Introduced in the year 2004 for the French Olympic track cycling team, the iconic LOOK KG 496 represented the finest in carbon frames for the next decade. Over twenty years later, it remains a rare, highly-coveted bike. I never thought I’d own one, but then I came across a frame set at the 2025 Westminster bike swap for pocket change. I had no idea what I’d do with it, but it wasn’t the kind of deal you pass up.
Sharp-eyed readers will have immediately recognized that this is not the track version of the KG 496. It’s the triathlon version, complete with derailleur hanger. It sat on my wall for a few months until I discovered the Origin8 Revolvr eccentric bottom bracket. This is an eccentric bottom bracket that is compatible with standard 68mm English-threaded bottom bracket shells and GXP cranks. It allows you to turn bikes with vertical drop-outs into single-speeds. Instead of using an external chain tensioner, the eccentric bottom bracket tensions the chain by moving the crankset forward to take up any slack. With this nifty gadget in hand, I ordered some new parts and got to work on a fun spring project. Read on for more photos and build details… Continue reading
Fernando’s grandfather and founder of Cuevas Bicycles, Francisco Cuevas, hand-built over 35,000 frames during a 70-year career that spanned three continents. Renowned for his ability to build frames without the aid of a jig or pins, brazing exclusively with brass, and incorporating many unique and thoughtful details, Francisco was a true craftsman of the old world. The Cuevas Custom randonneur frame is testament to his vision and artisan skills.
