Rob English's Do-it-all Bike and Winter Trainer
Rob English’s glowing green belt drive “Project Right” bike was one of the show favorites at the North American Handmake Bicycle Show, with the editor of Road Bike Action saying “it caught my eye almost immediately upon entering the convention center.” But the founder of English Cycles is more than just a builder of beautiful bikes. He is also a hardcore racer, three-time winner of the Oregon state time trial, and someone who believes that bikes are a transportation solution. So what bike does a famed builder ride? For English, it is a belt drive utilitarian road bike (shown above).
Rob has put 7,000 miles on this do-it-all rig through three Oregon winters. “As you can see, I don’t worry about cleaning it – no need with the belt, internal gears and disc brakes.” Rob uses the bike for commuting, transporting materials and groceries (with the brazed on trailer hitch on the chainstay), and winter training including the fast group rides and hill intervals.
The bike has a rear light integrated into the seatmast and a brazed on trailer hitch on the chainstay, along with disc brakes on custom post mounts. Integrated rear racks allow him to carry panniers low and close to the center-line for stability. The bike has road geometry, with clearance for 25C tires and fenders. “Lightweight was never a design intent with this bike, but the final 24lb complete weight is reasonable considering the Alfine hub, heavy duty wheels, rack and fenders,” says Rob, who gives Gates Carbon Drive a shout-out: “Thanks for making my life much simpler with a true zero-maintenance machine!”
See more photos of the Project Right bike and Rob’s other custom builds at www.englishcycles.com.
