Contents
Ebisu All Purpose Randonneur
Quick Answer
The Ebisu All Purpose is a custom randonneur frame built with Kaisei 019 steel tubing, designed and distributed through Jitensha Studios. This particular build features a modernized randonneur setup with 650b wheels, a wide-range 2×9 drivetrain, dynamo lighting, and French-influenced component selection including Rene Herse cranks and Grand Bois centerpull brakes. The frameset accommodates 650bx42mm tires with clearance for fenders, making it suitable for mixed-terrain riding and self-supported touring.
The All Purpose represents a contemporary interpretation of French randonneuring design, combining traditional steel frame construction with modern componentry. Built through Jitensha Studios with framesets manufactured in Japan, these frames utilize Kaisei 019 chromoly tubing to balance ride quality with structural integrity.
Frame Construction and Geometry
The frames are constructed from Kaisei 019 steel tubing, a
Japanese-made chromoly tubeset that offers performance characteristics similar to Reynolds 631 or Columbus Spirit. The All Purpose model features geometry optimized for randonneuring applications, with relaxed angles that prioritize stability under load and comfort over extended distances.
The frame design accommodates 650b wheels with wide tire clearance. This build runs Grand Bois Hetre tires in 650bx42mm, with additional clearance designed for fenders. The fork mirrors the frame’s randonneur-focused design, providing sufficient crown clearance and mounting points for a dynamo front light and front rack if needed.
Jitensha Studios handles frame orders through a consultation process, though specific geometry charts are not typically provided to customers. Lead times historically range from three to four months from order finalization to delivery.
Drivetrain Configuration
The drivetrain combines French randonneur aesthetics with practical gearing for varied terrain. Rene Herse cranks are mounted with a 42/26 double chainring setup, providing a wide range when paired with the Shimano 11-36 nine-speed cassette. This configuration yields gear ratios from approximately 19 to 103 gear inches, suitable for both loaded climbing and unloaded road riding.
Shifting is controlled via Rivendell Silver downtube shifters, operating a mixed-era Suntour front derailleur and Shimano LX M580 Rapid Rise rear derailleur. The Rapid Rise system reverses standard derailleur operation, with the default position in the largest cog rather than the smallest. This arrangement reduces cable tension in lower gears, where most riding occurs.
The MKS Allways EZY pedals use a magnetic attachment system, allowing quick pedal removal for storage or transport without tools.
Wheel and Tire Specifications
The wheelset features hand-built 650b wheels using Grand Bois Papillon rims laced to premium hubs. The front wheel utilizes a SON Deluxe Wide Body dynamo hub in 28-hole configuration, generating 3 watts at 15 km/h to power the lighting system. The rear wheel is built around an Onyx Racing Vesper hub with 32 spokes, notable for its sprag clutch design that eliminates freehub noise.
Grand Bois Hetre tires in 650bx42mm provide a supple ride with adequate volume for rough pavement and light gravel. The 650b wheel size lowers bottom bracket height compared to 700c equivalents with similar tire volume, improving stability and handling characteristics.
Braking System
The frame mounts Grand Bois Chouette centerpull brakes, controlled by Gran Compe Aero levers. Centerpull brakes offer symmetrical pad wear and powerful modulation, though they require precise setup and compatible frame/fork mounting. The Chouette model provides sufficient reach for 650bx42mm tires with full fenders.
Centerpull systems require specific cable routing and compatible levers with sufficient mechanical advantage. The Gran Compe Aero levers are designed for this application, providing ergonomic hoods and reliable cable pull ratio.
Cockpit and Fit Components
The cockpit uses a modified NOS Nitto Technomic stem cut to 70mm length by Northern Cycles to accommodate a brass bell. This connects to Nitto Noodle (B177) handlebars, a shallow drop bar with compact reach designed for mixed-terrain riding and frequent hand position changes.
The Rene Herse Ultimate headset uses French-specification angular contact bearings, providing smooth steering with minimal friction. The Nitto NJSP72 Jaguar seatpost supports an Ergon saddle, with the Jaguar post offering classic aesthetic while meeting modern dimensional standards.
Lighting and Accessory Integration
The dynamo lighting system consists of a SON Edelux front light and Rene Herse frame-mounted tail light, both powered by the SON Deluxe hub. This configuration provides reliable lighting without battery management, critical for extended unsupported rides or commuting applications.
A custom randonneur rack mounts to the rear triangle, designed specifically for this frame’s geometry and clearances. The rack accommodates traditional randonneur-style handlebar bags and panniers while maintaining heel clearance with the rear wheel.
Additional accessories include a Crane bell mounted to the modified stem, and Tomii Cycles aluminum bar end plugs.
Ebisu Brand Context
Ebisu frames are marketed and distributed through Jitensha Studios, operated by Hiroshi Matsumoto. Framesets are manufactured in Japan to Jitensha Studios specifications, utilizing traditional construction methods and Japanese tubing. The brand positioning focuses on French randonneur design principles adapted for modern component compatibility.
The brand offers several frame models beyond the All Purpose, each targeting specific riding applications while maintaining consistent design language. Frame turnaround times and communication processes reflect a traditional builder-client relationship, with less transparency than some modern custom builders but consistent execution quality.
The All Purpose achieves its design brief: a versatile randonneur capable of all-day rides, light touring, and mixed-surface exploration, built with quality components and careful attention to traditional randonneuring values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tubing is used in Ebisu frames?
Ebisu All Purpose frames are constructed from Kaisei 019 chromoly steel tubing. Kaisei 019 is a Japanese-made tubeset comparable to Reynolds 631 or Columbus Spirit, offering a balance between ride quality, durability, and weight. The tubing provides the compliance characteristics valued in randonneur applications while maintaining adequate stiffness for loaded riding.
How long does it take to receive an Ebisu frameset?
Typical turnaround for a frameset is three to four months from order finalization to delivery. This timeline includes the consultation period to determine frame specifications, manufacturing in Japan, and shipping to the customer. Lead times may vary based on current order volume and seasonal factors affecting production schedules.
What tire clearance does the Ebisu All Purpose provide?
The All Purpose accommodates 650bx42mm tires with clearance for fenders. This clearance is suitable for Grand Bois Hetre, Compass/Rene Herse, or similar randonneur tires in the 38-48mm width range, depending on tire casing width and fender choice. The generous clearance supports mixed-terrain riding while maintaining traditional randonneur proportions.
Can Ebisu frames accommodate different wheel sizes?
These frames are designed for specific wheel sizes based on the intended frame geometry and riding application. The All Purpose model is optimized for 650b wheels. Switching to 700c wheels would alter bottom bracket height and handling characteristics significantly, making it inadvisable without specific geometry compensation. Customers should specify their preferred wheel size during the consultation process, as the builder can design frames for either standard.
James Hickman is a former USA Cycling Expert coach, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team N Training coach and Masters category racer with podium finishes in So Cal events.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
The Pro Travel Pedal Wrench makes quick work of tough pedals and now doubles as a socket driver for use with Pedro’s professional socket tools.
The Pedro’s Chain Pig II Chain Cleaner uses pro-grade brushes and an absorbent sponge that removes grime, dirt, and oil from your chain, so you can ride with less gunk clogging your drivetrain.
Park Tool CC-2 Chain Checker. Chain wear directly impacts shifting performance and accelerates drivetrain damage. Beyond 0.5% elongation, worn chains damage cassette cogs and chainrings through improper engagement.
We are an Amazon affiliate and earn from qualified Amazon purchases with no cost to you. This is for ANY product that you purchase through our links. We are also an affiliate for Competitive Cyclist and JensonUSA. This way we can provide you with competitive pricing and products.