

Geometry
  > Four frame sizes: MD, ML, LG, and XL
  > 8/5/8 tubing for MD and ML
  > 9/6/9 tubing for LG and XL
  > No heat treatment
  > Click on the chart below to embiggen.

Revisions
  > More-pewter color
  > Reposition of down tube decals; removal of tubing decal
  > Reposition of stay bridges
  > Hourglass rack mounts on seat stays and fork blades

Delivery
  > May or June

Price
  > $625, frame and fork pre-order
  > Price will increase to $725 when the first shipment arrives
  > FedEx Ground shipping in the continental US included

Note
  > Details and pictures of Titanium Sogn forthcoming next month

Contact & Ordering
  > Contact us here if you have questions
  > Pre-order here

Skoal,
Sean

rSogn - Hetres - Southwest Austin

2011-03-15T09:36:00.000-05:00

Enjoy these pictures of the rSogn prototype taken in Southwest Austin on a -windy- day. Final details on the rSogn will be shared in an email update to be sent out sometime this week. Sign up here to join our mailing list. Stay tuned for pictures of the rSogn with a different cockpit.

rSogn-Pari Moto-M12

2011-02-10T20:56:00.006-06:00

Click on the pictures to embiggen.

Just as beautiful with the Pari-Motos and the Honjos.
Also with the Sackville TrunkSack. Highly recommended.

The Nitto M13 and the Paul Components Moon Unit.

Purposeful.

Homemade 10mm spacer cut from an alumimum airfoil rod bought
at a local hobby store. Will add leather spacers.

rSogn Fotos

2011-01-30T21:35:00.014-06:00

Click on pictures to embiggen.

21.5 pounds. No carbon fiber anywhere.

Skoal!

Sean

rCOG

2011-01-07T07:44:00.002-06:00

Although the rSogn is 98% ready for production, there are a couple things I want to address such as the color, tubing decal, and weld beads. Read about them and offer your comments at this forum: Rawland Cycles Owners Group (rCOG).

Cheers,

Sean

rSogn

2011-01-05T19:09:00.012-06:00

Click on the pictures to embiggen.

Click on the chart to embiggen.

Further details, more pictures and comments forthcoming.

Email us here if you have any questions or comments.

Skoal!

Sean

Arriving Soon

2010-12-29T18:32:00.005-06:00

rSogn Prototype

Geometry, features, and pictures forthcoming.

Sign up here to receive Rawland news and updates.

If you have questions or comments, please email us here.

Happy New Year!

Sean

Texas Fits

2010-10-26T08:03:00.003-05:00

It is time for me to share that I am moving to Austin for several pragmatic reasons. Rawland will join me in Austin once everything is settled. In the meantime, I will test prototypes in this town without having to wait through the winter. That will undoubtedly be a boon to Rawland in many respects, so I really look forward to starting a new chapter in my life.

Happy as a gopher in soft dirt.

Sean

Geometry Continued and Tubing

2010-10-11T08:49:00.010-05:00

Below is rSogn geometry with standover heights for different tire sizes. Do email me here questions about frame sizing.

rSogn
Click on the table to embiggen.

Tubing

Here is what I would start with for all frame sizes:

rSogn: Standard diameter 8/5/8 top tube and 9/6/9 down tube.

Notes:

The XL rSogn probably will have standard diameter 9/6/9 for both tubes.
Heat treatment may be considered; This will increase ~~stiffness~~ strength and price.
7/4/7 may be prone to denting.

Sean

Color and Revisions

2010-10-08T08:58:00.012-05:00

First thing first, here is what I think works better for the rSogn:

Now, based on numerous email conversations with those who had pre-ordered the rSogn, I thought it would be prudent to revise the geometries of these models.

The table below is based on a smaller tire size at 38c for the rSogn. The resulting standover height of each frame size is now lower. There are some other revisions in response to the conversations as well.

Moreover, each illustration shows an approximate minimum saddle height and a 10mm spacer that doubles as a cable hanger. Please also note revisions in the lengths of top tube, seat tube, and head tube for some and/or all frame sizes.

rSogn
Click on all to embiggen.

Small
70cm saddle height

Medium
71.5cm saddle height

Medium-Large
73cm saddle height

Large
74.5cm saddle height

Extra Large
76cm saddle height

Comment away.

