NAHBS Show Guide 2011

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director’s note

It’shardtobelievethatafullyearhaspassedsincewewereinRichmond,Va.,whereNAHBSlastmadeitspresentationofthefinestbicyclesintheworld.WearedelightedtobebackinTexas,whereitallstartedforNAHBSbackin2005. The artisans of NAHBS dedicate their lives to the craft. Isuggest—as you view their wares—that you pay attention tothedetails.Whetheritissomethingassubtleascablerouting,or even a lug shoreline, these creations are rideable art. Eachframebuilder’spersonalityandphilosophiesareembeddedintothematrixofwhattheycreate.Ifyouaskthemquestions,theywillopenupandletyouintotheirworld. IamexcitedtobebackinmyadoptedhomestateandbringyounotjustabicycleshowbutamagnificentweekendofbicycleeventsrangingfromfilmscreeningstotheExhibitor/VIPpartyandevenagoodol’fashionedTexasbarbecuefollowedbyapubcrawl. NAHBS is a familyof sorts.Frommybrothersandsisterswhobuildframes,tomyuncleswhomachinecomponents,tomycousinswhomakecyclingclothing—we’reallonebighappyfamily,andwearegladthatyoudecidedtospendtheweekendwith us. Whether in the expo hall or at one of our NAHBSshindigs,we’rehappytohaveyoujoiningourannualreunion.

Thanks, again, for coming to the best li’l bike show inNorthAmerica!

DonWalker

DonWalkerFounderandPresidentNorthAmericanHandmadeBicycleShow

Hello and welcome to the North American Handmade Bicycle Show.

The North American Handmade Bicycle Show guide is published by Secret Agent Publishing and distributed at the show.

contact mountain flyer p.o. box 272 gunnison, co 81230 / [email protected] / [email protected]

cover photo: Ira Ryan photographed by T. Herb Belrose

Nothing in this publication can be copied or reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. All material and images are compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but published without responsibility for errors or omissions. Secret Agent Publishing assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or images. But we’ll sure consider them.

editor/publisher brian riepepublisher steve mabryart director chris hannamanaging editor trina ortegacopy editor charlie wertheimwriters: t. herb belrose & matthew j. nelson

6 NAHBS Seminar Series8 Gallery14 The History of NAHBS16 A Matter of Substance by T. Herb Belrose27 Framebuilder Biography Listings62 New Framebuilder Listings64 Earth, Wind, and Fire by Matthew J. Nelson70 NAHBS Schedule and Austin Lowdown72 Industry and Sponsor Directory74 Tailwind: Fearless into the Mystery by T. Herb Belrose

WHAT’S INSIDE

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FAT TIRE

I’VE ALWAYSLOVED FAT TIRE

co-founder, Kim Jordan

LOVED FAT TIREWe began by taking mixed cases of homebrew to parties – their abbreviations written on the caps. Everyone always searched for “FT”. Fat Tire was the go-to beer even then. Now 20 years later, I wonder, was it coincidence or prophecy that this perfectly balanced beer was born on a bike?

ALIGN FOLD HEREFOLD

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FAT TIRE

I’VE ALWAYSHATED FAT TIRE

Peter Bouckaert, brewer of

HATED FAT TIREIt’s the hardest beer for us to make. It’s still a homebrew recipe. The hop/malt balance required makes me pull out what little hair I have left. But, last night as I savored Fat Tire Ale, all was forgiven. The Belgian inspiration, the elegance – it’s worth every ounce of frustration.

FOLD HEREREVEAL OUR

JOY RIDE!

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TheNAHBSseminarsconsistofthreeintensedaysoflearningsessions in which the world’s pre-eminent framebuildersdivulgeyearsworthofknowledge.Theseare“donotmiss”eventsforthoselookingfordeeperknowledgeaboutbicycles,whether you’re an amateur builder, a new professional orsimplyacyclingenthusiast.Price:$195(three-daypass)

INTRODUCING NEW STAINLESS STEEL — JOE MCCRINK, KVA STAINLESS — FRIDAY, 4 P.M.KVAStainlessisintroducingnewstainlesssteeltubesandtubesets,whichwillopenthemarketforstainlessbicycleframestoawiderrangeofridersandbuilders.

TANDEM FRAME DESIGN — DWAN SHEPARD — FRIDAY, 10:30 A.M.Afteryearsoftoilinginself-imposedslavery,Co-MotionCyclesemergedasaleaderintandembicycles.Dwanwillpresentaseminarontandemframedesign,discussingtandemconfigurationsofthepastandpresentandthereasoningfortheirdifferentstructures.

SO YOU WANT TO MOUNT DECALS? — GARY PRANGE, SCREEN SPECIALTY SHOP, INC. — FRIDAY, 12 P.M.Garywilldiscussthevariousformsofdecalsandwhichwillworkbestforyourapplication.Thisseminarisforbuildersandpaintersandwillreviewthepossibilitiesandpitfallsofbrandingyourframes.

TOOLING AROUND — DON FERRIS — SATURDAY, 10:30 A.M.DonFerrisofAnvilBikeworkshasbeenaleadingsupplierofframebuildingtoolsandfixturestothebicycleindustrysince1999.Donwillsharehisexperienceandknowledgeinframebuilding,machineshoppractices,andtoolmanufacture.

BIKE BUILDING BUSINESS BASICS: SET UP YOUR BUSINESS, PREVENT PROBLEMS AND REDUCE INSURANCE COSTS — LORA VANDIXHORN — SUNDAY, 11 A.M. Learnkey,simpleideastosetupyourbusiness,preventproblemsandreduceinsurancecosts.Beforeyoustart,protectyourselfandyourfamilyfinancially.

WHY IS FIBER IMPORTANT? — BOB PARLEE — SATURDAY, 2 P.M.Bobisgoingtotalkbrieflyabouthowhedevelopedhisframebuildingmethods,whyhechosecarbonfiberasamaterialandwhatdifferentiatesPARLEE;inotherwords,how/whybikesarebuiltatPARLEECycles.

THAT’S FITTING — CRAIG CALFEE — SATURDAY, 4:30 P.M.LegendarydesignerandframebuilderCraigCalfeewilldemonstratetheCalfeeSizerfittingcycle,showinghowitcanspeedupfittingsessionsusinganyfittingmethod.

BIKECAD-EMY — BRENT CURRY — SATURDAY, 11:45 A.M.BrentCurry,thedeveloperofBikeCADandBikeCADPro,willgiveanoverviewofBikeCAD’sbasicfunctionalityanddescribethenewfeaturesofBikeCADversion7.0.

IT WHEEL BE GOOD — RIC HJERTBERG — FRIDAY, 3 P.M. AND SATURDAY, 1 P.M.RicHjertbergismadaboutbicyclewheels.HefoundedWheelsmithandhasbecomewidelyknownformanyfundamentalimprovementsinwheeldesign.Theauthorofmorethan40articlesonthesubject,hetriestospreadthewordateveryopportunity.

INTRODUCTION TO BRAZING — WADE BAROCSI — FRIDAY, 2 P.M.Abriefintroductiontobrazingandhowitworks:Brazingalloyselectionconsiderations,whyweusethealloysthatweuse;bronzevs.silver;lugvs.fillet;fluxvarietiesandusesincludingpaste,powder,liquidfluxesand“butters”;whyproperfluxselectionissocritical.

FIND A NEED AND FILLET — TOM RITCHEY — SATURDAY, 3:30 P.M.TheFilletBrazingFramebuilder—it’swhatTomRitcheyframesarebestknownfor.TRwillgothroughhowhelearnedandwhyfilletisstillrelevanttoday,alongwithsomeearlychallengesinhisownframebuilderyearsandhowheovercamethem.

ATOMIC NUMBER 22, THE SPACE AGE METAL (TITANIUM) — KENT ERIKSEN — SUNDAY, 12:30 P.M.Kentwillbetalkingabouthisuseoftitanium:Why,how,whatandthebenefitsoftitaniumasaframebuildingmaterial.AmpletimewillbegivenforaQ&Aandanopen-formatdiscussion.

SEROTTA AND COLUMBUS, STEEL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS — BEN SEROTTA — SUNDAY, 1:45 P.M.SerottaCompetitionBicyclesandColumbusofItalyhaveabusinessrelationshipthatspansfourdecades.Learnmoreabouttheir25yearsofcollaborationworkingwiththeplanet’smostnoblemetal.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone for SeminarScheduleupdatesorgotowww.2011.handmadebicycleshow.com/2011-show/seminars/

2011 NAHBS Seminars

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PriortoNAHBS,thehandmadecustombicycleindustrywasinaquietperiod,afarcryfromtheglorydaysofthe1970s.Backthen,discerningcyclistslookingforareallyfast,sporty,lightweightbicyclemighthavehadgoodoff-the-shelfoptions,butthemostdesirablebicycleswerebeinghandmadebythecustombuilders.Thehandmadeindustrywasflourishing. Themountainbikeboomofthe1980sand’90sbroughtafloodofnewcustomersintocycling,andmanycyclistswerewillingtobuyhigh-endbikes.Theindustry,asawhole,revvedup,andmassmanufacturersseizedthemoment.Entercarbonfibertechnology,massivepromotionalcampaignsandgood,cheapChinese-madebikes,andsoonthecottageindustryofthehandmadebicyclewaslargelyforgotten. Throughoutthe1990s,manycompaniesinthehandmademarketshrankanddisappeared.Somethingneededtobedone,butwhat?TheconceptforNAHBSarosewhenanonlinecommunityofbuildersmetin2004anddecidedtohaveaget-togethertohelpeducatesomeoftheyoungerbuilders.DonWalker,abicycleframebuilderlivinginTexas,sawthattheeventcouldalsoprovideahugemarketingboostforthemalliftheypooledtheirresourcesintheformofabigpromotionalconvention:TheNorthAmericanHandmadeBicycleShowwasborn! ThefirstNAHBSwasheldattheSheratonHotelinHoustoninJanuary2005. Sincethehandmadecustombicycleindustryhadbeengoinginthesamedirectionworldwide,theshowquicklygarneredinternational

attention.CanadiansandbuildersfromItaly,GreatBritain,Japan,Australia,France,Denmark,Netherlands,GermanyandothercountriesstartedexhibitingatNAHBS. Theshowwasaninstanthit.Thehandmadebuilderswereonceagaindarlingsofthemedia.Magazinesandwebsiteswereadornedwithimagesoffabuloushandmadebicycles,andtheindustrybegantothriveagain. Nowconsideredaprimemoverintherenaissanceofthehandmadecustombicycleindustry,NAHBSisnotonlyanexhibitionofthefinesthardwareinthebicycleworld,butitcontinuestobeapoolingoftheindustry’sbestmindsandideas. Continuingonatrendofsteadygrowth,theAustin,Texas,NAHBSisthelargestyet,withmorethan164exhibitors—afarcryfromthe23visionarybuilderswhoshowedinHoustononlysixyearsago.

The Celebrated History of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show

HISTORY OF GROWTH:2005,Houston,Texas—23exhibitors2006,SanJose,Calif.—71exhibitors2007,SanJose,Calif.—99exhibitors2008,Portland,Ore.—150exhibitors2009,Indianapolis,Ind.—111exhibitors2010,Richmond,Va.—126exhibitors2011,Austin,Texas—164+exhibitors

by Paul Skilbeck

REBIRTH OF THE COOL

Brad Quartuccio, Urban Velo

2009 NAHBS award winners on stage in Indianapolis, Ind.

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a matter of substance

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The products of bicycle building and design are as diverse as the framebuilders at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. In the course of researching an article about the materials that builders use to create frames, I learned many fascinating, esoteric details about carbon fiber filaments, tube manufacturing, epoxies, welding and metallurgy. I then attempted to use my false expertise to interview a select group of framebuilders about their preferred methods and materials for building.

Five Builders Discuss Materials, Craft and the Philosophy of Independent Manufacturing

by T. Herb Belrose

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What I heard from all of my interviewees was that the material component of a handmade bicycle does not matter compared to the skill, experience and philosophy of the builder. Yes, there is a bike that is the lightest in the world, and next year there will be a new record holder. But the lightest bike in the world is not necessarily the best bike in the world. We can rate a product based on tangible things like weight, strength and stiffness, but the inherent value of an object is its ability to achieve an objective. Each rider has a different objective for his bicycle. We all have unique bodies, movements and motivations in life. A 16-pound time trial bike is not the perfect bike for a person picking up groceries after work, and a lugged French style porteur bicycle is not going to win the Giro d’Italia in 2011. A handmade bicycle is an expression of identity and craft. It can be made from almost anything, but what is far more important is finding the builder who can manufacture the bike that will serve you well. The following text comprises excerpts from interviews with a few of the people who have dedicated their lives to producing the best bicycles in the world. I am confident that their stories and philosophies will be more interesting and valuable to you than the lackluster essay I was going to write about composites and alloys.

Ira Ryan ~ SteelWhy do you build with steel? On a bare bones, minimalistic level, even if you are building frames as a hobby, you can do it with a vise, a bunch of files, a hacksaw, a simple workbench or a kitchen table and a plywood jig. It doesn’t take big machines and expensive equipment and fancy

fixtures and jigs to make things; you just have to be ingenious in how you approach it and problem solve.

How is steel different from other framebuilding materials? I think steel is a totally different ball of wax. With carbon fiber and aluminum you see a lot of shapes that are hot one year and then the next year it’s like, “That’s so 2008, you don’t want to use that shape down tube.” I think there is a lot of hype. In a world that seems to be saturated with bikes that are carbon fiber and aluminum, everyone is obsessed with having the stiffest bike and the lightest bike, but no one really gives as much credit to a bike that is comfortable or a bike that serves its purpose to the highest degree that it possibly can.

What about oxidation? Do you have to think about rust when you build or design a steel bike? Unless it affects the properties of the material, I don’t see an issue. Steel has an organic property to it. There’s something inherently romantic about the fact that if you left an unpainted steel frame on the beach, in four years it would be rotted. It would go back to the elements, it would go back into the earth. I’m into the dust into dust religion thing. Somehow I just connect with it more than something that doesn’t rust or doesn’t corrode or doesn’t oxidize.

Do you think that the bicycle industry relies too much on gimmicks? That’s part of that market. When you look at any industry—electronics, the newest smart phones, cars or vacuum cleaners—they want the latest, they want all of these features and they want it to be sexy and they want it to be new. It’s human nature. There are people who are naturally attracted toward that. They want to be on

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top of it. And that’s fine, but I think that there’s a lot to be said for dependability and durability and something that is built for you. If you want something that is special and you want something that fits your freakishly dimensioned body, sometimes a handbuilt bike is the only way to get there. That’s something that Trek can’t do.

Craig Calfee ~ Carbon Fiber/BambooWhat’s your attraction to working with carbon fiber? Carbon fiber has pretty much the best structural properties to build a bicycle with. That means stiffness-to-weight ratio, formability and vibration dampening. It beats metals hands down on all of those fronts. While metals have plenty of advantages, mainly a long history of fabrication technology and development that has trickled down basically into anyone’s garage, carbon fiber has really only been developed since the end of WWII. That newness is attractive to me as an inventor, or as a creative person, because it hasn’t been done before.

