MANIVELLE N°66 – YANNICK

Hello ! I’m contacting you because I have a project for a comfortable, reliable, classy and efficient road bike. I’d like to be able to use this bike for short rides, long weekends and why not for possible trips… Oh, and I’d like rim brakes!

Okay, that’s what we’re talking about! Some time later, after a few phone calls to refine the specifications, we’re together at the workshop with Yannick. We agree to work on frameset projects, when the overall project is precisely defined. In this case, Yannick is a cycle mechanic and the choice of components is well made.

My aim was to create a design where the lines would stand on their own, to establish the character of the Manivelle N°66. The top tube is perfectly horizontal, reovalized to refine the frame’s profile and increase lateral rigidity, while the continuity with the upper stays provides overall tension. The junction is finely crafted to give a continuous edge between top tube and seatstays, surrounded by curves. This junction also incorporates the rear brake’s internal routing. There are three internal routing in the bushing, all tangent to keep the lines flowing smoothly.

As for the fork, Yannick wanted to see a design closer to a carbon fork, with the fork crown creating continuity with the headtube (36mm diameter). Steel forks are often thinner and present a visual “break” in profile at the lower headset. I used forks from Italian manufacturer columbus, with variable cross-section (25.4 to 13.5), which I reworked to achieve a profile width of 36mm. As this fork is intended for pad braking, I was also able to size it more lightly than for disc braking. The total part, uncut pivot, ends up at 888 grams.

And then there’s the bespoked stem, which complements the lines of the project. It has the same cross-section as the top tube, and a hinged joint avoids the double clamping that would have broken its slimness. The project also incorporates a custom rear rack, in perfect dialogue with the rear brake, and capable of supporting a drybag. A linseed oil finish accompanies the project’s magnificent silk gray, subtly chosen by Yannick.

It was a great pleasure to work on this project, thank you Yannick for your confidence. The initial brief can be simple, but the details will always make it a unique project. Happy roads to you!

Delivered to the workshop on Monday, December 22, 2025