Cheers,

Sean

Colors

2010-10-07T07:11:00.005-05:00

As promised, here is what I have for the rSogn. I am wrestling with these two shades of metallic pewter:

The first one, 7668, is dark silver. The second one, 7670, is the same with a hint of bronze. Which one should I pick?

Sean

On Schedule

2010-10-01T13:54:00.010-05:00

Greetings and Salutations,

Here we are with a design recap of the rSogn posted below. The past couple weeks were incredible to say the least. Although we are taking the Pageview feature with a grain of salt, we are stoked that this blog has received thousands and thousands of views. We thank all those who contributed to the process toward the creation of the rSogn.

Now we look forward to receiving (and riding) a prototype before finalizing details prior to production in a couple of months.

Also be sure to join our mailing list for updates and whatnots:

Rawland Mailing List

Skoal!

Sean and Anna

rSogn Design Recap and Order

2010-10-01T13:32:00.017-05:00

Wheel Size

650b

Tubing

.8/.5/.8 and/or .9/.6/.9 standard diameter, depending on frame size.

Geometry and Sizes

Click on the table to embiggen.

Small

Medium

Medium-Large

Large

Extra Large

Tire Clearance

74mm, up to 58c

Fork

Cantilever bosses
Tight-low bend
Pacenti MTB fork crown
385mm axle-to-crown length
1 1/8” steerer
At least 350mm steerer length
Front rack mount hole
Lowrider mounts
63mm rake

Dropouts

Double-eyelet cast stainless steel front and rear sockets

Braze-ons

Rear-facing seat post clamp slot
Three water bottle mounts on the frame
Head tube reinforcing rings a la the Drakkar
Seatstay rack mounts
Equidistance rear fender mounts facing the tire
Brake cable stops at 10 o’clock
Stainless steel chain hanger
Down tube shifter mounts
132.5mm rear spacing
TIG-welded pump peg on the seat tube
Bottom bracket cable guide mount

Color

Metallic pewter

Pre-Order

$250: Deposit link here

Questions

Dropouts - Updated

2010-09-30T08:18:00.008-05:00

These are for the rSogn, both in stainless steel:

Skoal,

Sean

rSogn Top Three Colors

2010-09-30T08:08:00.006-05:00

In no particular order:

1. Rawland Red: http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/12/rawlands-la-auto-show/

2. Pewter

3. Blue (specify shade)

All metallic a la the Drakkar.

Sean

rSogn Color

2010-09-29T08:14:00.005-05:00

Here is the plan:

Wednesday - Nominate your color(s) of choice for the rSogn, and explain why.

Thursday - Announcement of top three colors. Pick and/or prioritize your color(s).

Friday- Announcement of the color for the prototype rSogn.

You may begin...now!

Sean

Where I am on...

2010-09-29T06:50:00.005-05:00

The rSogn:

Rear-facing seat post clamp slot
Lowrider and water bottle mounts for the low-trail fork
Three water bottle mounts on the frame
Seatstay rack mounts
Equidistance rear fender mounts facing the tire
Brake cable stops at 10 o’clock
Stainless steel chain hanger
Down tube shifter mounts
132.5 rear spacing. Or should it be 130? 135?
TIG-welded (not filet-brazed) pump peg on the seat tube similar to this:

Comments?

Anything else?

Sean

Braze-Ons

2010-09-27T07:38:00.007-05:00

Greetings and Salutations,

Here is what I have in mind:

A la the Drakkar:

Head tube rings
Frame pump peg on the head tube
3 sets of water bottle cage mount
Chainstay bridge with a fender mount
Seatstay bridge with a fender mount
Seatstay rack mounts
Split brake housing stops at 10 o' clock

Drakkar pictures

In addition:

Down tube shifter bosses
Chain hanger inside the drive-side seatstay (?)

Comment away.

Skoal,
Sean

Tuesday Tidbits

2010-09-21T12:24:00.008-05:00

Now that we are past halfway through the process of designing rSogn, I wanted to share with you the following comments I have received on this process:

Your collaborative approach is refreshing in this industry.

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this collaborative effort. I don't have the kind of technical knowledge and experience some of the other contributors have, but it's still exciting to feel like you are part of a team working to create a great riding bicycle that has wide-ranging capabilities. Kudos to you for this project. Some might say too many cooks blah blah, but I think that has not been the case here. It's been a lot of fun.