Was that part of your attraction to bamboo? Like, when you saw a stand of bamboo did it just register in your brain as bike tubing? My inspiration since day one, as a kid, was that I spent a lot of time in the woods back East. I’d ride my bike in the woods and, along the way I invented mountain biking like so many other people did. I’ve been inspired by how trees look and branches and leaves and pretty much anything that is alive and grows. The structure that they evolved to is pretty interesting. It’s a deep subject when you look at things like biomimicry and how trees decide what shape they need to be to resist wind.

Bamboo is one of those really interesting materials because it comes out of the ground in an incredibly efficient form, as a round tube, and it happens to be light, incredibly tough and it grows like a weed. When you start looking beyond the structural part, which already impresses anyone familiar with working with tubing, you start to think about it economically, not just in dollars and cents but also the effort required to turn it into something useful. Digging dirt is a lot of work and mining ore is a lot of work. Yes, there are industrial scales and we’ve been doing it for 5,000 years, but still, when you look at it, it is a lot of work. With bamboo, which is just growing out of the ground, it’s like, “Well, here we go. It’s right there.” It’s pretty inspiring to try to make use of that. And that’s where I’ve been coming from for a long time.

Is it hard to work with a material that does not have a predictable form? You have to cooperate with bamboo and understand that you can’t go to the store and buy 1 3/8 outside diameter bamboo. It’s not round, it’s not straight and you just have to use those parameters when thinking about how to set it up and miter it and all of that. It’s definitely harder, but once you accept the limitations and the challenges, you design accordingly. And that’s a lot of fun. How do you come up with a system that accepts the idiosyncrasies of this material that grows out of the ground?

When I first saw one of your bikes, I couldn’t stop staring at it. There’s something compelling about bamboo. There is an interesting aspect to bamboo, and I’m trying to

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figure out why people are so attracted to it. I think it relates to why singlespeed bikes have become so popular. It’s a parallel reason, and it boils down to the understanding of a machine. Our world has become a lot more complicated in the last 10 years. There’s a lot of information, a lot of distraction. I think that there is this need to free the clutter of your mind. So you look at a singlespeed bike and you say, “Oh, there’s a cog, there’s a sprocket.” And then you turn the crank and the wheel turns around. Done. Let’s go. That simplicity is appealing, and the same goes for bamboo frames. You look at the bike and there’s the stuff that grows out of the ground that is now a bike. It looks like it’s lashed together with some fiber. You instantly understand it, how it’s made and how it could possibly work. With a metal bike, we’ve seen steel tubing for centuries and we really understand it just from familiarity, but we don’t really understand metals intimately. Like I said before about mining of the ore and somehow turning it into metal, then how do you take this metal and turn it into a tube? The average person has no idea how to do any of that. Now take carbon fiber and it’s a whole other level removed of understanding. First of all, what is carbon fiber itself? You don’t even know where it comes from. And how do you form it into all of those swoopy shapes? What’s epoxy anyway? It’s just so removed from what we’re really familiar with, that you just say, “Okay, whatever…” Bamboo is like, “Oh, yes! I understand that. Let’s talk about that. Let’s think about that.”

Carl Strong ~ Steel/Titanium/CarbonWhat are some positive attributes of building with steel?

Steel is the best balance of all the elements a person would look for in a frame. It’s the best balance of strength and lightness compared to cost. There’s a lot of material available so it’s easy to tailor the bike to a specific use or a specific customer with a specific set of priorities. There’s a ton of flexibility. It’s really practical but if a customer has a priority in performance, then you can get performance out of it, too. I’m always trying to figure out what material to fit a person into. Typically the biggest considerations are going to be durability, weight and cost. With steel, all of those elements are balanced very nicely against one another. Now, if you compare that to more of an art bike like a Richard Sachs or a David Kirk or something, then that changes the whole game. But in my case, where I don’t do lugs and I don’t do fillets, I focus specifically on performance. My bikes are TIG welded, they’re less expensive in relation to other materials, whereas a Richard Sachs is gonna cost $4,000 bucks, which is almost as much as one of my carbon bikes. Then when you compare that to titanium, what you get is that titanium is lighter than steel and it’s going to be more durable, typically, as a frame because the material can handle a lot more abuse, there’s no paint on it so you don’t have to worry about that and it’s corrosion-resistant. So if a person is thinking over a longer period of time, where the service life of the bike is 10 to 20 years, or weight savings is important to them, or if money is no object, then suddenly titanium becomes a good choice. Then you can take that one step further with carbon fiber. Carbon fiber will be the lightest, it will be the stiffest, but it’s the most expensive. So if you are a person whose priorities are lightness

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and stiffness—which would typically be a racer, more so than anybody, which most of my customers are not—then carbon fiber is the way to go, if you have the budget.

Is there a different sensation working with carbon fiber as opposed to metals? I’m known for TIG-welded frames, and people almost think of me as a welder rather than a framebuilder, but as a framebuilder it’s a bike like any other bike even if it’s a different material. I think my approach to it is exactly as it would be to a metal bike. There are a couple of added techniques and the material is different, but from a framemaking standpoint to me it is the same.

Is there anything else that you think handmade bicycle clientele should know about materials? Whenever you are comparing materials, you can only compare apples to apples. It wouldn’t be fair to compare a mass-produced, molded carbon fiber bike made in Taiwan to a handmade, tube-to-tube, carbon fiber frame. One of the things that really muddies the waters is when a builder like me says, “Well, you can get a lighter stiffer bike out of carbon than you would out of titanium.” You won’t get that out of a Taiwanese carbon fiber bike. And a good steel frame is a million times better than an okay titanium frame. At the end of the day, it’s all about where the rubber meets the road.

David Levy ~ Steel/TitaniumDid you start out as a steel builder?

I started building in ’85, and there were not any readily available titanium options at that point in time.

Did you make a smooth transition into titanium? Probably as smooth as you could make that transition. I spent 4 1/2 years building steel bikes. To understand how bicycles go together I learned about geometry and just figured out the whole concept of how bicycles worked. And then from there I went into titanium and, to be able to make the transition, I spent about a year doing classes and just immersing myself in the different materials.

Is it common for people stepping out of steel into a new material to dedicate themselves like that to learning a new craft? My background is in art, as far as my actual education, so I tend to have that classical art approach to learning things. You learn the basics and they become the building blocks that you work from. Look at an artist like Picasso. The guy was an amazing draftsperson who could do incredible life-like drawings before he ever did any of the cubist stuff that he became famous for. The same sort of building blocks makes the most sense as far as trying to master things.

Is there a form or aesthetic to titanium that is different from steel? When I go back and I look at my aesthetic, I have a form-follows-function attitude. Because of that the simplicity of the finish has always attracted me. I really appreciate that the finish of a titanium bike that rolls out of here, most of the time, is what we describe as a satin finish. It’s basically made by a whole series of fine scratches, which is what you are going to do with your bike if you

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use it. There’s something appealing to me about putting a finish on that is going to look good for years and years. The durability of titanium appeals to me as well. The yield strengths are high, and the fatigue characteristics are so desirable.

Did you feel drawn to building bikes at an early age? Yeah, totally. I started racing bikes when I was 14. I got bit by the bug. I built my first bicycles at that point. Not road bikes, we were doinking around with this new thing called bicycle motocross that had just come out on the West Coast. I grew up in Iowa and you couldn’t get a BMX frame. My dad had a friend with an old crashed airplane back behind his shop. Me and my buddy, Mike, used to go out there and cut tubes out of it and I’d oxy-acetylene weld them together. We built a couple of BMX bikes.

You cut apart an airplane? How did you miter the tubes? With a grinder and a file.

How did you know how to do that? When I was 12 my dad gave me an oxy-acetylene torch. It’s actually the torch that I still use today. The whole metal working thing was easy and fun for me. So it wasn’t a big deal to do that kind of stuff. I always just kind of figure shit out.

Nick Crumpton ~ Carbon FiberCan you talk about some of your early bikes and methods? Early on it was all steel. It was mostly fillet brazed. Why fillet brazed over lugged? Probably because at the time the aesthetic of

a nice small fillet just looked nice. I liked it. It was also the idea of doing time trial bikes and mountain bikes with aero-shaped tubes, which I did quite a few of early on, so lugs were a moot point anyway.

When did you start working with carbon fiber? The idea of making a customer a tailor-made carbon frame landed in my head in about 2000. At the time, I had been working a high-tech day job for a few years. I was really trying to make a go at being a custom framebuilder, and in 2000 it was like, “There is no way I’m going to be even close to paying the mortgage here building steel frames.” Think about the market for custom steel frames then versus today. Carbon was getting common then, but it’s nowhere near as common as it is today. But you could see the handwriting on the wall; it was headed that way. The idea was to figure out how to make custom geometries in carbon, and that would be my ticket into building and making a living. I was both right and wrong. I was right in that when I figured that out I was able to make a living as a builder. We’ve been in the black since day one. But I was wrong thinking that you couldn’t do it with steel because this resurgence started happening. All of a sudden, custom framebuilders can actually make a living again working with steel in this country. For the longest time, if you weren’t Tom Kellogg or Richard Sachs, you were going to have a hell of a time convincing someone to buy your bike.At least as far as I knew, I was buried in my cube at work and didn’t have my finger on the pulse of the industry. But I think it was pretty dead at that point.

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I think it was tense for a lot of builders. Yeah, through the ’90s into 2000, the mass-produced stuff really came up. We can sit here and talk about what kind of crap comes out of Asia all day long, but the reality is that it’s not really that crappy. It’s just generic, and there’s a difference.

What kind of opportunities did carbon fiber present to you? At that time there were very few options. I am not over here making tubes, so let’s back up. I’m a framebuilder. I’m not a carbon tube-maker, and there is a huge difference. The first couple of frames I made were out of tubing that was just commercially available and it didn’t have a laminate schedule that was suitable for making tubes of a bike frame. While the bike was strong and durable, it rode like crap. It had no torsional rigidity. You could get some pretty incredible speed wobbles going on a fast descent. Not because of bad geometry or asymmetrical forks, it had everything to do with tubes that couldn’t resist twisting. Then I had to go to a tube-maker and lay down a ton of cash to get tubes made the way that I needed them because they wouldn’t just make you a down tube. They wanted to sell you 600 feet of that tube. And the down tube is different from the top tube and the seat tube.… To answer your question, there was no flexibility early on. It was tough. The opportunity was to go invent it and figure it out.

Richard Sachs ~ SteelWhen did you start working with steel? I started at the beginning when I went to England in 1972.

Has it been fulfilling to work in tube design? Kind of. A lot of the things I’ve been working on for the last 10 or 15 years have to do with the fact that I have always worked alone, by choice, and I’ve always worked with steel because that’s the material I inherited when I entered the trade. But forget about why I entered the business. For most of the ’80s and ’90s, it was clear that the industry was going the non-ferrous route and framebuilders, season by season and generation by generation, were becoming less in number. The essence of this thought is that the “materials people,” who were our supply chain, were giving up because when the big companies started doing aluminum and any other material except for steel, they didn’t have the demand to create new things for the work we were doing, which was handmade framebuilding. By the time the ’90s rolled around, I felt like there hadn’t been anything new developed for my niche in a long time. In the old days, and I’m not that old, it was like everything started with framebuilders and went back down. The framebuilders were at the vanguard, they were the important part of the equation. Whatever happened at the framebuilder’s shop eventually got co-opted by the industry and then you’d see factory bikes using design elements that were part of framebuilding. When the materials’ supply was Columbus or Reynolds or whoever, I was seeing that framebuilders were off in the margins somewhere. The mainstream was Trek and Cannondale. It became clear that there was nothing left to develop for framebuilding because there was not enough people building frames to develop things for. I didn’t really want to be using leftover inventory or obsolete inventory that was new 10 years ago but hadn’t been improved upon since. I said to myself, “Find a way to convince our suppliers to make

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stuff and, even if it was a white lie, convince them to make stuff to keep the trade alive and keep the niche going.” The driving force was to keep me alive and to make stuff that other people could use. I felt like, by the late ’90s, it’s time to invest. So I came up with framebuilding parts. It didn’t happen all at once, but it eventually did happen.

What are the characteristics of steel that you enjoy as a building material? There aren’t any characteristics that I enjoy about it. It’s just what I use and what I’m comfortable with. I’m confident that it’s a good material. It’s probably the best material for me, and it’s the best material for people who pay me to make them bikes. Unlike other people, and I’m not trying to put quotes into anyone’s mouth, but I don’t think of steel as being from the past. I think of it as being a part of the process or a part of the package rather than the process or the package. The most important component of the bicycle is my ability and my experience. The type of steel I use almost doesn’t matter. It’s what I do with it. It’s not easy for me to separate everything and make the material its own subject.

You have your own line of tubing. What are you looking for when you design a tube? I’m not looking for any characteristics. I just want a tube. The important thing is to have a tube that hasn’t been lying on a shelf somewhere for 20 years. What I found over time was that the quality of the steel most of us were being served up kept getting lower. I never felt that bikes were less for using it. It was more like, “Is this all there is?”

So when you talk about characteristics, I simply wanted steel the way I remembered it, but a high-quality manufacturing of it. In the course of all of that, I also wanted to make the diameters larger and the gauges thinner, so that we weren’t just making a remake of some tube that was involved in ’70s or ’80s framebuilding. I wanted to keep the material steel, but I wanted to find a way to make it palatable for 21st century framebuilding operations. It wasn’t like I tweaked the alloy. Christ, I don’t even think about the alloy. I leave that up to the tubing company. I just wanted a 21st century version of a tube set that would make people think, “Steel, hmm… that’s pretty cool.”

You build bikes one way, but a lot of builders are creating a niche based on a desire for customized things and high artistic design. That’s true, too. I go hot and cold on that subject because they are, quote unquote, custom things and high designs, but they are also bikes, they’re also vehicles. They’re going on the open road with cars. You really want to make sure that your overly ornate, stainless steel, hee-hawed-out head badge city bike is going to stay together when you go down that hill. I kind of tiptoe around it. Sometimes I get overly vocal on the side of safety and liability and experience. And sometimes I think I’ll just shut the hell up and let these guys do their thing and if they’re around in two years or 22 years, all the better. I’m pretty excited that so many people are making so many bikes, no matter how many different ways they’re making them. As long as the bikes stay together, I don’t care how many sculptors they mine their design elements from or how many Mondrian paintings they copy to get a paint scheme on their bike. It’s still a bike, if they can make it work out, good for them.

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MynameisErikRolf,andIamthedesigner,builderandownerofAllianceBicycles,LLC.IrecentlymovedtoKetchum,Idaho,aftercompletingatwo-yearapprenticeshipwithCarlStrongofStrongFrames.ThetimeIspentwithCarlhashelpedmedevelopadeeperunderstandingofwhatittakestobeasuccessfulframebuilderandbusinessowner. Overtheyears,mydesignphilosophyhasmaturedintoconsideringthebikeasacohesiveunit.Ilookattheframeasonepartofthepicture,withtherestofthebuildbeingequallyimportantincreatingafunctionalandaestheticallypleasingpieceofequipment. Ibuildbikesusingsteel,stainlesssteelandtitaniumforalltypesofriding.IwilldisplayseveraldifferentstylesofbikesatNAHBSthisyear,sopleasestopbythebooth.

