Yeats Path Racer
£1,000.00
Hand brazed, lugged Italian steel frame in classic Racing Green, matched with Brooks honey leather saddle and cream coloured tyres. A most stylish build as much at home on the gritty city streets as it is the gravel paths and country lanes.
Please see homepage for delivery waiting period. You can’t rush quality. Each bike is made to order. Full custom paint and options available
Product Description
“Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Riders, pass by.” – WB Yeats
Our flagship cycle. Hand brazed with silver, Italian made, Columbus Zona lugged steel frame, typically painted in classic Racing Green and matched with Brooks honey leather and cream tyres. A most stylish build as much at home on the gritty city streets as it is the gravel paths and country lanes of Ben Bulben.
Compact geometry makes for a nimble and agile machine, excellent in traffic, while the short wheel base gives an unexpected bonus in terms of storage space. The classic moustache handlebar from either Nitto or Soma not only gives Yeats a vintage appeal but also offers multiple hand positions for comfort on longer rides. Flipped up they give a more laid back, upright position with a commanding view of the landscape (or traffic) around you; flipped down (as shown) they give a more sporty and aggressive position. We will call you to confirm your choice. Spring loaded brake levers and Sturmey Archer shifters (geared models only) are fitted to the bar ends, keeping them accessible but out of the way. The handlebars are finished with Brooks real leather bar tape, stylish, classy and hard wearing, colour matched to the Brooks saddle. The vegan alternative is a colour matched Brooks Cambium with cloth tape, just like they used to use back in the day.
The wheels are hand built to a special order in the UK around Sturmey Archer hubs. We’ve standardised on the Sturmey Archer drum brake for front and rear. This means the entire system is encased in the hub, making it maintenance free. No slipping in the wet, no brake pads to change and nothing to go out of alignment. The hubs are laced to double walled, high polished, alloy rims with stainless spokes, ensuring a stiff, reliable ride and the wheels are finished with Schwalbe puncture protection tyres. If you really want to go low maintenance we can fit Tannus solid tyres. Never pump them up, never get a puncture.
Personalisation and customisation comes as standard. We’ll give you a shout after your order is placed to check what length and rise stem you would like to make sure the cockpit is comfortable. As well as discussing the gear configuration (front and rear cogs) to make sure your gearing is fit for purpose. You want more speed, or better climbing options? No problem.
Gearing, brakes and multispeed options:
We typically roll with Sturmey Archer drum brakes and hub gears. But we can also use classic calipers or coaster brakes. And we can tweak the gear ratio to suit your ride. Options are:
Single speed with drum brakes front and rear
Two speed kickshift with coaster brake – a two speed with no cables, you kick back to change gear and apply more backward pressure to brake. Drum brake or caliper on the front
Three speed freewheel with drum, coaster or caliper brakes
Five speed freewheel with drum, coaster or caliper brakes
Optional extras
Wooden mudguards front and rear
Rear carrier with wooden platform
Puncture proof tyres. Solid tyres. Install, forget. Never get a puncture or lose air.
Specifications
Frame: 8Ball Cyclery single speed frame made from Italian Columbus Zona steel tubes.
Wheels: Super stiff 700c wheels. Sealed bearing Sturmey Archer hubs with drum brake as standard laced to silver double wall rims with stainless spokes and eyelets.
Tyres: Schwalbe Spicer in cream. 30mm diameter to soak up the bumps with puncture protection and safety line reflection.
Crankset: Sturmey Archer track crankset with Stronglight chainring.
Pedals: System Ex quill pedals.
Handlebars: Nitto or Soma moustache bars with bar end levers or shifters. Leather bar tape or cloth tape.
Saddle: Full leather Brooks B17 saddle in honey. Cotton Cambium alternative available.
Headset & Bottom Bracket: Alloy with sealed cartridge bearings to keep water and grit out.
Extras: Brass bell with a delightful ring. Leather lifting strap.
Sizing
8Ball Bike sizing |
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| Rider Height | Rider Inside Leg | Recommended Frame Size CM | 8Ball Bike Size | |
| 5’5″ – 5’7″ | 29″ – 31″ | 52cm | Small | |
| 5’7″ – 5’9″ | 30″ – 32″ | 52cm – 56cm | Small – Medium | |
| 5’9″ – 5’11″ | 31″ – 33″ | 56cm | Medium | |
| 5’11 – 6’2″ | 32″ – 34″ | 60cm – 56cm | Large – Medium | |
For other sizes get in touch, we can accommodate everyone.
Simon Wilkes – :
I met James of 8 ball bikes at the L’Eroica Britannia, held in the beautiful surroundings of Bakewell.
His philosophy was so refreshing to me, I knew I wanted to purchase a retro looking machine with attention to detail in mind; and clapped eyes on the Yeats model he had on show.
Naturally to me, I purchased a Yeats bike 2 months on from the Eroica, it fitted the brief of what I was looking for down to a tee.
James was very attentive throughout the buying experience and bent over backwards to get things right.
My Yeats bike had the 3 speed gear option. As a bike novice I needed guidance on setup, again James provided me with a step by step guide and sent numerous pictorial guides via email.
I have no hesitation recommending this artisan bike builder to anyone looking for something a bit different.
Best of luck 8 ball!