Looks fantastic. I'm following the discussion and would comment, but I can't think of anything I would add to the discussion that others haven't already touched on. As the design is revealed, I am liking all of your decisions.

I see Rawland as the direct descendant of the Bridgestone XO. While other companies are fixated on capturing the look of the nearly two decade-old bike, yours seems to capture the spirit of the XO-1...Much appreciated. I'm a retrogrouch, but I'm a practical one. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing this frame develop.

I am excited by the new rSOGN design and would probably like to get on the pre-order list. I would like to wait till the the design is "finalized" before making the decision - but each day the design just keeps getting better. Thanks...

I just wanted to send you an email and offer my gratitude for you opening up your design process to potential customers...I have designed a few bikes myself and I spent countless hours pouring over each detail and revisiting practicality, function, aesthetics and more...Anyhow, I just wanted to reach out and give you my best.

Anna and I hope that you all too have the same experience. We also wish for for the process to avoid the groupthink phenomenon. We have been successful in that regard thus far.

Additionally, I have been asked if we may take pre-orders now. After discussing with Anna, I decided to keep the schedule as is. That means we will start taking pre-orders on Friday, October 1, after making announcements of final design details and colors (!). However, you may certainly email me to get on the list.

Last but not least, I have also been asked about offering the rSogn in titanium. Email me if you are interested in this option.

Sean

rSogn Updates

2010-09-19T16:31:00.007-05:00

Here is an updated geometry with the addition of size Small. This size is mostly proportional except for head and seat tube angles at 73 and 72 degrees, respectively. That is the best I can do without further compromising the proportion and ride.

The geometry also shows a slight change in rake from 60mm to 63mm. I decided to tweak the rake after riding a 60mm rake extensively with the Neo Moto, the Quasi Moto, the Hetre, and the Pari Moto over the weekend. This was also to address a minor design dilemma I had with the smaller frame sizes.

The standover height is now based on the Neo Moto 58c.

Click on the geometry to embiggen.

Small
Click on the picture to embiggen.

As far as tubing, I am now leaning toward 8/5/8 for all sizes. There might be a slight variation among certain frame sizes. I will share further details as they become available.

Skoal,
Sean

Tire Clearance and Tubing

2010-09-16T15:39:00.007-05:00

With the geometry and sizes pretty much all set, it should be obvious by now that the rSogn would feature the same Pacenti MTB crown. This one has enough width for the Neo Moto 2.3, or 58c. The axle-to-crown length is set at 385mm.

The rear clearance would be set for the same tire, and will feature s-bend chainstays like those of the Drakkar. With this bend, one can set up the rSogn with contemporary road double cranks with outboard bearings, square-taper cranks with cartridge bottom brackets, and triple cranks.

Like the cSogn and dSogn, the rear spacing would be set at 132.5mm.

While we are at this, the rSogn with its capacity to take the Neo Moto 2.3 will have standard-diameter 9/6/9 tubing for all frame sizes. The head tube would be set for the now-ubiquitous 1 1/8" threadless steerer.

Comments?

Sean

rSogn Sizes

2010-09-15T15:53:00.007-05:00

Here is an updated geometry and drawings of the rSogn in all three sizes with a 25mm head tube extension and less slope.

rSogn Geometry

Click on the table to embiggen.

Medium

Click on the drawing to embiggen.

Medium-Large

Click on the drawing to embiggen.

Large

Click on the drawing to embiggen.

Sean

rSogn Geometry and Sizes

2010-09-14T10:24:00.007-05:00

Here is what we have after some more discussion yesterday. We seem to agree on the following numbers:

73d head tube angle
60mm rake
72d seat tube angle
44cm chainstay
65mm bottom bracket drop

You will notice that this one has some more slope. I also wanted to add that the head tube appears longer because the axle-to-crown length is about 15mm shorter at 385mm. The 50mm head tube extension has reduced to 15mm as well.

Here is a drawing of the small rSogn as discussed:
Click on the drawing to embiggen.

Here is what frame sizes and geometry for each respective size would be like. Just so you know I have decided to keep frame size system similar to that of the Drakkar.
Click on the table to embiggen.

What say you?
Sean

rSogn

2010-09-13T09:11:00.005-05:00

As a continuation of the discussion on geometry, I wanted to propose a completely different geometry and then present some more possibilities for discussion.

