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"évolution 3" touring bicycle
Initially rolled out as operation "chiche" (or "I dare you!"), the project to build a genuine classical touring bicycle at an affordable price has now reached its third version.
An alarming report, a daring challenge
In the years 80’s and 90’s, several factors compounded leading to a considerable drop of the number of classical touring bicycles built, notably those equipped with 650B wheels :
Operation “chiche” is launched, for long
The Confrérie de 650 decided to react and launched “operation chiche”, with a goal to offer a machine well adapted to cyclotouring, that is polyvalent, efficient, comfortable and, last but not least, affordable to a large public. This has also been the occasion to show how a militant and resolute action could perfectly lead to results in this field. Prototype is rolled out on July 29th, 1999 and the some fifty machine of the first batch produced by manufacturer Arc-en-cycles is soon followed by a hundred “evolution 2” built by manufacturer Technicycle.
Since 2004, Stéphane HORSEAU who was trained at Marcel DEJOUANNET’s, took up the torch with an exemplary dynamism. Evolution 3s come off the shop at a pace that delights the Confrérie managers. Note that this does not preclude the production a few high end custom touring bicycles.
Questions and answers
What is the role of the Confrérie des 650 ?
The Confrérie des 650, a not for profit association incorporated under French (“1901 bill”) law, prepares the specifications, looks for suitable supplies as required for building the series of touring bicycles, manages orders and follow-up. All this enables the manufacturer to concentrate on the production, and incidentally reduces the final cost of the machine.
Why do I pay the association a commission ?
The whole preparatory work (travel, tests, etc.) done by the Confrérie is by far only partly covered by the 30 euro commission you are asked to pay. The rest is covered by the association’s budget because we want to promote this machine towards those who are not familiar with the touring bicycles. Additionally, buyers get a one year membership at the Confrérie which is an opportunity to get acquainted by the bicycle touring concept underlying the production of this machine.
Can I place an order directly with the manufacturer ?
Stéphane HORSEAU can build for you a fully custom touring bicycle, but in this case he must dedicate time to supplementary tasks such as design and supplies, that as a tradesman he will have to charge you.
The cost of a machine outside the “evolution” programme is thus logically higher. However, since 2006 we also offer a new touring bicycle “itinérances” aimed at those who are looking for a high-end, yet affordable custom-made product.
Will I easily find tires in France ?
As may be found in the Confrérie’s web site, several brands are available in France. A conscientious local retailer will order them for you to the wholesaler or importer, and if not it is quite easy to order them by mail. Some online shops are quite efficient and propose several references including exotic products such as the Panaracer or Cyprès.
Will I find tires abroad ?
Yes, contrary to what many uninformed people say, 650B exists abroad. It is of course possible to order from France, but other 650B products exist : Panracer or Mitsuboshi in Japan, several tires designed by US retailers, Schwalbe and Continental in Europe...
Besides, a folded Megamium takes indeed very little space at the bottom in a pannier.
Better than a racing bicycle ?
A well designed touring bicycle above all provides polyvalence compared to a racing bicycle. You won’t need to worry about returning home at night thanks to a reliable and always available lighting. You will be able to take whatever luggage you need for a multi-day ride . You will enjoy an excellent comfort on either very long day rides or multi-day travel. You will be able to take non-asphalted or poorly surfaced roads : the ones that lead to most scenic landscapes!
Freedom is what you get first with a touring bicycle like the évolution 3. You ride where you want and with no concern with timing, or the need to retrieve the support car.
What are the benefits compared to a modified mountain bike ?
Beginners often think about purchasing a MTB for their first outings, then equip it as needed for longer rides. However, such mount is not well adapted to the transformation. Cost reduction has ruled out braze-ons required for mounting racks, mudguards, generator. Available alternate mounting solutions do not achieve the reliability indispensable to the long distance traveller.
Évolution is indeed better suited to road itineraries, thanks to its geometry and rolling efficiency.
Évolution 3 Spécifications
Reliability is of paramount importance for bicycle touring, that’s why components have been selected to ensure long service and easy maintenance.
An improved braking
Breaking has occasionally been criticized on Évolution 2 so the Confrérie team sought for another solution. Cantilever brakes have been sourced at a US manufacturer’s who produces quality components, and associated with Campagnolo “Veloce” (metal) combined levers. Today, according to all those who tried Évolution 3, braking is above suspicion.
A field proven frame
The frame is made of braze welded “Vitus TXO” steel tubes. These tubes were originally designed by the “Ateliers de la rive” as a competitor to the famous Reynolds 531st. Production has now ceased but the Confrérie des 650 has found a good source. Frame height is available from 47 to 61 centimeters by 2 centimeter steps. The bottom bracket and the heaset are “microfusion” cast and the frame is equipped with all braze-ons necessary for a touring bicycle.
A lighting up to it
Lighting is a key point for a tourist who may want to travel without worrying about dusk coming (or possibly an unlighted tunnel). It is delivered by a UNION generator located under the bottom bracket, feeding a BUSH & MULLER halogen head light (left picture) and LED/capacitor long life rear light that remains on a few minutes in case of a short stop.
For 1690 euros, a comprehensive and homogeneous gear
available options :
Want to own an Evolution 3 ?
At the time of writing these lines, we essentially collect orders from our members in France and the flow is sufficiently strong and regular to keep our partner craftsman Stéphane Horseau quite busy. Stéphane does not intend to evolve as a world company for the time being and likes to concentrate on what he does best, i.e. hand-making frames and building bicycles of the highest standard, rather than managing worldwide exports.
Besides, the Confrérie is not a commercial organization and does not intend to become one either. Our main ambition is to perpetuate and propagate a culture, a lifestyle around the 650B-equipped classical touring bicycle.
If you, international visitor to the English version of our web site, share our spirit and would like to own an Evolution 3, don’t hesitate to send us an e-mail and we will do our best to help you acquiring one. Depending on how far you are from us, expect some difficulties regarding money transfers and shipping, the cost of which you will have to bear on top of the prices indicated above. On the other hand, we would particularly welcome if you were willing to help us building, on a non-commercial basis, an exchange channel between us and your country’s neighbourhood.
Publication of "Confrérie des 650" /// 57, avenue de Montpellier 34270 CLARET - FRANCE