Alliance Bicycles / Erik Rolf

Ketchum,Idaho/406.570.9566/AllianceBicycles.com

DaveAndersonhere.IamtheguybehindAndersonCustomBicycles.Ispecializeinbuildingone-of-a-kindcustombicyclesandframesets.Eachisdesignedandhandbuiltexclusivelyfortherider,baseduponhisorheruniquespecifications,wishes,needsandridingstyle.Iofferawiderangeofstylesandtypesofbicyclesandworkwithavarietyofmaterials,especiallystainlesssteel.

Ilookforwardtomeetingyouattheshow!

Anderson Custom Bicycles / Dave Anderson

SaintPaul,Minn./651.324.0095/AndersonCustomBicycles.com

ANT(AlternativeNeedsTransportation)isasmallbicyclefabricationshoprunbyMikeFlaniganandBetsyEckelScola.Mikehasbeeninthebiketradesince1983andjoinedtheBostonbike-buildingscenein1989.BetsyistheWebmasterandisinchargeofmarketing. OurpassionforthebikeindustryandthecultureoflivingbybikeculminatedinthecreationofANT.Wenotonlyhopetomeetpeople’scommuterbikeneedsbuttoinfluenceconsumerstothinkaboutbicyclecommutinginamorepositiveway.Welovealltypesofcyclingbutfeelthereisarealneedtobringtothetablebikesthathavetherightcombinationofstyleandfunctionthatissolackinginthemarket.Mostpeoplefearinvestinginabikeforcommuting,butitistheirmostusedbike. Tosuityourcityridingneeds,considerusforafinelycraftedbicyclethathasarealpersonality.

ANT / Mike Flanigan

Holliston,Mass./508.429.3350/AntBikeMike.com

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Bambooseroisagroupofindependentbambooframebuildersthroughoutthedevelopingworld.CraigCalfeetaughtpeoplefromGhana,Uganda,thePhilippinesandothercountrieshistechniquesforjoiningspeciallytreatedbamboowithwrappingsofalocalfiberandaplant-basedepoxy.CalfeestartedBambooserowiththeideathatteachingsomebodytobuildbikescanhavealastingimpact.TheBambooseroideaissimple:connectbike-buildersindevelopingcountrieswithbike-buyers.BuyingaBambooserobikehelpsworkingfamiliessupportthemselves,injectsbadlyneededforeigncurrencyintostrugglingeconomiesandcreatestheproductioncapacityforanincrediblyefficientlocaltransport—bicycles.

Bamboosero

LaSelvaBeach,Calif./831.740.1001/Bamboosero.comJa

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AlcideBassofoundedBassobikesin1974.TheBassowork-shopislocatedinthenorthernpartofVicenza,Italy.In2007,thebrandcelebratedits30thanniversaryofbuildingthefinestItalianbicyclesavailable.AlcideBassobelievesthatforeverybicyclethatbearshisname,onlythehighestqualitymaterialswillbeusedandonlythebestcraftsmanshipwillbeaccepted.BassobikesareimportedtotheUSAbyVeloSportImports.Pleasestopbyandvisitourbooth.We’dlovetoseeyou.

Basso Workshop / Alcide Basso

Vicenza,Italy/303.530.9511/BassoBikes.com

BicycleFabricationsisasmallframebuildingshopnestledamongtheone-waystreetsinSanFrancisco’sciviccenter.Staffedbyactivecyclistsandracersridingandcompetingontheirownproducts,webuildhigh-performancebicyclesformostanyapplication. We’reheretobuildbicyclesasuniqueasthepeoplewhoridethem.Wecraftourbikestothehigheststandardsandprecisiontoensurethebestridequalitypossible. WetookovertheproductionoftheSWDRacing216aftertheuntimelypassingofitsdesignerandourfriendandinspiration,SteveDelay.OurlineofstandardmodelshasgrowntoincludetheGearheadBicycles24-inchdirtjumper,theRoosterslalomhardtailandtheBSPcyclocrossbike.TheBicycleFabricationsproductlineandportfolioareevergrowing,andweespeciallylovethechallengingone-offprojectsourcustomersbringus.

Bicycle Fabrications / Hank Matheson

SanFrancisco,Calif./415.265.2042/BicycleFabrications.com

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InsidethereddoorofourNorthPhillyshopisamazeofbikesinvariousstagesofcompletion.Thereareshow-readytandemshangingontheceilingandhalf-builtsinglesreposinginjigs.Thecrew,mostlybeardedandallopinionated,isbusilyengagedineverystepofbicyclefabrication—frommiteringtubestopolishingthefinalcoatofpaint. Andweknowhowtothrowaparty. Lastyear,wesponsoredthefirst-everPhillyBikeExpo,bringingtogetherthenation’sartisansandenthusiasts.WeorganizedtheChicagotoPortlandFramebuilders’Expressin2008,andwehosttheworld’sonlyurbancyclocross.EachDecembermoreandmoreridersbraveourharrowingjunkyardracecourseovercars,throughtoxicpuddlesandaroundbrokenglass.Thrills!Chills!Spills! BCWismorethanjustashop.It’sanenduringinstitutioncommittedtoenhancingtheworldofcycling,onesteelframeatatime.

Bilenky Cycle Works / Stephen Bilenky

Philadelphia,Pa./215.329.4744/Bilenky.com

20102009NAHBS AWARD WINNER

ChrisBishopstartedBishopBikesin2007.Combiningclassicartisanaltechniquesandmodernmaterials,Chriscreatesbikeswithaclean,modernaestheticandpreciseattentiontodetails.Chrisalsobelievesthatthewayabikefitsisasimportantashowitlooks—themostimportantunseendetailandamajorfocusofhisbuilds.AmonghisinfluencesaretheclassicFrenchconstructeurs,Italianracingbikes,andthegreatAmericancustombuildersoftoday.

Bishop Bikes / Chris Bishop

Baltimore,Md./443.506.7585/BishopBikes.com

BlackCatBicyclesarecustombicycles—asindividualasthepeoplewhoridethem.TheSantaCruz,Calif.,builderusesthemostelegant,functionalbuildingmethodsandmaterialstocreatepragmaticyetbeautifulframes. ToddIngermansonhasspentalifetimeriding,racingandtravelingwithhisbike.Acareermechanicandartschooldropout,helooksatabicycleframebothasatunablecomponentandsculpture.Theintentofeveryframeistocreate—fromexperience,theshopandalotofunromanticwork—abikeworthriding. Afterathoroughcustomerconsultation,workontheframebeginswithhand-selectedandindividuallyshapedtubing.Nextcomethenecessaryelementsofspot-onmiters,signature-smoothbrazingandprecisealignment.Theprocessisfinishedoffwithin-housepaintfromthebuilder,providingcontinuityofintent,fromframeanglestopaintbuffing,throughouttheframebuildingprocess.

Black Cat Bicycles / Todd Ingermanson

SantaCruz,Calif./831.688.8675/BlackCatBicycles.com

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Fromthebeginning,BlackSheepBikeshasbeenacompanythatisalittlebitdifferent.Wehavestrivedtocreatebikesthatnotonlyridegreatbuthavecharacter,aswell.Whetheritisborrowingthelinesofourfavoriteclassicframesortryingawholenewtwistonthings,BlackSheepisacompanythatembodiescustom. Sinceweareasmallshop,weareabletotrynewanddifferentthingsoften,breakingtherestraintsofaproductionline.Withahighlevelofcraftsmanshipandattentiontodetail,youcanbeassuredthatyourbikewilltrulystandoutinanycrowd.

Black Sheep Bikes / James Bleakley

FortCollins,Colo./970.218.5952/BlackSheepBikes.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER2008

BooBicyclescreatesbamboo-carbonfiberframesforroad,cyclocross,mountainandcityuse.BooBicycles’framemodelshavebeenprovenattheprofessionallevelinroadandcyclocrossracing.Theyaremeantforthediscerningbuyerwhorequirestheultimateinridequality,handling,accelerationandefficiency. ThesuccessfulmarriageofbambooandcarbonfiberwasdirectedbyNickFrey’sengineeringworkatPrincetonUniversity,coupledwithhisexperienceasaprofessionalcyclistandmultiple-timenationalchampion.Byemployingsingle-strand,wetlay-upcarbonfiberduringthetube-to-tubeconstructionprocess,BooBicyclesisabletomaximizestiffnesswhilepreservingasuppleroadfeel. JamesWolfhandcraftseachframeinSaigon,Vietnam,usingoneofthestiffestbamboosintheworld.James’signatureoneverychainstaysymbolizestheincrediblyhighstandardsandattentiontodetailthatareattheheartofeveryBooframe.

Boo Bicycles / Nick Frey

FortCollins,Colo./515.494.2468/BooBicycles.com

TheBromptonmarriestheperformanceofafull-size,agilebicyclewiththeconvenienceofatrulyportableandstorablepackage. Itisapersonaltransportsolutionthatfitsintopeople’slivesathome,workandallpointsinbetween,withoutforcingthemtoacceptacompromise,asolutionthattearsupthetransportrulebookandputspeoplebackinchargeoftheirjourneys. Itappealstoeveryonefromregularcyclistswaryoftheftandtravelerskeentohaveabikealong,tospace-constrainedcity-dwellersandmultimodaltransportusers. Thebikesarenolessuniquethantheirmanufacture—everyBromptonisstillbuiltbyhandinLondon.

Brompton Bicycle Ltd.

Brentford,Middlesex,London/011.44.08.232.3551/BromptonBicycle.com

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Bronto Bikes was born from the passion of riding hardtail steel bikes on superfine singletrack. Hand-made, tig-welded mountain bikes manufactured in Springfield, Oregon.

What’s different about Bronto? For starters, we only make mountain bikes. No fixies. No townies. No cross bikes. Just machines designed for devouring trails, which is what we love to do most when we’re not selling bikes. We’re based in Central Oregon, just a stone’s throw from Oakridge, OR – basically in the middle of the best riding on the planet.

Every step of creating a Bronto frame, from tube cutting and bending to powder-coating, is done in-house. Our cozy little shop has all the tools needed to build frames – from jigs, to CNC, lathe, drill presses, and a bunch of other manly tools and machines. And of course, a disco ball and a pretty ok vinyl collection. So check us out, or better yet, come join us for a ride.

BasedinSantaCruz,Calif.,CalettiCyclesisaone-manworkshopproducinghigh-quality,custom,road,mountainandcyclocrossbicycles.ForJohnCaletti,buildingbicyclesisalaboroflove.Fromconceptualizationtodesignandfabrication,theinspirationJohngainsfromridingisevidencedbytherefineddetails,reliabilityandperformanceofthebicycleshebuilds. Johnenjoysthecommunityhecreatesthroughhisbikesandusestheinteractionandfeedbackhegainsfromhiscustomersasameansofcontinuallyevolvinghisdesigns. Aspartofthecommitmenttobearesponsibleandsustainablebusiness,CalettiCyclesdonates1percentofsalestoenvironmentalprotectioneffortsthrough1%ForthePlanet.

Caletti Cycles / John Caletti

SantaCruz,Calif./831.426.0575/CalettiCycles.blogspot.com

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CraigCalfeeisaninnovatorincarbonfiberframedesign,manufacturingandrepair.Thefirsttooffercustomframesincarbonfiber,Craigcontinuestopushthehigh-techcraftsmanenvelope,exploringthepossibilitiesofcarbonfiberwithnewmaterials,suchashempandbamboo. Craighasaform-follows-functionphilosophyandaestheticthatisevidentinthematerialsselectionandconstructionmethod.Hechosecarbonfiberbecauseithasthebestqualitiesforbuildingbicycleframes:higheststiffness-to-weightratioandcomfortablevibrationdamping.Thedecorativeaspectsarelimitedtopainting.Framedesignisgovernedbypurityofpurpose,andtheylookgoodbecausetheyachievethepurpose.Frameandforkalignmentareaparticularfocus,asislong-termstructuralintegrity.Thisapproachisinspiredbynature,wherealllivingformsevolvedtoperformaparticularpurpose.Iftheydon’tperform,theydon’tsurvive.

Calfee Design / Craig Calfee

LaSelvaBeach,Calif./831.728.1859/CalfeeDesign.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER2005 2006 2007 2008 2010

Foundedin1965,CHERUBIMrepresentsthehistoryofcustomframebuildinginJapan.ThreeKonnobrothersandtheirframes—CHERUBIM,3RenshoandMiyuki—ledtheearlyageoftheframebuildingindustryinthecountry,andCHERUBIMistheonlysurvivingbrandwiththefamilytradition.CHERUBIMwastheframesupplierforthe1968MexicoOlympicGames. CHERUBIMframesaretheresultofdecadesofongoingresearchanduncompromisingcraftsmanshipand,beginningin1998,wonsevenconsecutiveBestHandmadeBicycleAwardsintheprestigiousannualshowsponsoredbytheJapanCyclingAssociation.UndertheleadershipofShin-ichiKonno,chiefbuilderandsonoffounderHitoshiKonno,CHERUBIMcontinuestolivebyitsfoundingspiritoffusinginnovationandtradition.WeeagerlylookforwardtopresentingourframesandbicyclesasthefirstexhibitorwithNJSKeirincertificationtoparticipateinNAHBS.

CHERuBIM by Konno Cycleworks / Shin-ichi Konno

Tokyo,Japan/81.42.791.3477/cs-cherubim.com


CinoCinellientrustedhiscompanytomein1978afterseveralyearsofsupervisionandapprovalofmyworkatmycompany,Columbus. Myprioritiesweresimilarbutmyvisiondifferent,perhapsmoreradical,andthecompanytookadvantageofanaestheticrevolutioninMilanthatmixedart,design,sportsandcompetition.OneofmyfirstprojectswastoredesigntheCinellilogoandthegraphicsofCino’singeniouslyengineeredSupercorsaframe.Morethan30yearslater,theframe—bothinconstructionanddesign—looksfresherthaneverandisconsideredthewatermarkofdesigninthecyclingworld. In2006aftermanualandtechnicalexperimentationbyColumbusandTrafiltubi,anewstate-of-the-arttubeset,XCR(theonlyseamlessstainlesstubesonthemarket)wasborn.Cinellibecamethefirst,alongwithafewspecialframebuilders,toworkthismaterialandarticulatethevisionofthemodernhandmadecompetitionbicycle.

Cinelli / Lodovico Pignatti

CaleppiodiSettala,Milano,Italy/39.02.95.244.222/cinelli.it/bti-USA.com

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NickCrumptonofCrumptonCycleshasmadeitatraditiontodeliverhisverybestincustomcarbonfiberframesandbicycles.Makingeachframetoorderforindividualriders,NickstillpersonallydesignsandbuildseachframeinhisstudioinAustin,Texas.CrumptonCyclescombinescarbonfibertubingofthehigheststandardfromsupplierssuchasENVECompositesandDedacciai,withaproprietarytube-to-tubejoiningprocessgivingresultsthatexcelbothstructurallyandaesthetically.JointhiswithNick’sindividual“contactpoint”framedesignphilosophy,andyouhaveanopportunitytoexperiencetheutmostlevelofqualityinride,aestheticandreliability.ContactNicktofindoutmore.