Based upon The One that started Rawland, this set is markedly different than the geometry as first proposed last week, and could be considered as the basis for the Olaf and the Sogn. It is for that reason I thought it would be worthwhile for us to compare both geometries and then go from there.

Second Geometry

•    Effective top tube length: 56 cm
•    Seat tube angle: 72
•    Head tube angle: 71.5
•    Rake: 54 mm
•    Axle-to-crown length: 385 mm
•    Trail: 59 mm; 54 mm on a 584 x 38 Pari Moto
•    Headtube length: 161 mm
•    Chainstay length: 45.5 cm
•    Bottom bracket drop: 70 mm
•    Standover height: 80 cm, based on a 584 x 52 Pacenti Quasi Moto

Here is a drawing with the second geometry:
Click on the drawings to embiggen.

For comparison, here is the rSogn as first proposed:

Possbilities:

•    Should the trail be much lower at 40 mm instead?
•    If so, should the head tube angle and rake be 73 degrees and 65mm, respectively?
•    How long should the chainstay be?
•    Should the head tube extension remain at 25 mm?
•    Should the bottom bracket drop remain at 70 mm? Or would 65 mm suffice?

Sean

Brake Configuration

2010-09-09T08:45:00.008-05:00

As anticipated, yesterday’s discussion on wheel size was dead even between 650b and 700c. During this discussion, there were references to brake configuration and geometry not out of temptation but understandable necessity. It is for these reasons I have decided to let today’s topic on brake configuration determine the wheel size of the rSogn.

While we are at this, I wanted to suggest that the rSogn project is also a perfect opportunity for us to come up with a completely original concept. That could be like the cantilever Sogn or something that is currently unavailable. At any rate, the concept should be consistent with the “Any Bike, Anywhere” ethos of Chris Kostman.

To begin today’s discussion, please do review the comments from yesterday and then make a comment(s) on your preferred brake configuration. Let’s roll!

Sean

Tubing and Wheel Size

2010-09-08T07:53:00.005-05:00

Tubing

One of the goals of the rSogn (reissued Sogn) is to reduce frameset weight. The rSogn would be available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. These sizes would feature heat-treated Taiwanese tubing.

For the Small, the top and down tubes would be 7/4/7. The Medium would feature the same top tube, with a 8/5/8 down tube. Both the top and down tubes would be 8/5/8 for the Large.

All top and down tubes would be 28.6 and 31.8 in diameter, respectively. Other parts of the frame and fork would be specified accordingly, with the stated goal of making the frame and fork as light as possible for a $600 frameset.

Wheel Size

As we all can imagine, this topic could potentially determine the entire design direction of the rSogn. The requests for reissue received so far have been pretty much even between 650b and 700c.

As far as design and application are concerned, 650b is the ultimate wheel size. At the same time, 700c is readily available when it comes to small-block cyclocross tires, for example. Personally, I enjoy the benefits of the 650b size; however, I am still patiently awaiting a small-block 38c in this size.

To this end, I am fine with either 650b or 700c for the rSogn, and leave this up for discussion.

Do share your thoughts and comments on these topics.

Sean

rSogn

2010-09-07T08:43:00.023-05:00

Greetings and salutations,

This is Rawland’s first blog posting in response to requests for the resurrection of the Sogn. Instead of ordering possibly a limited run of the same Sogn, Anna and I invite you to actively participate in the refinements of this venerable model.

Starting tomorrow, we will post discussion topics until the 30^th when we will wrap up the refinement process with a final design recap by Rawland.

Timeframe and Topics - Updated (10/18)

~~Tuesday, September 7, Announcement~~
~~Wednesday, September 8, Tubing and Wheel Size~~
~~Thursday, September 9, Brake Configuration~~
~~Monday, September 13, Geometry~~
~~Thursday, September 16, Tire Clearance~~
~~Monday, September 20, Fork~~
~~Thursday, September 23, Dropouts~~
~~Monday, September 27, Braze-Ons~~
~~Wednesday, September 30, Color Choices~~
~~Friday, October 1, Final Designs by Rawland and Announcement of Colors~~
~~Friday, October 1, $250 Deposits for pre-order special~~
~~Friday, October 15, Pre-order deadline and Price increases~~

Skoal,

SeAnna