Named after Rose Selavy, feminine alter-ego of French Avant-Garde artist, Marcel Duchamp.
The Selavy has all the same features as the Duchamp but designed with a split and lowered top tube. This might be considered a “ladies’” model, or a step-through frame. Technically it’s reffered to as a mixte (pronounced meekst). It’s a building technique that utilizes twin-laterals instead of one top tube. These twin-lats connect the head tube with both the seat tube and seat stays. This is an appropriate design for men too in cases of hip displagia and arthritis when they physically can’t lift their legs over the top tube of a standard bicycle frame.
The Selavy is designed and built to feel stately and natural, a bicycle upon which you’d never think to wear lycra. This is a modern city bicycle in the vein of French classics, the originals amassing in collections. Typically these are designed with a generous porteur rack, a low-trail fork, and a longer top tube for swept-back handlebars. Drivetrain can be set up for single-speed, internally-geared hub, derailleurs, or all three. Drum brake braze-ons also available. Priced from $2700-3000.
Capricorn frame features
Double-Rail Chainstays
I build these chainstays from four lengths of 1/2" cro-moly tubing. This configuration does take more time, but it provides the most tire and chainring clearance and imparting a distinctive look.
Porteur Rack
A porteur rack is basically a platform without side rails, and is intended to carry over-sized parcels. This rack also works great for messenger bags now that their asymmetrical pull has alterred that spine of yours. Soon to be made available is a felted wool and waxed canvas tote bucket with rainfly, designed specifically to these racks.
Drum-Brake/Internal-Gear Option
Drivetrain and braking mechanisms are less vulnerable to the elements when they are built into a hub. Road salt and grit stays out of your brakes for reliable braking in winter. There's no derailleur to whack and bend out of adjustment or overshift into your spokes. These hubs are heavier, and there are some performance downsides, but the dicision to use them or not is yours to make.