Crumpton Cycles / Nick Crumpton

Austin,Texas/512.459.7458/CrumptonCycles.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER

2005 2006 2008 2010

NestledinFrance’spicturesqueLoireValley,Cyfachasbeenexpertlycraftingbicycleframesfornearly30years.Drawinginspirationfromtheworld-famousvineyardsandepiccyclinglanesofitsterroir,ourartisansinfuseeachframewithtime-honoredattentiontodetailandapassionforcycling.Weareadifferentbreedofframebuilder,focusingonourcustomer’suniqueneedsanddesiresinsteadofmassproductionandone-size-fits-allproducts. CyfaccraftsbicycleframesforalllevelsandtypesofcyclingandoffersthefamousCyfacPosturalFitSystem.Wefocusontherider,deliveringuniquecreationstreasuredfortheirfit,functionandstyle.Weoffercustomfitting,geometries,specialorderandfull-custompaints,anduniquetouchestopersonalizeeachframeforourpassionateclientele.Choosefromstockandcustommodelsthatdialingeometry,materialsandafinishjustforyou.

Cyfac International

LaFuye,France/617.663.6289/Cyfac.fr

Myshop,DaltexHandmadeBicycles,istuckedawayintheBishopArtsDistrictneighborhoodofDallas,Texas. Daltexoffersmade-to-measureroad,cyclocross,fixed-gearandmountainbicycles.Focusingonfitand“ride-ability,”eachDaltexbicycleisdesignedbasedontheuniqueproportionsandridingstyleofitsowner.Thisputstheriderinthemostpowerful,efficientandcomfortablepositionpossible. Thebicyclesthatyouwillseeinmyboothbelongtomycustomers.Idon’tbuildshowbikesorunrideableartbikes.Mybicyclesaredesignedforhighmileageandadventure. IfyouareneardowntownDallas,comebytheshopandsayhello.

Daltex Handmade Bicycles / Glenn Thompson

Dallas,Texas/972.743.4811/RideDaltex.com

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DEANTitaniumBikeswasfoundedin1990.Withmorethan20yearsofcustombuildingunderourbelts,DEANhasbuiltareputationforhandcraftingsomeofthefinesttitaniumbicyclesavailable.Webuildroad,track,’cross,timetrialandmountainwithframesbeingbuiltonebyone.Visitourwebsitetoseeallofourproductsandcraftsmanshipprocesses.

DEAN Titanium Bikes

Boulder,Colo./800.545.2535/DeanBikes.com

RolandDellaSantahasbeenhandcraftingextraordinarybicyclesfor37yearsandtellinggreatstoriesforabitlonger.Overthistimeperiodsomeoftheworld’sbestcyclistshaveriddenandwononhiscreations. ItisatestamenttohearDellaSantaownerssaytheirDellaSantasaretheonlybikestheywouldneversell.Thisishighpraisefromtopriderswhoaregiventhelatestnewframestoraceandaresuppliedwithwhatevernewcarbonbitthatisbeingpromotedintheindustry.

Della Santa / Roland Della Santa

Reno,Nev./775.322.2305/DellaSanta.com


Ibuiltmyfirstframein1971andashorttimelaterwasapproachedbyAndyNewlandstobuildforStrawberry.Iworkedtherethroughthemid-1970sbeforegoingtoworkforJimMerz.IeventuallyopenedmyownshopandproducedframesunderthenameDiNucciCyclesuntil1985,whenIacceptedanoffertodesignframes,lugsandtubesforSpecializedBicycles.Beginninginthemid-1990s,IbeganfocusingonCADwork,designingframesformanyofthelargerbrandsintheU.S.andEurope.In2009,IdecidedtoreturntodoingwhatIlikebest,designingandbuildingmyownframesatDiNucciCycles.

DiNucci Cycles / Mark DiNucci

Sisters,Ore./541.549.4935/DiNucciCycles.blogspot.com


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DeSalvoCustomCyclesisasmallframebuildingcompanylocatedinAshland,Ore.,currentlyproducingroughly120framesperyear.Eachframeismadetoorderwiththeownerinmind.Withacommitmenttoqualityworkmanshipandpremiummaterials,DeSalvoproducesconsistentlyexcellentbikeswhilealsodeliveringasuperbvalue. DeSalvoCustomCyclesframesarecarefullydesignedandhandcraftedbyMikeDeSalvo.DeSalvohasalonghistoryinthebicyclebusiness,startingasateenagemechanicenthusiasticaboutthesportofcycling.HecontinuedworkinginvariousshopsaroundthecountryuntilhebeganteachingatUnitedBicycleInstitute,where

hetaughtmechanicscoursesandframebuildingclassesforseveralyears.MikecontinuestoperiodicallyinstructframebuildingcoursesthroughouttheyearwhenhisskillsarerequestedbyUBI. DeSalvo’sappreciationforthesportofcyclingandthebeautyofexquisitecraftsmanshipledtoaframebuildingendeavor:DeSalvoCustomCycleshaditsgenesisin1999.Inthefirstyear,DeSalvoCustomCyclesmadeonlyahandfulofframes.Sincethen,DeSalvoCustomCycleshasgrownsteadilyeachyear,continuingtorefinetheframesandthebuildingprocess.Evenwiththegrowthofthebusiness,DeSalvoCustomCycleshasremainedasingle-personoperation.

DeSalvo Custom Cycles / Mike DeSalvo

Ashland,Ore./541.621.8408/DeSalvoCycles.com

AcustombicyclefromVincentDomínguezCyclesistheuniquemanifestationofacustomer’srequirementsanddesiresasinterpretedbyaskilledcraftsman:soundlyengineered,handmade,purpose-builtandwell-craftedmachines. Vincenthasalwayswantedtomakebicyclesthataredesignedasawhole,forlike-mindedsoulswhodreamofadventure,forpeopleofallproportionsandmass.Hecanaddresstheirrequirementsanddesires;hisbicyclesarecustom-builtforthem. AlthoughVincenthasnotbuiltanybicyclesthathaveengenderedacallforthewhambulance,allwhoridehisbicycleslovethem.Ifyoudesireaflamboyantpaintjobandbeyond-the-edgeembellishments,purchaseabicyclefromPeacockGroove(weareverydifferentinstyle,butgoodfriends).However,iftherefinementandeleganceofaVincentDomínguezbicycleappealstoyou,considerorderingoneposthaste.

SaintPaul,Minn./651.214.9903/DominguezCycles.com

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DonWalker’spassionforcyclingstartedwhenhetookupracingontheroadatage14andayearlateronthetrackatHellyerParkVelodromeinSanJose,Calif. Yearslater,whileworkingasanaircraftmechanic,Donhadaninspirationwhenhewashavingabrokenbicycleframerepaired.Usinghisskillsasanaircraftmechanicandhisknowledgeofracing,Donsetouttomakeprecise,refinedbicyclesdesignedtowithstandtherigorsofroadandtrackracing. Don’spassionhashelpedridersofalllevelsrealizetheirpotential.Overtheyears,hisframeshavewondistrict,state,nationalandinternationalcompetitions,includingasilvermedalbyShaunWallaceofGreatBritainattheCommonwealthGames.In2005,DonfoundedtheNorthAmericanHandmadeBicycleShow. Donspecializesinfillet-brazedorlugged-steelframesandhascreatedbicyclesforroad,track,timetrial,cyclocrossandtandem,allrecognizedfortheirperformance,durabilityandbeauty.

Don Walker Cycles / Don Walker

Speedway,Ind./317.640.2566/DonWalkerCycles.com


“Only the finest steel bikes.” What does that mean?

ItmeansthatwhileI’vebeenhonoredtotake“BestLuggedBike”in2009and“BestinShow”lastyear,whatreallymattersisyournewEllis.Stopbymybooth,seewhatI’vebeenuptosincelastyear,andlet’sstartaconversationaboutyournextbike.

Ellis Cycles / Dave Wages

Waterford,Wis./262.442.6639/EllisCycles.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER2009 2010

ReturningforthefifthtimetotheNorthAmericanHandmadeBicycleShow,EnginCycleslooksforwardtopresentingaselectionofbicyclesthatdirectlyreflecttheday-to-dayworkofbuilderDrewGuldalian.HavingwontheBestOff-RoadBicycleawardin2008and2010,Drewwantedtobringbicyclesrepresentativeofthesamehigh-qualitycraftsmanshipandattentiontodetail.Thisyear,Drew’sworkillustratesthestandardofworkregularlyproducedbyEnginCycles.Thesebikesfeaturehandmadeframes,forks,stemsandseatposts.TheintroductionofEngin’sluggedseatpostin2008hasallowedDrewtotailor-buildthebicyclesfromheadtotoe.

Engin Cycles / Drew Guldalian

Philadelphia,Pa./215.248.2829/EnginCycles.com

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BS


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TheFORMCyclesteamofDarylRoberts,SamDavis,ShawnMorraandMelanieRobertsstartedintheaerospaceindustrycreatingandbuildingpartsthathadextremetolerances.Thisissimilartothecraftsmanshipofbicycleframes,whichrequirethatsamelevelofprecisionandattentiontodetail.Wetakeprideinourproductsandenjoythecustomerinteractioninthehand-builtbicycleworld. Ourmaterialchoicesaretitanium,stainlesssteelandstandardsteel.Weconstantlythinkoutsidetheboxwithuseofmaterialsandindustrystandardsinmetalmaterials(i.e.,Press-Fit30,taperedsteerertubecompatibleheadtubes,etc.).Wecommitourselvestobuildingthebestmetalbicycleswecanimagine.Witheachbikefullyhand-craftedfrombeginningtoend,ourfocusisonaperformance-drivenworkofart.FORMstrivestobuildabikethatiscomfortableandbeautifulinthesamepackage.

FORM Cycles / Daryl Roberts

Sedona,Ariz./928.284.1569/www.FormCycles.com

FoundedbyDarylFunkinthe1980s,FunkCycleshasbeenonthecuttingedgeofdesignandframebuildingformorethan25years.Withanemphasisonresearch,developmentandprecision,Funkspecializesinthedesignandfabricationofhigh-endtitaniumbikes.EverybikeishandcraftedinColoradoanddesignedtofittheneedsoftheindividualrider. Currently,Funkoffersthreemodels.TheLaRutaisaprojectthathastakenonseveralversionsandisnowtheultimatepivot-less,full-suspensiondesign.TheVeloceisaclassichardtail,andtheSanoisahigh-endroadbike.LookforsomethinguniqueinthenextfewmonthsfromFunk,asnewideasarealwaysonthehorizon. Withastrongteampresence,theFunkcommunitycontinuestogrow.WhilemostoftheTeamFunkridersareintheColoradoarea,memberscontinuetocomeinfromaroundthecountry.

Funk Cycles / Daryl Funk

Littleton,Colo./303.817.6523/FunkCycles.com

GallusCyclespridesitselfincreatingtimelessdesignsforthediscerningcyclist. EachframeishandmadebyJeremyShlachter,oneatatime,inhisFortWorth,Texas,workshop.Attentiontodetail,thecustomer’soptimalfitandthecustomer’sintendedpurposeaswellasthetraditionsofcustomframebuildingareofutmostimportance.Eachframeiscraftedfromsteeltubingandjoinedwithsilver-brazedlugsorluglessfilletbrazing. Don’tletthestyleandclassofthesecustombeautiesfoolyou:They’remadetoberidden,notjustdrooledover.Thebikesarebuilttohandleanyroad,hill,grittycity,velodromeordirttrackwithpleasureandgrace.

Gallus Cycles / Jeremy Shlachter

FortWorth,Texas/817.757.2944/GallusCycles.com

*Gallus-(ga·luss)ScottishDialect,Glaswegian~adj.1.self-confident,daring,cheeky2.stylish,impressive(esp.Glasgow:“He’spuregallus,bytheway”)3.Orig.derogatory,meaningwild;arascal;deservingtobehanged(fromthegallows)

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GeekhouseBikesisasteelTIGweldingoperationbasedinBoston.Foundedin2002bybespectacledbikegeekMartyWalsh,Geekhousenowcomprisesasmallstaffofbuildersanddesigners.Welovewatchingeachbuildtakeonthepersonalityandindividualityofthecustomer.Geekhousebikesaretheperfectamalgamationofclassyandcool,functionalandfashionable;ourbikesarewhateveryouwantthemtobe.WeworkhardtosourceasmuchaspossiblefromwithintheUnitedStates,andweholdgreenbusinesspracticesinhighesteem.Ourin-housepowdercoatshop,Sugarcoat,isaseasyontheeyesasitisontheenvironment.Intheend,thebikescomeoutasabalancedexpressionofus,theirbuilders,andyou,theirriders.Geekhouserocks.

Geekhouse Bikes / Marty Walsh

Allston,Mass./617.777.2088/GeekhouseBikes.com

Ibeganmyapprenticeshipbuildingbicyclesin1995underthewatchfuleyeofDanWynninSeattle,payingmyduesbyfiling,sandingfillets,machiningandaligningframesandforks.IthenspenttwoyearsworkingwithMattHouleatR&ECyclesbeforemovingontobuildingSchwinnParamountsatMatchBicycleCompany.Twoyearslater,GrantPetersenofRivendellBicycleWorkscontractedMatchtobuildsomeoftheircustoms.ForthenextyearIbuiltRivendellframes,butchangewasagainintheworksasMatchwasclosing.IcontinuedtobuildcustomRivendellsandtheoccasionalGoodrichfrom2000–2007. OrdersforGoodrichbicyclesevolvedpastmycapacitytocontinuebuildingforRivendellandnowprovidemetheopportunitytoextendmyselfinwaysthatfullyreflectmyexperienceasabuilder—afullrangeofwhatispossibleincustom-luggedandfillet-brazedframes.

Goodrich Bicycles / Curt Goodrich

612.788.6812/Minneapolis,Minn./CurtGoodrich.com

2009NAHBS AWARD WINNER

WelcometoGroovyCycleworks,whereourmantrais“Designitwiththeriderinmind,involvethecustomerintheprocess,buildittolastforeverandsettlefornothinglessthanbigsmiles.” Whetheryourpathisonasphaltorarockytrail,Rodyhasbeenhandbuildingothers’cyclingdreamssince1994inWooster,Ohio.Custom-craftedframes,forks,barsandcomponentsofsteel,aluminumortitaniumreflectthedesireofthecustomertoplayhard,beanindividualandlivelifewithasmile. Fabricatingeachpiecewithcare,precisionandelegantefficiency,GroovyCycleworksexiststofillyourneedforcyclingadventureintheoutdoors.Readytoplay?

Groovy Cycleworks / Rody Walter

Wooster,Ohio/330.988.0537/GroovyCycleworks.com

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Guruisthemostsophisticatedandtechnologicallyadvancedmanufactureroffullcarbon,titaniumandsteelframes—allproudlymadeinourMontrealfacility. Our2011lineupofroad,triandmetalframesincludestheaward-winningGuruPhoton—currentlytheworld’slightestcustomframe.WearealsoextremelyproudofthedesignandengineeringthatwentintoourGuruCR.901andGuruCR.701,theworld’sonlyfullcustomcarbonmonocoqueaero-profiledtriathlonframes. Gurualsomakestheworld’sfirstandonlysoftware-driven,motor-controlledfitmachine—theGuruDynamicFitUnit(orDFU).Recentlypatentedandaftertwoyearsoftestingandengineering,GuruCycleshasfinalizedthedevelopmentofourcomputerizedrobotic-assistedbicyclefittingsystem.Withpatenteddrivetrain,motors,actuatorsandproprietarysoftware,Guruhasrevolutionizedthefitprocessbydrasticallyincreasingefficiencyandbycreatinganinteractiveexperiencefortheclient.

