Carved Head Tube Frame Option
Carved Headtube +$750.
The outer lines of the top tube and down tube are brought forward into the head tube. It takes a few extra days to make the head tube this way. At first, I thought I couldn't have come up with a harder way to make a head tube. But I liked it so much that I hope I can make one for you too. A "R" head badge decal is not put on these frames. Shown in Ambrosia Maple.
From behind you get another look at how the main tube lines are brought forward into the head tube. There is probably a slight strength iprovememt from this, but it would be very insignificant. Almost all of the head tube strength is coming from the tapered aluminum insert. The important thing is to bond that insert correctly, and to have some of the front end forces distributed back into the main frame for shock absorption.
The Ambrosia Maple featured in this frame shows a lot of the mineral streaks that it is known for. It is a favorite of mine, and my personal bike uses a lot of it too. The effect is caused by beetle larvae. You can see the small dark hole where they exited the wood. Often, the holes are paired. I'm not sure why. The tree responds to this damage, or perhaps a foreign element is introduced, and the result are these dramatic stains, streaks and stripes. Usually, you will be able to find the worm hole at or near the center of the "flame". I guess you could say this is a wood bike that has already been eaten by bugs. Or at least the effort has been imortalized here.