In Lighter News

• Now that skilled tradesmen are on the case of the mysteriously fallen ceiling, plans are back on track to reopen to the public on April 15. And so I'd like to reveal some additional details about the exciting new "Model T" bike that has just left the TATI skunkworks and is now in full production.

  First and foremost, understand that this frame, unlike other TATI models, will not have custom geometry and may not fit every last person perfectly. But there are eight sizes available, ranging from 49-63cm. You can have any color frame, as long as it is black. There will be a few fork options, including both chrome and black, threaded and threadless... and if that means nothing to you, then you can let me guide you through the functional and aesthetic arguments of the choices. Every Model T will be signed and numbered, and this version will probably be capped at 50 units.

  These are not lightweight or butted tubesets. Most TATI steel frames come in under 4lbs, whereas these will be closer to 5.5 in most sizes -- which is still reasonable and lighter than many production frames. The welds are clean and the angles are classic. All the top tubes are horizontal to the ground. It is possible to mount fenders, but tire clearance is tight and you will need to run Audax style 23c with p-clamps if you do so. Otherwise, the modern SKS/Planet Bike reverse mounted fenders can be used with 28c tires.

  You can fully customize the gearing, bar, chain, stem, grips, pedals, saddle, wheels, and tires. All Model T's share the same excellent Tange bottom bracket and headset, Sugino cranks, and Kalloy seatpost. This level of customization and quality is pretty unheard of at this pricepoint. And you will still receive the full TATI fitting services, including unlimited parts swapping post-build.

  Prices begin at $500, which includes a TATI goodie bag containing several new and yet-to-be-revealed maintenance products. And best of all, the first 10 builds will be guaranteed a 2 week turnaround, which in TATI-land is pretty unheard of.

  And although the position on this build appears pretty crazy, it's intentional. The customer wanted a classic early 50s path racer fit with a "one fist" saddle height mated to a longish top tube...