Guru Cycles

Laval,Quebec,Canada/450.687.6644/GuruCycles.com

HampstenCycleswasfoundedin1999byex-proracerAndyHampsten(founderofCinghialeCyclingTours)andhisbrother,Steve,aformerchefandmetalfabricator.Wefocusonroadbikeswithskinnytires,fenderbikeswithbiggertiresandgravelroadbikesusingevenbiggertires.InthepastwereliedoncompaniessuchasMoots/KentEriksen,Parlee,Co-Motion,IndyFabandotherstosupplyuswithourcustomroadbikes.Nowwedoalmosteverythingin-houseinSeattleandourfocusisonsteel—welded,luggedandstainless—andtitanium,bothstraight-gaugeandbutted. Wethinkbicyclesareahellofalotoffun.

Hampsten Cycles / Stephen Hampsten

Seattle,Wash./206.852.5199/Hampsten.com

Ifirstbecameinterestedinbicycleframebuildingduringmysenioryearofhighschool.I’veworkedasanapprenticetoDougFatticforthepastsixyears,helpingaroundtheshopandservingasabrazinginstructorforDoug’sframebuildingschool.IwasabletohonemyskillsduringthethreemonthsIspentinUkraine,building50transportationframesfortheUkraineBicycleProject.Triathlonisoneofmypassions,souponmyreturntotheUnitedStates,Icateredtothelocaltriathloncommunity,buildingseveraltriandroadbikes. IofficiallylaunchedHelmCyclesin2010withthegoalofcarryingontheoldEnglishmethodsofframebuildingwhileintegratingnewtechniques,stylesandmaterials.EveryHelmCyclesframehasauniquebalanceofartandengineeringcateredtotheneedsanddesiresofeachcustomer.

Helm Cycles / Herbert Helm I I I

BerrienSprings,Mich./269.449.2058/[email protected]

www.ifbikes.com

Available locally at

617-666-3609

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Afterclosingmybicycleshop,IenteredtheframebuildingworldatFatChance.Havingaknackforwelding,Ibeganmakingiconicandnow-legendaryforksand,later,frames.Ifurtherhonedmyskillsworkingwithestablishedbuildersbeforeopeningmyownframebuildingshop. Ilovetorideandgetoutalmosteveryday.Itusuallyisn’tanepic,butthatquicktriptothestorecanbeequallyrewarding.AversatileandfunctionalbicycleiswhatIlike:fenders,largertires,braze-onsforracksandlightingwithoutsacrificingperformance.Alltheproperanglesandlinescreateapredictablemachineprovidingconfidentcornering,stabilitywhiledescendingandenoughresiliencetoharnessyourclimbingeffort. It’sgreatridingwithfewrestrictionsonwhereIpointthefrontwheel.Withanall’rounderanyrideismomentsawayfrombecominganadventure.Allez!

Igleheart Custom Frames & Forks / Christopher Igleheart

Wenham,Mass./978.626.1193/IgleBike.com

IraRyanCyclesisasmallframebuildingshopbasedinPortland,Ore.Since2005,Ira’sgoalhasbeentobuildthefinestbicyclesbyhand.Heusestraditionaltechniqueswithstateoftheartmaterialsandcomponents. Anavidcyclistformorethan20years,Irahasraced,cycle-toured,workedasaprofessionalmechanicandstartedacouriercompany.Theseexperienceshaveaddedtoadeeplypassionateunderstandingforbicycledesignandmechanics. Afterconstructingmorethan100bespokebicycles,IraRyanCyclescontinuestocrafteachframeoneatatimetosuittheneedsofthemostdemandingrider. Whetherforracing,touring,shreddingorcommuting,Ira’sbicyclesexpressindividualdreamsandtransporttheridertowardanewfoundsenseofexploration.

Ira Ryan Cycles / Ira Ryan

Portland,Ore./503.810.2504/IraRyanCycles.com

KimoriCo.,Ltd.wasestablishedin1990inShigaPrefectureinJapan.Metalworkingusingageneral-purposelatheisthemainfocusofthebusiness.Wemanufactureprecisepartsforindustrialequipment,includingsemiconductorsandmedicalequipment.Themetalmoldsalsoaredesignedandproduced. ToshiyukiKimori,whoisthefounderofKimoriCo.,Ltd.,isanengineerandabicycledesigner.Hehadbeenproducingbicyclesasahobbyformorethan15years.Hedevelopedtheever-importantColossusbicycleabout15yearsago.Kimori’sartisticproductionsareadirectresultofhisrichandvariedpastexperiences. Kimoristartedfullscaleasabicycle-makerin2009,andwewanteveryonetoknowaboutthehigh-qualityproductsofhisadvancedmetalworkingtechnology“MadeinJapan.”

Kimori Co., Ltd. / Toshiyuki Kimori

KusatsuCity,Japan/81.77.568.4598/Kyoumido.com

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FromAustin,Texas,KirkLeeoffersfullcustomcarbonfiberbicycles.Wemanufactureourowncarbonfibertubesandhandmadecablestopsandspendhourshandlayingeachframe.KirkLeeisquicklybecomingthego-toshopforthoselookingforsomethingspecial. Whetherit’sforaUCIprofessionaloraweekendrider,everybikewebuildistypicallyaone-offcreation.WhilesomeKirkLeesareminimalistracerigswithaggressivegeometry,othersarebeautifulworksofartthatexpresstheowner’spersonality.Onethingisforsure,nomatterhowbeautiful,theheartofeachKirkLeeis100percentperformance. Ourmotto:“Builtforspeed,builtforyou.”

KirkLee Bicycles

Austin,Texas/512.371.9661/KirkLeeBicycles.com

KishFabricationistheworkofJimKishofSanLuisObispo,Calif. Recognizedasanexpertinallthingstitanium,JimteachesframebuildingatCalPoly-SLOandUnitedBicycleInstitute.HealsoprovidespersonalizedtrainingandconsultingforcurrentandaspiringframebuilderswhoseneedsdonotfittheCalPolyorUBIprograms. Jimiswell-knownformeticulousattentiontodetail,sounddesignandfit,andunmatchedweldqualityandaestheticthatonlycomesfromyearsandyearsofpracticingthecraft. Since1992,Jim’smainfocushasbeencustomtitaniumframeproduction,undertheKishname,andalsoforothermanufacturers.Hehaschosentoworkprimarilyintitanium,asit’sproventobethemostdurableofanyframematerial.TheveryfirstKishtitaniumframes,now20yearsold,arestillseeingdailyuseontheroadsandtrails.

Kish Fabrication / Jim Kish

SanLuisObispo,Calif./805.574.0414/KishBike.com

ThenorthernItaliancityofBresciaisknownbothforitsfogandartisanpopulation.JackrabbitsinhabitthesurroundingcountrysideandareknownasLegorinanoldBresciandialect. MattiaPaganottigrewupinBresciainafamilyfullofsteelworkers.Afterfallinginlovewithcycling,itwasnaturalthathebecameaframebuilder. MattiastudiedtheartofframebuildingwithGinoLissinoli,whotoldhim:“Anartisanisshitunlesshehaspassedonhisknowledgebeforeretiring.”WhilelearninghiscraftatGino’schaoticworkshop,MattiabefriendedthewidowofSerena,ahistoricallyimportantframebuilderwhowasregardedthebestofhisgenerationinItaly.RecognizingMattia’spassionandcraftsmanship,sheentrustedhimwithherlatehusband’sshopofframebuildingtoolsandmachines. WithadedicationtoinnovationandstayingtruetoItaly’straditionalmasters,theLegorbrandwasborn.

Legor Cicli / Mattia Paganotti

Brescia,Italia/646.244.9304/LegorCicli.it

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ThepassionforMaiettaHandbuiltBicycleswasbornintheheartofruralMaineundertheguidanceofmyfamilyandfriends.IreceivedanengineeringdegreefromWorcesterPolytechnicInstituteunderthemottoof“TheoryandPractice,”andmyframebuildingskillswerehonedwhileapprenticingundertwomasterframebuildersinthecitywhereAmericanmanufacturingbegan.Thispedigreeoffamilyvalue,engineeringexcellenceandtrueapprenticeshipcreatesalineofframesinwhichfitandfunctionareparamount. MynameisAnthonyMaietta,andIhavebeenfabricatingsteelframessince2004.Iworkaloneandtakeprideindesigningeveryframe,weldingeveryjointandpaintingeveryframemyself.Duringmybuildprocess,customerinteractionisfrequentandinformative;youareincludedineverystepoftheprocess.Iholdfullliabilityinsurance,procurethemostaccurateequipmentandtoolingavailabletothetradeandexhibitattheNorthAmericanHandmadeBicycleShow.

Maietta Handbuilt Bicycles/ Anthony Maietta

Worcester,Mass./508.667.6188/MaiettaCycling.com

AaronBarcheckestablishedMosaicCyclesin2009inBoulder,Colo.AarongothisstartattheUnitedBicycleInstitute,andaftersevenyearswithDeanBicycles,heearnedheadbuilder/weldersta-tus.Intheprocess,hisframesachievedindustryandpeerrecognitionfortheirprecisefittingandartfulwelding. Now,500frameslater,Aaron’spassionateinvestmentinframe-buildinghasfounditshomeatMosaicCycles.Amasterframebuilderunderhisownbadge,Aaronisfreetofocushisenergyonhiscraft.Workingacrossmanymediums,hebringsTIGweldingandbrazedconstructiontoeachframe. Anobsessionwithperformance,abeliefthatscienceandartshoulduniteinabicycleandadesiretobuildbikesthatservetheirownersforyears:ThisconvergencereflectsAaron’slong-heldconvictionsandsendseveryMosaicownerdowntheroadwithanamazingcyclingexperience.

Mosaic Cycles / Aaron Barcheck

Boulder,Colo./314.704.5591/MosaicCycles.com

Weareamultipleaward-winning,custombicyclemanufacturingcompanylocatedonQuadraIsland,BritishColumbia,Canada.Since1998,we’vebeenmaking100percentfullycustombikes.Theyaredesigned,builtandpaintedbyhand,onebyonewithlove,logicandelbowgrease.WearesoexcitedtobeinAustin,Texas,thisyear;thistownhasplayedamajorroleingettingusoffourlittleislandandontothemainland.

Naked Bicycles and Design / Sam Whittingham

QuadraIsland,B.C.,Canada/250.285.3181/TimeToGetNaked.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER

2008 2009

HANDBUILT TITANIUM BIKESROAD MOUNTAIN CROSS CUSTOM COMPONENTS

In 1981, Moots began hand-building high-performance bicycle frames in Steamboat Springs.

Three decades later, we still patiently build every frame by hand, one at a time.

Of course, our designs have evolved. Technology has evolved. And our bikes have evolved.

But sometimes progress is knowing what should never change.

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Foundedadecadeagobyhigh-performanceboat-builderBobParlee,andbuildingexclusivelywithcarbonfiber,ParleeCyclessetsthestandardforperformanceroadandracingbicycles.Ridequality,performanceandstructuralintegrityguidethedesignofeachmodel. Parleepioneeredaunique,tube-to-tubeconstructionprocessthatallowstheultimateinrideandgeometrycustomization.Nootherjoiningprocessincarbonisasefficientorrefined. Parleebuilds11models,sevenofwhichcanbecustomizedforgeometryandfit.Allmodelscanbecustomfinishedinthestate-of-the-artpaintfacility. AccoladesincludeBicyclingMagazine’s“DreamBikeoftheYear”award,CyclingWeekly’s“RaceBikeoftheYear”andfiveyellowjerseysfromCyclingNews.com. Parleeframesarerenownedfortheirsmoothandefficientride,flawlesscraftsmanshipandtimelessaesthetics.

Parlee Cycles / Bob Parlee

Beverly,Mass./978.998.4880/ParleeCycles.com

PeacockGrooveisthephysicalembodimentoftheAmericancraftsmantakingthecustomer’sneedsandwants,inthatorder,toproduceatrueone-of-a-kindmachine.Theonlyreallimitsareyourimagination. Ihavealwayswantedtomakebikesthatway,myway,whatIthoughtwascool,forlike-mindedsoulswhodreamformore.Whetheryouare4feet,8inchesand85poundsor6feet,11inchesand480pounds,wedoitall.WeareDEEPCUSTOM. Whilesomethingswehavedonehavemadepeoplecallthewhambulance,thepeoplewhorideourbikeslovethem.Ifyouwantsomethingwithacontemporarypaintjobthatisstraight-laced,buyabikefromVincentDomínguez.WeareverydifferentinstylesbutstillBFFs!

Peacock Groove / Eric Noren

Minneapolis,Minn./651.269.5295/PeacockGroove.com

Fatti con le mani:madebyhand.ThisiswhatPegorettiisallabout.

DarioPegoretticreditsGinoMilaniforteachinghimthescienceandtheartofbuildingbicycles.PegorettiwasamongthefirstoftheEuropeanframebuilderstoembraceluglessTIGweldingtobuildpremiumbicycles.Inaddition,Darioworkedwithleadingedgemanufacturers,suchasExcellandDedacciai,inthedevelopmentofnewmaterialsandtubesets.Heearnedastrongfollowingamongprofessionalridersandbuiltbikesforanumberofeliteteams. TodayDariobuildsasmallnumberoffinebicyclesbyhandeachyearinhisshopinasmallmountainvillageoftheItalianDolomites.Inthisworldofcookie-cutterproducts,Pegorettioccupiesauniquepositionasatrueindividual.

Pegoretti Cicli / Dario Pegoretti

Caldonazzo,Italy/U.S.Distributor:GitaSportingGoods,Ltd./800.729.4482/PegorettiUSA.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER

2007

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ItallstartedwithLegosandahacksaw.Thousandsofdollarsand15yearslater,Iridemyownframes.Mypriorityisbicycles,especiallyfull-suspensionall-mountainmachines.Ithinktrailbikesareatool.Theyhelpyougetwhereyouwanttogo—tothetopandbackagain—thefunway.Trailbikesshouldbedurableandfunctionalwithoutgimmicks,funkyleversoradditionalcerebralcortexes.Sexypaintjobsdon’tgetyouupthetrailanyfaster.IfIhavetopackweightaround,Iwantittohaveapurpose.Iwantthebiketobeefficientandworkallthetime.Iwantfull-suspensionbikestopedalefficientlyandmakerockgardensbreezy,withnocompromises.Thosearemypriorities.Ifupanddownisimportanttoyou,makeyoursaPriority.

Priority Cycles / Damon Madsen

Rupert,Idaho/208.369.6396/PriorityCycles.com

Anavidcyclistsince1987,ScottQuiringhopescustomersfindhisframebuildingtobeofpragmaticdesign,highqualityandsomething“theywillride.” Morethanadecadeago,Scottventuredoutwithavision:joinsteeltubeswithbrassandsilversoldertocreateagreat-performingraceframe. Today,withtheadvancementsinTIGweldingandabatteryofmachiningcapabilities,Quiringnowemployshigh-techmaterialsoftitanium,carbonfiber,aluminum,stainlesssteelandsteel.Thesematerialscanbeblendedintoaplethoraoftubelayoutsandgeometriestotailortheframetotherideroratandemtoitsteam.Lastbutnotleast,tobeas“fullservice”aspossible,Scottoffersin-housepainttocontrolthequalityandcustomizationofeachfinish. Quiringencouragesyoutoconsiderhiscraftand,ifyoudesire,tocontacthimforacustom-fit,U.S.-madeframetomeetyourneeds.

