Joseph's Emerald Coach Polyvalent
I can't remember the exact turn of events that led to my awareness of Velo Orange, except to say that when I first viewed the website, I was filled with an unusual amount of joy and even relief.
Some years ago, cycling had started to take hold on my soul in a significant way, and I had acquired a number of inherited "vintage" bikes, or value option classics as one does when on a budget.
As I rode more, and inevitably, turned wrenches more, the concept of quality and the need for well designed and manufactured components and frames, evolved. With cycling becoming more of a lifestyle than a hobby, I began down the path that leads to VO.
Sheldon Brown, Velocity Wheels, Interloc Racing, Yamaguchi and Frame Building, Ultra Romance, and the Path Less Pedaled, etc. These are just some of the names that were popping up into my awareness. I became immersed in a world of knowledgeable and responsible cycling guru's. I read, I rode, and I built machines that could take me where I wanted.
As my riding style slowly morphed into a type of passhunting, adventure seeking, slow climbing, but fast descending style, the need for a certain type of bike started to form in my mind. It should have disc brakes, wide tires, classic lines, maybe even a quill stem. But who makes such a frame? Would I have to fabricate it myself? Then, like magic, the Polyvalent appeared like a beacon shining in the darkness. The Emerald Coach. This was the new target for my dream build!
The main hitch in this dream bike was cost. With 5 kids, and me as the sole income for the family, the budget was considerably tight. Luckily, Velo Orange provides the best quality frames and components for the price available in the world! After over a year of saving and planning, I had purchased all the parts for my new build. I even decided to lace my own wheels to save money!
Putting the bike together was an absolute joy. But the true pleasure came with the places the bike would take me. Living in NW Colorado, I was able to ride my steed from the door, over mountain passes and through amazing scenery, and back to the door, allowing me to fit rides into busy schedules, and offer even spiritual and emotional healing in a time of need.
Cycling is a journey and thankfully, I have reached no destination, nor do I know if there really is one. To understand it, one must experience it. We push ourselves in different ways, I always attempt to offer my best to the world, as I think others do as well.
I know it's just bike parts and stuff, but I'm so grateful that the team at VO (and others like them) continues to offer their best to us. Without it, we would all spend countless more hours on ebay, searching for NOS parts and repacking 40 year old bottom brackets and hub bearings.
Here are the deets on my first ever full build (thought it has changed some over the years, the list is from day 1):
Green Polyvalent Frame size large or so
VO Drillium double crank (noir)
Shimano XT M756A 32h 10 Speed 6-bolt Rear Disc Hub Black
Shimano XT M756A 32h 6-bolt Front Disc Hub Black
WTB i25 TCS 27.5 rims laced w/Sapim race spokes w/green anodized nipples
TRP Spyre short pull disc brakes
Panaracer Gravelking slicks blackwall (650x48)
Shimano PD GR500 flat pedals
Shimano XT rear derailleur
Shimano 2 speed front derailleur
Shimano XT 10 speed 11-46 cassette
VO leather saddle (the narrow one)
VO front mudflap
VO Iris cages (2)
Gevenalle AX levers shifter pod only for rear
Rivendell friction shifters (front on downtube)
Rawland Radiverks Rando Rack
Restrap basket bag
Thanks again for providing such great opportunities. I have loved reading VO voices! Keep up the love.
4 comments
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Re: Johan Pacheco
The crank is the VO drillium double, it comes with a 48/34 combo which is great for climbing!
Specs description has a Rivendell friction shifter “on downtube” for front d/r. However there are no details of the front chain rings… Having a 2 × 10 is a GREAT idea seeing how the terrain of NW Colorado includes the beauty and wild land of the Basin and Range Province
Re: Chris Scanlon
Oops! I listed the wrong tooth size on the rear cassette.
I believe it is a Shimano MT771 11-34 tooth.
Thanks!
Beautiful build. Question, the bike appears to have double chain rings and the specs say, Shimano 2 speed front derailleur with a Shimano XT 10 speed 11-46 cassette. The 11-46 leads me to believe there is only one chain ring in use. Please comment.
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