Quiring Cycles / Scott Quiring

Charlotte,Mich./517.541.3773/QuiringCycles.net

RetrotecandInglisCyclesisasmall,one-manshopthathasbeenbuildingcustomandproductionsteelbicycleframessince1993.CurtisInglishandcraftshisframesintheworldfamousNapaValleywinegrowingregionofCalifornia.TheuniqueterroiroftheWesternhillsidesreceivesmorningandbrightafternoonsunshineforfullripeningexposure.Overnightfog,coupledwithidealdaylightsun,curatehisframestoagentleperfection,enhancingthecurvesofthesteeltubeswithoutlosinganyoftheirrich,full-bodied,concentratedflavors. Thedense,alluvial-fansoilscontaincenturiesofhistoryandtheexactmoisturecontentneededforoptimumweldingconditionsyear-round.Framesshowriperedcherry,blackberryandhintsofcocoaupfront,followedbyraspberry,plumandFrameSavernotesthroughoutthelong,satisfyingfinish.Framesenjoyableuponreleasebutwillonlygetbetterwithage.

Retrotec and Inglis Cycles / Curtis Inglis

Napa,Calif./707.258.2203/InglisCycles.com


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richard sachs cycles

Warwick, Mass. / 978.544.1842 / richardsachs.com

Whybuyaframefromaone-manshopstillusingtraditionalhand-building methods? Because technology alone is a poor substitute forexperience. As a youngster, Richard Sachs could not easily separate hisenthusiasm for bicycle racing from the interest he had in theequipment used by the top athletes of the day. With a balance ofdedicationandperseverance,hepursuedhiscompetitivecyclingaswellashischoiceofaframebuilder'slife. His dream of learning to build bicycles that could one day rivalthemachineshesorevered ledhimtospendayear inLondonasanapprenticetoWitcombLightweightCycles.Therehecultivatedthebasicskillsthathavebecomethefoundationofhissuccessfulcareer. More than 35 years have passed, and Richard continues tozealously combine his racing background with his extensiveframebuildingexperience-andhasgainedrespectasoneofthefinestbuildersofcustombicyclesintheworld.


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SamuraiCycleWorks’missionstatement:Tobuildthehighestquality,bestperformingcustombicyclesbyincorporatingtheframebuilder’sracingexperienceandbyusingthemostefficientandprecisetechniquesandmaterialsfrombothAmericaandJapan. AsaprofessionalKeirinracerinJapan,ridingsteelframebikesbecameanaturalpassionforKohAnnoura.Inall,Kohracedfor17yearsonJapan’sprestigiousKeirincircuit,in1,354races.HealsoracedonJapan’snationalcyclingteam,takingfourthinthesprintatthe1993WorldCupinCopenhagen,Denmark. Kohbringsanextensivebackgroundintrackcyclingandavastknowledgeaboutcustombikeframes.Havingraced60-pluscustomsteelframesfromvariousmasterJapaneseframebuilders,Kohappreciateswhatittakestomakeaperfect-fitting,high-performancebicycle.Nowretiredfromprofessionalracing,KohlivesinHouston,Texas,andisthechiefframebuilderforSamurai.

Samurai Cycle Works / Koh Annoura

Houston,Texas/281.881.3263/SamuraiCycleWorks.com

BenSerotta,alifelongcyclistandtinkerer,firststartedabicyclestoreinhishometownofSaratogaSprings,N.Y.,asa14-year-oldentrepreneurin1968.AstintasanapprenticeatWitcombofLondon(precedingRichardSachsandPeterWeigle,whoarrivedshortlythereafter)madealastingmark,andSerottabeganbuildingframesin1972. Serottaisbestknownforroadbicycles—withappearancesinalmosteveryOlympicssince1976.From1983–1988SerottawastappedtobuildtheMurray/Huffybicyclesforthe7-EleventeamasitpavedthewayforthefutureofAmericancyclistsontheprofessionalworldstage. WithitsheadquartersinSaratogaSprings,N.Y.,thecompanyopeneditsowncompositesfacilityinPoway,Calif.,inordertohavefullcontrolovereveryaspectofmanufacturing.Serotta’scontrol,fromstarttofinish,ofitsframesandforksaffordsafullrangeofridetuningproperties.

Serotta / Ben Serotta

SaratogaSprings,N.Y./518.584.8100/Serotta.com

ShamrockCyclesisTimO’Donnell.BasedinIndianapolissince2004,ShamrockCyclesbuildsluggedandfillet-brazed,steelroad,cyclocrossandmountainbikeframes.Focusingonconstantcommunicationwiththecustomer,Ibelieveinteractionbetweenbuilderandcustomeriscrucialtodevelopanunderstandingofyourneeds.Thisinteractionduringthebuildprocessisanimportantpartofthefinalproductandallowsyoutohaveasignificantimpactandinfluenceonyournewframe.Painstakingattentiontodetailanddeliveringafirst-rateproducthasalwaysbeenmygoal—oneattime,beginningtoend.Notbuiltforjustanyone,builtforjustone.Enjoythejourney.

Shamrock Cycles / Tim O'Donnell

Indianapolis,Ind./317.513.4358/www.LugOfTheIrish.com

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SignalCyclesbeganasanidea;apassionfosteredinanenvironmentofbicycleobsession.Asco-workersinanationallyrecognizedservicedepartment,twomechanicsandartistssharedaloveformakingbicyclesoperateatpeakefficiency.Theirfocusshiftedtobike-building,andSignalwascreated. TherearetwofacesbehindSignal.Nateisbetteratcooking;Matthasbettercomputerskills.Botharemechanics,artists,coffeeconsumersandcatlovers.Bothareobsessedwith

makingthebestbikestheycan.TheyalsohaveearnedBFAdegreesinpainting. Attheshop,MattandNateareconstantlypushingeachothertobringeverybiketoitshighestform.Bothareinvolvedincraftingeachbicycle,fromthedesignphasetofinalpaintandpartsselection.Eachbikeisuniqueandeveryaspectisconsidered.ThegoalatSignalistogiveyouaheartattack…ofsheerjoy…ofbiking.

Signal Cycles / Matt Cardinal and Nate Meschke

Portland,Oregon/503.313.9800/SignalCycles.com

Impartingingenuityintoeachframe,Six-ElevenBicycleCo.offerstheriderauniqueworkofexquisitecraftsmanship.Inthehandsofagoodbuilder,acustomsteelbikecanbelightenoughtoraceyetstrongenoughfortouring,andbyfullyunderstandingtherider’sstyle,AaronDykstrawillcraftabalanceofstrengthandcomfortthatcanonlycomefromcustomdesign.From29erstotrackbikes,each611frameishand-mitered,ensuringmatchlessprecision. Inspiredbythebygoneeraofsteamlocomotives,thisRoanoke,Va.-basedshoptakesprideintheartistryofworkingwithsteel.Roanokewasknownforitshardworkingresidentswhofortifiedthetownwiththeirrailroadingprowess.Assteamgavewaytodiesel,thetown’sheritagewasallbutforgotten.Withanodtothepastandafocusonquality,Aaronfoundedhisshopjustastone’sthrowfromitsnamesake,Roanoke’sGreat611J-Classsteamengine.

Six-Eleven Bicycle Co. / Aaron Dykstra

Roanoke,Va./540.929.0611/SixElevenBicycleCo.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER

2010

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SotherlandCustomBicyclescreateshandcrafted,silver-brazedsteelframesbyanexperiencedmaster,resultinginabicycleperfectlysuitedtoyouthatreflectsyourridingstyleandcyclingpersonality. JohnSotherlandisoneofthemostexperiencedactiveframebuildersandhasbuilt5,000-pluscustombicyclesoverthepast20yearsforsomeofthebest-knownbrands,includingRivendell,Schwinn-ParamountandWaterford.Thedesignofaframeinvolveshundredsofdesigndecisions,balancesandtradeoffs.Thefabricationrequirestalenttotransformtheresultingmeasurementsintoanexperienceyou’llenjoyforalifetime. John’seyeandattentiontodetailthroughouttheentiremanufacturingprocesscreateaframethat’sasbeautifulasitisstrong,asresponsiveasitiscomfortable.Holisticperfectionisbuiltintotheframewiththesameexactingqualityduringeverystepoffabrication.

Sotherland Custom Bicycles / John Sotherland

Whitewater,Wis./262.473.4730/BicycleWise.com

Speedhound’spatent-pendingdropoutsystemiswhatsetsourONLYONEframesetapartfromeveryotherbicycle.Interchangeabledropoutsletyourunvirtuallyanydrivetrain—derailleurs,beltdrive,singlespeed,fixedormultispeedhub.Withgenerousclearancesfortires,fendersandracks,theONLYONEgivesyoutheultimateplatformtocreateyouridealride.Acyclocross-basedgeometrywithaloweredbottombracketprovidesstable,predictable,yetresponsivehandling.Detailslikesilver-plated,die-struckbrassforkcrownmedallionsandhead-badgeprojectaplayfulquality. Ourdesignvaluesincludepracticality,versatility,durability,utilityandunderstatedelegance.WeusepredominatelyU.S.-madematerialstocreateasweet-ridingframesetbuilttolastalifetime.Speedhoundsarehandcraftedtoourspec.

Speedhound Bikes / Chris Cleveland

Minneapolis,Minn./612.991.3339/SpeedhoundBikes.com

Istarteddownthepathtobecomingabicycleframebuilderin1971aftergraduatingfromtheUniversityofWashingtonSchoolofCivilEngineering.Fortyyearslater,Istillrecognizeandcanmanipulaterosebudoxy/propanetorches,greenflux,brassandsilverrodand12-inchbastardfiles.Todaytheshopiscompletewitholdandnewlathes,millingmachines,asandblaster,coldandbandsawsanddedicatedMarchettibicycleproductionmachinesandfixtures. Thisyear,inadditiontoframefabrication,twospecialprojectsareunderway:designandmanufactureofalinearmotiontubemiteringmachineanddesignofaninvestmentcaststeelcommuterbikewishbone.Theseitemswillbeavailableforsaletoframebuildersalongwithothertubeprocessingequipment,includingLAN71tubemitercutters,bottombrackettappingandfacingtoolsandthecompleterangeofMarchettibicycleandmotorcycleproductionequipment.Goodroadstoyou.

Strawberry Cycles Engineering & Fabrication / Andy Newlands

Portland,Ore./503.224.1215/StrawberryBicycle.com

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STRONG FRAMESONE AT A TIME, FROM START TO FINISH

Loretta and I focus our family business on attention to the individual, incredible customer service and designing and producing top quality bicycles. We start with the customer and work out from there. Our focus on the custom-er directs our intensive design process which has been developed to produce consistent accurate results working with our customers remotely.

I take the process apart into four main elements and then reduce each of those even further. I believe if we work together to make a lot of small choices starting when your deposit is made we can make the decision process much more comfortable. Not “shelving” your project until your turn allows us to stay engaged so I don’t have to recall or relearn everything we talked about during your purchasing process. Once the design is complete you’ll have an understanding of exactly how your frame design will meet your goals. You’ll have the confidence and knowledge that what you are getting is exactly what you want.

800-586-1105 | [email protected] | strongframes.com

Ad.indd 1 1/14/11 3:23 PM

Since1992,JeremySyCip(see-sip)hasbeendesigningandbuildingcustombicycleframesandcomponentsforSanFranciscomessengers,world-classracersandeveryoneinbetween.JeremylearnedthetradeunderthetutelageofveteranbuildersPaulSadoffofRockLobsterandAlbertEisentraut. SyCip’ssincerecommitmenttocustomersanddedicationtoqualitycraftsmanshiphaswonSyCipDesigns,Inc.,numerousindustryawardsandasolidreputationthathasendured. TheSyCipproductlineincludessteel,titanium,aluminumandcarbonroad,mountain,cross,track,singlespeed,fullsuspensionsandcruisers.Wealsomakecustomforksandstems.MethodsofconstructionincludeTIG,luggedandfillet-brazing.

SyCip Designs, Inc. / Jeremy SyCip

SantaRosa,Calif./707.542.6359/SyCip.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER

2006

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Ibeganbuildingcustombicycleframesin1986,workingatR&ECyclesinSeattle.Inthefour-plusyearsIworkedatR&E,Ihelpedhundredsofindividualsbecomemorecomfortableandefficientontouring,sport,racing,mountainandtandembicycles. IstartedTiCyclesin1990tofocusonconstructingframesintitanium,whilecontinuingtocraftcustomframesinsteel.Titanium’shigherstrengthandlowerdensityallowedmetobuildlighter,higher-performanceandmorecomfortablebicycles.TiCyclescaterstoalllevelsofbicyclingenthusiasts,offeringcustom-orproduction-builtframesandforksinsteelandtitanium.Ihaveprovidedwellover1,500framesandhave30yearsinthebicycleindustryhelpingpeoplefindtheperfectsolutiontotheircyclingneedsanddesires.Whetheryourideonroadoroff,race,tourorenjoytandemingIhavetheexperiencetocreatetheperfectbicycleforyou.

Ti Cycles / David Levy

Portland,Ore./503.621.9670/TiCycles.com

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Justasittakestimetoaccuratelycraftanexquisitebicycleframe,ittakestimetobuildasterlingreputationasacraftsman.Since1957,IrioTommasiniandthecompanythatbearshisnamehavebuiltthisreputation.Fewcompaniescanclaim54yearsofartisanexperienceinbicyclemanufacturingliketheTommasinifamily. Thankstothehandmadecraftsmanshippassedfromonegenerationtoanother,Tommasinibicyclesareappreciatedforperformance,designandfinish.TheracingheritagereliesoncountlessvictoriestofuelthetraditionofTommasini. TodaythesmallshopinGrosseto,Italy,producesframesinallmaterials,fromluggedandTIG-weldedsteeltocarbon,titanium,aluminumand,mostrecently,theXFirestainlesssteelframe.TommasiniispleasedtopresentitscollectionattheNorthAmericanHandbuiltBicycleShow.TommasinibikesareimportedbyRedRoseImports.

Tommasini

Grosseto,Italy/717.560.2832/TommasiniBicycle.com

TrueFabricationhasbeenmakingcustombicycleframessince2005.Duringthistimemuchhaschanged…andyetnothinghaschangedatall. Throughouttheyears,ourportfoliohasexpandedintofull-suspensionbikes,commuterbikes,trackbikesandavarietyofroadbikes.Wehaveexperimentedwithrearendconfigurations,taperedsteerforks,filletbrazing,aesthetictubebendingandmuchmore.WearethefoundingmembersoftheTexasHandmadeBuilder’sShowandhaveacustomerbasethatspansacrosstheAmericancountryside.Muchhaschangedsince2005. However,westilldonottakeshortcutsjusttosellframes.Wedon’tfollowtrendsandfads;webuildbikesforpeople.Manyofthesebikesarehardtail29ers.Yet,throughallofthis,westillactuallyridebikes,andwestronglybelievethatmakesabigdifference.See,nothinghaschangedatall!

True Fabrication Bicycles / Clark Davidson

Austin,Texas/512.576.7693/TrueFabricationBicycles.com

Since2004,VendettaCycleshasbeenbuildingbeautiful,lugged,steelbicyclesinOregon’sWillametteValley.Eachprojectiscustomfittotherider’sneedsandgoals,creatingastunningbicyclethatisalsohighlyfunctional. Combiningengineeringskills,precisionmetalcraftsmanshipandapassionforcycling,GarrettClarkandConorBueschercreatetraditionalluggedcyclingframestoappealtotoday’smodernrider.

Vendetta / Conor Buescher and Garrett Clark

Corvallis,Ore./541.908.4406/VendettaCycles.com

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Itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeallmyobsessivetinkering,modificationanddesignbroughtmetothelogicalpointofbuildingtitaniumbicycleframes.NowI’mtryingharderthanevertogivemyinnernerdfreereigntocreategreat-ridingandaestheticallypleasingbicycles.Avisuallysimpledesignisoftensurprisinglydifficulttoexecute.Thechallengeofworkingthroughthedesign,planningandfabricationprocesseskeepmegoing,allwhilestickingtothebasicsofbuildingawell-alignedframethatwillridetrueanddeliverthefeeldesiredbythecustomer. Mygoalasabuilderissimple:todeliveranoutstandingbicyclethatwillmakeyouwanttogetoutandride.Mountain,cyclocross,roadandcommuterbikesconstructedjustforyoufromU.S.-made6/4and3/2.5titanium. Havefun.Rideyourbike.Smile.

Vertigo Cycles / Sean Chaney

Portland,Ore./503.347.8473/VertigoCycles.com

Aftermorethan30yearsofriding,racingandwrenching,Istartedbuildingmyownframesfrommyowndesigns.Usingonlythefinestmaterialsavailableandbuildingexclusivelyfromsteel,Iuselugsandfilletbrazingasajoiningmethod.Everyframeiscustomanddesignedtoachievejustwhatthecustomerisafter.Ienjoytransformingtherider’svisionintoabicyclethatisnotonlypleasingtotheeyebutrideslikeadream.Nostyleisleftout—road,mountain,’cross,touring,everybicyclehasitsplaceandcanbebuilttoperformitsfunctionyetbebeautiful.IlookforwardtoshowingsomeofmydesignsatNAHBS2011,andIhopeyouenjoy.

Victoria Cycles / Dave Hill

Salida,Colo./719.207.4191/VictoriaCycles.com

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IamWadeBeauchamp,theVulture.Since1997Ihavebeenbuildingsweetcustombicycleframeswithanemphasisongreatrides.VultureCyclesstartedwhenthelargerbikeindustrymovedtowardcheaper,expendablealuminumframes.Myoriginalreasonforbuildingframesremainsthesametoday:Bicyclesaresacred;framesshouldridewellandlastalongtime. ThroughoutmyframebuildingcareerIhaveworkedasamachinistandawelderintheaerospaceindustry.IamproudthatIhavecreatedmyowntoolsandfixtures—Icanbuildmorethanjustframesandforks.VultureCyclesenjoysaloyalfollowing,andreturncustomersarewhatIstrivefor.Peoplereturnbecausetheirbikesridereallywell,andtheirexperiencewiththebuilderisseamless. IfyouwouldliketotakepartinbuildingyourframeandexploretheCascadesincentralOregon,askaboutmynewframebuildingvacation.

Vulture Cycles / Wade Beauchamp

Bend,Ore./541.410.5982/VultureCycles.com

AndrewWatson’sinterestincyclinggrewoutofhisloveofthetraditionsandhistoryofthesport.Hereveredbuilderswhofabricatebikesandhavethecouragetoridethem.ArtisticrootsrundeepintheWatsonfamily,andhisfather,asculptor,sentAndrewtoweldingschool,unleashingthewonderfulandfunctionaltransformationofworkingwithmetal.Althoughhebelievesamountainbikeshouldhavemudonit,hiscredoisthatabicycleshouldfitlikeatailoredsuit,bebeautifulandrepresentindividualtaste—equalpartsprecisionmachineandworkofart.Hehascontinuouslyandcarefullybroughttheweightofhisbikesdownwhilemaintainingridequality,whichhefeelsisevenmoreimportant.Whetheritisoneofhisroad,mountain,cyclocrossorconceptbikes,eachstartswithacentralprincipleandisthendesignedspecificallyaroundtheindividual.

Watson Cycles / Andrew Watson

Waterford,Conn./860.912.8778/WatsonCycles.com

WinterBicyclesfocusesonfresh,clean,year-roundbicycles.WinterBicyclesmanufacturescustombicyclesandluxuriousnecessitiesincludingforks,stems,racksandotherfittings. WinterBicyclesareindividuallytailoredbyEricEstlundinSpringfield,Ore.

Winter Bicycles / Eric Estlund

Springfield,Ore./541.556.5156/WinterBicycles.com

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Fit,ridequalityanddesignforapplicationareattheheartofYiPsanBicycles.Everybikeisbuiltbyintegratingamodernfittingconcept,frametubingandcomponents,andtraditionalbuildingskills.YiPsanbicyclesarebuiltbyhand,oneatatime,andeverybicycleisunique. Renold,thesoleworkerofYiPsan,wasraisedinHongKong,China,obtainedhisbachelorofengineeringintheUnitedKingdomandhasbeenlivingintheU.S.since2002.Hehasbeenworkingatlocalbikeshopsandbuildingbicycles,isacertifiedfitspecialistandhasenjoyedlivingontheEastCoast,WestCoastandintheRockies. YiPsanbuildsroad,’cross,track,touringandoff-roadbicyclesandspecializesinsteel.

YiPsan Bicycles / Renold Yip

FortCollins,Colo./970.215.5806/YiPsanBicycles.com

NAHBS AWARD WINNER

2010

Whetheryourcyclingpassionstemsfromspiritedgrouprides,rubbingelbowsontheracecourse,lotsofsolitarymiles,orablendofallthree,youwantabicycletoenhanceyourexperience.Forme,thatmeansaclean,elegantandpurposefulmachine.Maybeyouarealsoalittlecuriousaboutframedesignandfabrication. Iwantmycustomerstohaveacompletebicycle-buyingexperience,startingwithcollaborationonspecificationsandgeometryandcontinuingrightthroughtoyoutakingitoutforitsfirstride. Ilookforwardtomeetingyouattheshow.

Zanconato Custom Cycles / Mike Zanconato

Sutton,Mass./508.340.0343/Zanconato.com

After10yearsofracingroadandcyclocross,ItalianTizianoZulloenteredtheworldofframebuildingatage23.Intheearly1970s,hemade“plainwrapper”framesforothercompaniesandstartedtobuildforamateurteamsundertheZulloname.From1986through1992,hemadeframesfortheDutchTeamTVM. Tizianoisinterestedinnewtechnologiesbuthisrootsaredeepandstrong,sohedecidedtocontinuedoingsteelframesintheold-fashionedway.ThenewInquboandPantaReyroadframesarenowtwoofthebestframesavailable.AtastynewcyclocrossbikewithdiskbrakeswillmakeitsdebutatNAHBS2011. Veryfewbuilderstodayhaveworkedwithsomanyprofessionalridersandinsomanydifferentmaterials.Tizianokeepsbuildingframes,oneatatime,foranycyclistwhowishestosharehispassion.

Zullo / Tiziano Zullo

CastelnuovodelGarda,Italy/011.39.045.645.0506/Zullo-Bike.com

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New Fram

ebuilders

FramebuildersMatt ApplemanTobbinsdale, Minn.763.232.9584ApplemanBicycles.com

APPLEMAN BICYCLES

David MillsAdvance, N. Carolina336.940.5125MillsBrosBikes.com

MILLS BROTHERS BICYCLE COMPANY

Tom WarmerdamSouthampton, UK044.0.771.475.1563DemonFrameworks.com

DEMON FRAMEWORKS

Alessandro PizzutiVia Monginevro, Italy39.347.089.5930Pitz-Cycles.com

PITZ CYCLES

Christopher DornbachProvidence, Road Island207.283.9090DornboxBikes.com

DORNBOX PERFORMANCE BICYCLES

Richard GrabbeFlorrisant, Missouri314.392.7841BikerSaddles.com

RICH PHILLIPS CYCLES

Craig RyanNoblesville, Ind.317.507.4338ForestaFrames.com

FORESTA FRAMES

Cory RoseneTucson, Ariz.281.825.1696RoseneBicycles.com

ROSENE HAND BUILT BICYCLES

Jon LittlefordPortland, Oreg.503.922.1934LittlefordBicycles.com

LITTLEFORD BICYCLES

David WendtWashington, DC347.264.8801ThreepennyBikes.com

THREEPENNY BIKES

Michael CrumMemphis, Tenn.901.485.7021MagnoliaBicycles.com

MAGNOLIA CYCLES

Joseph VanLoozenLevering, Mich.231.838.3525VBBike.com

VANLOOZEN BROTHERS

Elliot McFaddenAustin, Tex.512.791.9874VioletCrownCycles.com

VIOLET CROWN

63

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64

Words by Matthew J. NelsonIllustrations by Jesse Crock

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to see an aluminum tube protruding from the vise. Ned picked up his file and went back to work. The sound of metal on metal was shocking, and he imagined the scene of his best friend being smashed by a truck. The sharp rasping screech could have been car brakes the moment before impact, or the sound of car crunching into bike, or bike skidding across pavement, or bone grinding bone. The vibrations sent a sickening resonance through Ned’s spine. He dropped the file and it made a clang and sent tubes rolling across the table. As he scrambled to keep them from hitting the floor, blood from his hand splattered across steel. His knuckles were lacerated, raked across the rough tube held firmly in the vise. Ned clenched one hand in the other, wringing blood and frustration onto his project. He stormed out of the workshop and into the sunlight. It was days before he went back into the shop. By then, the vermilion droplets had dried and were easily removed with a fingernail. Ned shook his head in disbelief. Spring wasn’t answering her phone, and he’d heard no news of Tim’s condition. He wasn’t sure he wanted to sit in the workshop and grind metal all day. Instead, he went for a ride. Mounting a singlespeed of his own creation, Ned rode through town with no particular destination in mind. Urban rides were always a way to clear his head and soak up the happenings of the neighborhood before disappearing back into the workshop that felt like a meditation retreat on some days and a dungeon on others.

of the welding torch warmed Ned’s soul like nothing else. With fire in one hand and silver in the other, he could feel the bicycle coming to life. Ned took the responsibility of delivering the ferrous newborn with the professionalism of an obstetrician and the pride of a new father. He was a master framebuilder. Although his angles were exquisite and his choice of materials unquestionable, it was Ned’s gifts of metallurgy that earned his bicycles their reputation. On a calm summer morning, Ned set about meticulously mitering tubes in his workshop. He took pride in cutting and filing tubes by hand and loved feeling the vibrations of the file gnawing rough edges down to smooth curves. When the phone rang he almost didn’t answer, and normally he wouldn’t, but the noise distracted him from the practice of precision. The voice on the other end was familiar, but sounded hollow, disturbed.

“Ned, it’s Spring. Tim has been hit,” she said. “He was riding across town, and…I don’t know. The hospital called a few minutes ago. I’m on my way there right now. It doesn’t sound good. I just thought you should know.” Before he could respond Spring had hung up. Ned set down the phone, took a deep breath, and looked around the shop. Sitting in silence for a few seconds, he let his thoughts and emotions race wildly around his head. As the wave of anxiety subsided, he opened his eyes

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While cruising along the bike path, Ned looked over his shoulder and caught sight of two poplars growing in the backyard of Spring and Tim’s house. He hit his brakes and stood still for a moment. He called out to his friends but heard no response. Ned leaned his bike against the wooden fence and stood on one pedal then climbed up on his top tube to peek over. He’d hoped to see Tim sitting in the sun, beer in hand. But the yard was quiet, the chairs empty. Slumped into a pile near the porch were the remains of the Presteza, one of the nicest he’d built last year. The front wheel was folded in half at the hub, and broken spokes poked out in all directions. One side of the handlebars was snapped at the stem, and hung like a severed appendage with only cables keeping it from falling to the ground. Chain stays were bent and the down tube was scarred by a gash. It looked like a crumpled aluminum can. Before Tim’s accident, Ned saw himself as a magician who mixed fire and metal to create racing steeds that would gallop down the road with speed and grace. But now he wondered if he had built a coffin for his 32-year-old friend, a vehicle with no means to protect itself from the dangers of an urban world filled with SUVs and texting drivers. Dark thoughts of responsibility and lament moshed around his head as Ned pedaled away from the grisly scene. Somewhere between the bike path and the road home, Ned tossed his bike over a gate and rode along a seldom-used forest road. The dirt under his tires was refreshing, and made him realize it had been a long time since he’d tasted real trail. After 10 miles of washboard therapy,

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the trail appeared and it wasn’t long before he found a harmonious groove. Ned enjoyed the uphill grind and how the oaks gave way to pines, and pines intermingled with aspens. The creamy white bark of the aspens soon enveloped him, and their shimmering green leaves waved like thousands of tiny hands. He rode until rays of sunlight broke through a clearing in the aspen canopy, snapping him out of his oxygen-deprived haze. Ned coasted to a stop, rolled onto the ground, and stared up at the sky. Branches swayed in the breeze and every leaf danced with delight. “Populus tremuloides,” he said aloud. “They’re all connected.” Unlike other trees, aspens grow in clonal colonies, thus they are all connected by a common root system and all of the “trees” are merely shoots that emerge from the mother root. Each tree can live for up to 150 years above ground, but the root system is capable of living for tens of thousands of years. Ned admired the sinuous trunks, undulating branches and smooth curves of the leaves. They were a contrast to the straight lines, sharp edges and cold metal he’d surrounded himself with for more than a decade. Somewhere within the palette of azure sky and virescent forest, he found something light, something special, something real. And somewhere within the maze of branches and leaves he saw what resembled frame geometry—an elegant top tube with a 13-degree bend and a stylish seat tube contouring around a wheel. The images were gone almost as soon as they appeared. Ned climbed back on his rig and let gravity have its way with him as he descended south toward town. Pedaling through the darkness,

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bicycles of odd shapes and dimensions rolled through his consciousness. The next morning he woke to the sound of the telephone. It was Spring, and in his pre-coffee fog, Ned didn’t catch everything she was saying: “…collar bone and bruised ribs, but the pelvis fracture means he’ll be immobilized for a while. I’m just so happy he is alive. But one of the first things he asked was, ‘How is my bike?’ and I didn’t have the heart to tell him that it’s completely destroyed. You should see it, I mean you shouldn’t see it because it would break your heart, too. But I am so happy he is going to be all right.” “I did see it,” Ned said. “Tell Tim to come and see me as soon as he’s able, and I’ll have another bike ready for him.” Spring started to sob and was able to squeak out a “thank you” before she hung up. After a strong cup of coffee and a half-assed attempt at stretching his sore hamstrings, Ned went to his file cabinet to retrieve Tim’s frame specifications. He sauntered into his workshop, turned on the overhead light and opened the folder. Normally, looking at old frame designs brought back great memories and inspired him to build a better, faster, lighter frame that would live up to the reputation of the Presteza. But all he saw were straight lines, sharp angles, cold metal. The Presteza was built for urban asphalt—a lifeless bike that Tim nearly rode to his death. It was a mistake that couldn’t be repeated. With no windows to peer out for inspiration, Ned walked out of the workshop, sat down in the pine needles and started sketching a new frame design. He finished just as the sun set. The thought of going back inside the workshop, with its four walls, concrete floor and fluorescent lights, had no appeal. Within a few days the shop had been deconstructed and reassembled under the ponderosa pines. He cut timbers, welded corrugated metal panels and erected a simple structure under which he could work. With four crude beams supporting the roof over his head, Ned was free to work with the sound

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of wind caressing the trees and watch Steller’s jays in flight. With each downward stroke of the hacksaw, Ned would feel raw metal slowly transforming into a bicycle. One particularly breezy day in August, he spent the afternoon cutting tubes for an extra small mountain bike, a special order for a 12-year-old girl. After most of the tubes were measured, cut and assembled neatly on the table, a gust of wind sent them rolling. Instead of chasing after them, he watched them. One by one they spilled off the table and onto the wood chips below, clanging against each other in a chaotic and chromatic symphony that reminded him of a vibraphone solo. Curious about the acoustic properties he’d never noticed before, Ned picked up the tubes, struck each one gently against the table, and listened as their metallic voices sang out like temple bells. Each one produced a rich tone that complemented the other almost perfectly. He temporarily abandoned the mini mountain bike project and took a drill to the tubes, making two tiny holes near one end. Through these holes he welded precise lengths of steel spokes, then connected them to an old chainring with brake cables. Various lengths of aluminum tubes hung in a circle, with a carved round of pine wood in the center and a polished aluminum wind foil dangling at the bottom. Ned hung the creation in the southwestern corner of his workshop and listened as the breeze helped the chimes sing a sweet melody. After two months Ned had perfected the process of building wind chimes. He found that proper tuning of the tubes was just as important as truing a wheel, and he experimented with various scale and tunings. Ned found Hawaiian and Balinese tunings especially pleasant. The wind, which he’d never really noticed while hidden within the confines of the workshop, was becoming an essential element in his creations. Leaning over his drawing table one October afternoon, Ned put the finishing touches on a new frame. It was a curvaceous mountain bike that was the closest thing to what he’d envisioned in the aspen grove that day in the middle of summer—the tubes arching gently like slender trees in the breeze. The only thing missing was a plan for the powder coat. None of the colors he’d used for past Prestezas—gunmetal gray, cobalt blue, jet black, safety orange— seemed to flow. Looking for inspiration, he rolled up the drawing, stuck it in his back pocket and rode into the mountains. Ned returned to the trail of many aspens and sailed along a ribbon of yellow leaves resting on top of the hard-packed dirt. He rode with determination and reverence, as if he was pedaling along the yellow brick road to consult with the great and powerful Oz. The leaves hissed under his wheels, and when he’d finally reached the clearing in the trees, he spilled onto the soft ground. Letting his chest rise and fall with fresh air, Ned stared up at the sky and watched colorful leaves fall from the treetops. He reached in his back pocket to retrieve the schematic sketch, only to find it was gone. Ned leaped to his feet and bombed back down the trail. Fifteen minutes later, he caught sight of crumpled paper nestled within a grove of tiny aspen shoots. The wind had carried it into the forest, where leaves the color of fire decorated the white paper and black lines. He rolled the leaves into the drawing and tucked them carefully into his pocket. Snow was falling by mid-December, and Ned took a break from

freezing his toes and fingertips in the workshop. Instead, he sketched frame designs with organic influences and researched various ways to attain optimal sound from recycled aluminum tubing. When there was a knock on the front door, Ned was delighted to see Tim standing in front of him. Leaning on crutches, Tim’s wide smile sparkled like ice. After an embrace and a warm beverage, Tim explained what he could remember about the accident and provided colorful commentary about the painful road to recovery. He didn’t waste any time in placing a new bike order. “Ned, I’d really like you to build me another bike,” he said. “I should be able to ride again by March. A stunt double of the last one would be ideal. I survived the accident, but the Presteza didn’t.” “Sorry, friend,” Ned replied. “I’m not making road bikes any more.” “Not making road bikes?” Tim snapped. “Why? What?” “I went for a ride in the woods, and realized what was missing from my frames all along: Nature.” “All right Thoreau, or was it Frost?” Tim jibed. “So mountain bikes, huh?” “Yes, steel mountain bikes. Aluminum is good for wind chimes,” Ned said, a smile appearing from his wiry beard. Tim played along: “Well, steel is real.” “Ah yes!” Ned said, “but not just in the way it rides and feels and lasts and can be worked, but I enjoy working with steel so much more now. Aluminum is noisy, bright, chaotic. But steel is smooth, calm, quiet. It’s real.” Tim was simultaneously intrigued and disappointed but had never doubted the master framebuilder in the past. “But what about speed?” “There is more to life than its speed,” Ned said. “My frames are meant for long rides on old forest roads and adventures that span mountain ranges, continents, lifetimes.” Tim was shaking his head in approval now. “All right, Gandhi. I’m interested.” “Good,” was all Ned said as he stood up and disappeared around the corner. He returned holding a frame in his arms, as if carrying his sleeping child to bed. The flavescent paint job looked like a changing aspen leaf. He handed the bike to Tim and watched as his friend admired the kinetic sculpture. “It’s incredible,” said Tim, unable to take his hands and eyes off the frame. He caressed its curvy lines and found one word hidden within the palette of colors on the down tube: Sylvan. Tim’s truck disappeared out of sight just as Ned put on his down jacket and walked outside. With only the muffled sounds of winter surrounding him, Ned walked outside and settled into the outdoor workshop and fired up his torch. The soul of the framebuilder was warmer than steel glowing orange under the flame’s kiss. Tiny flashes of light swirled across the molten metal. The colors reminded him of autumn, aspens and interconnectedness.

Matthew J. Nelson writes and rides in the Sonoran Desert southwest of Tucson, Ariz. He watched his first custom road frame (Aerohead) being built when he was 16 years old. Twenty years later, he had the ultimate adventure bike (Siren) made for his arduous commute into town and his ambitious cycling endeavors around the world.

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AUSTIN LOWDOWN: Where to dine and divulge if dropped in Austin with nothing but a bike and mild hangover.Compiled by the staff at Mellow Johnny’s and Juan Pelota Cafe.

NAHBS NIGHTLIFE AND EVENTS SCHEDULE:

IRON WORKSAmazing Texas barbecue with counter service and paper towel rolls on the table. Next door to the Convention Center.100 Red River (at Cesar Chavez)800.669.3602

LUSTRE PEARLA unique bar in an old historic house in downtown.97 Rainey St.512.469.0400

CLIVE BARFrom the same mastermind as Lustre Pearl. Cool atmosphere.609 Davis St. (at Rainey)512.494.4120

GARAGE MAHALUnderground, outdoor Indian food, BYOB.91 Red River512.480.2255 SOUTH CONGRESS FOOD TRAILERSTex-Mex, trailer style.1318 S. Congress512.744.5651

GUEROSTex-Mex food, awesome margaritas and tacos.1412 S. Congress Ave.512.447.7688

CONTINENTAL CLUBIconic Texas rock ’n’ roll club. Good music every night.1315 S. Congress512.441.2444

HOTEL SAN JOSEAmazing local hotel. Great patio for late-night wine/beer. 1316 S. Congress Ave.512.852.2350

JO’S COFFEEWalk-up coffee house with outdoor seating.1300 S. Congress512.444.3800

HOME SLICE PIZZASit-down service or walk-up window for by the slice.1415 S. Congress512.444.7437 TACO SHACKBest breakfast tacos(everybody makes them around here).402 Brazos St.512.473.0101 GINGER MAN PUBEvery beer you can possibly imagine on tap.301 Lavaca St.512.473.8801

CHUY’SLegendary Tex-Mex food and margaritas.1728 Barton Springs Road512.474.4452

TORCHY’SBest trailer tacos.1311 S. First St.512.366.0537

UCHISushi in central Texas? Sounds counter-intuitive,but we have one that will stand up to the best sushi anywhere. Get reservations.801 S. Lamar512.916.4808

THURSDAY, FEB. 24 9–11 P.M.Rapha Movie Night at Mellow Johnny’s featuring the premiere of Continental; 400 Nueces St. SATURDAY, FEB. 26 7–9:30 A.M.Mellow Johnny’s/Rapha Gentlemen’s Tweed Ride; meet at 400 Nueces St.

NOON TO 2:30 P.M.Giordana/Mellow Johnny’s Road Ride; meet at 400 Nueces St.

6–9 P.M.Barbecue, Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 South Lamar

9 P.M. TO MIDNIGHTBicycle Sport Shop Pub Crawl; meet at 517 South Lamar SUNDAY, FEB. 27 9:30–11:30 A.M. Bicycle Sport Shop Green Belt MTB Ride; meet at 517 South Lamar (come early for coffee and snacks)

71

IT’S A BIKE SHOP.BUT DIFFERENT.

400 NUECES ST • 512 473 0222 • MELLOWJOHNNYS.COM

DEFINING THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CYCLIST

number 19

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Due South on the RoaD MoRe tacoeD

a BeeR-poweReD QueSt thRough Baja

why Katie F’n’ coMpton

wantS two gooD DayS a yeaR

12 houRS on the yeti 303 RDh

a Full SeaSon oF Racing in one Day

10 yeaRS oF the Bacon Station

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A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

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UNTAPPED ADVENTURE

THE BEAUTY OF SOLITUDE

IN DEL NORTE, cOLO.

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number 18

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Lunch Ride to Aspen

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DeraileD in Durango

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72

Apres Velo616.638.1650livetheride.net

Anvil Bikeworks 303.919.9073anvilbikes.com

Arctos Jigs509.829.6272simplebicycleco.com

Arundel Bicycle Co.817.924.8200arundelbike.com

Bailey Works603.430.9577baileyworks.com

Burro Bags904.677.2977burrobags.com

Cantitoe Road970.282.1880cantitoeroad.com

CCP81.3.3618.5651ccp.fm

Chris King800.523.6008chrisking.com

Club Ride877.708.CLUBclubrideapparel.com

Co-Motion Cycles541.342.4583co-motion.com

Columbus3G.02.GS.2441gruppospa.com

Cycle Design203.272.0295cycledesignusa.com

Cycle Monkey510.868.1777cyclemonkey.com

Cysco Cycles423.715.1626cyscocycles.com

DeFeet International828.387.1231defeet.com

Dirt Rag / Bicycle Times Magazine412.767.9910dirtragmag.com

Dromarti1.14421E+13dromarti.com

Enve Composites801.476.3363envecomposites.com

Fixed Gear Gallery231.342.0461fixedgeargallery.com

Fizik877.395.8088highwaytwo.com

Full Speed Ahead425.488.8653fullspeedahead.com

Giordana704.943.7919gitabike.com

Gjertsen Technologies281.799.1551gjertsencycling.com

Hayes Bicycle Group262.242.4300hayesbicycle.com

Hed Wheels 651.653.0202hedcycling.com

Henry James/True Temper310.540.1552henryjames.com

King Cage970.259.1946kingcage.com

Krencker-La Bicyclette de [email protected]

KVA Stainless760.489.5821kvastainless.com

L. H. Thomson478.788.5052lhthomson.com

Mavic 978.469.8409mavic.com

Momentum Magazine778.833.3773momentumplanet.com

Moth Attack213.703.1690mothattack.com

Mountain Flyer Magazine970.641.1804mountainflyer.com

MTBR & Road Bike Review408.390.7500roadbikereview.com

Nova Cycles Supply Inc.916.624.6549novacycles.com

NuVinci858.623.9557fallbrooktech.com

Pac Designs 705.377.6190pacdesigns.com

Paragon Machine Works 510.232.3223paragonmachineworks.com

Paul Component Engineering530.345.4371paulcomp.com

Peloton Magazine626.441.2113movepress.com

Philosophy Bag Co.541.520.1700philosophybags.com

Profile Racing Inc.727.391.7370profileracing.com

Rapha503.703.4830rapha.cc

Reynolds Technology LTD44.1.2177.7353reynoldstechnology.biz

Ritchey650.517.1858ritcheylogic.com

Rolf Prima541.868.1715rolfprima.com

Rouleur LTD4.47825E+11rouleur.cc

RPS NIPC360.697.3611rpsins.com

Sampson Sports303.691.5650sampsonsports.com

Screen Specialty Shop, Inc.336.982.4135sssink.com

Scrub Components847.714.2087scrubcomponents.com

Selle Italia360.782.2477pronetcycling.com

Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel510.535.9923sheilamoon.com

Southwest Frameworks214.358.2579southwestframeworks.com

Spooky Bikes413.230.8733spookybikes.com

Sputnik Tool207.359.4607sputniktool.com

Sunrace Sturmey Archer707.259.6700sunraceusa.com

Swobo831.459.0542swobo.com

The Bicycle Forest519.576.3350bikeforest.com

Twin Six612.280.8194twinsix.com

United Bicycle Institute541.488.1121bikeschool.com

VP Components805.617.0067vpcomponents.com

Wheel Fanatyk206.412.9297wheelfanatyk.blogspot.com

White Brothers Suspension970.241.3518mrpbike.com

White Industries707.769.5600whiteind.com

Wound Up Composite Cycles801.467.1204advancedcomposites.com

ZIPP Speed Weaponry312.664.8800zipp.com

Scan this QR code with your smart phone for Exhibitor listing updates.

73

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORSWHO MAKE THIS SHOW POSSIBLE.

74

by T. Herb Belrose

I was born too late to make my name during the age of exploration. The landscape was already crisscrossed with roads and pocked with towns. From my perspective, one horizon was painted with golden wheat and silos and in the other slept a smoky, gray skyline of concrete and steel, cars and battered industry. The days of knowing by heart the path of the stars were gone. The information age promised to soften the mystery of my existence by being impeccable. One day, a satellite distilled my life into a single pinhead on a GPS screen. This phenomenon was supposed to soften the chaos of my existence. But the technology, no matter how efficient and powerful, was no substitute for experience. Mechanization, urbanization and the engineering of nature have not granted us a noble culture. Most of us live in ease compared to the days of ox and plow. In spite of all of our comfort and solutions, we are not guaranteed more fulfilling, happy lives. We call our socio-economic gains “upward mobility,” and the returns are extra capital and free time. To fill in these gaps we created recreation, a postulation that there is a reward for suffering the doldrums of our work and responsibilities. For many, our searching brains have outgrown the confines of tennis and golf and bowling, ad infinitum. Instead we climb mountains, paddle rivers, fly airplanes to faraway locales, ride our bikes into the woods and countryside. This is not the desperation of the escapist or a hedonistic romp that culminates with a hangover of guilt in exchange for pleasure. It cannot be written off as the privilege of the upper class. What we search for when we travel, wander and play is to survive. Survival means using our bodies for exploration and perspiration, entering the wilds alone or in packs, getting lost and, paradoxically, getting to know oneself by breaking out of the routine. On this path, the comfortable discomfort of our sedentary post-agrarian lives is detonated with the hard-wired dynamite of our burning musculature. This is the evolution of our instinct. If we do not take care to promote our hunger, then we may lose our appetites. Ride your bike fearlessly into this mystery. Your bike is not just some machine designed for high-speed peregrination; it is the only

machine capable of combining its form and cleverness to produce, with accuracy and efficiency, a speedy clip from the biomechanics of Homo sapiens. This epiphany started on a dark winter day when I found myself unemployed, out of shape, depressed, broke and wandering away the numbered days of my life. I sold many of my belongings and outfitted an old steel frame for touring. One fall day I left the city of Portland, Ore., en route to San Francisco via the coastal Highway 1. On a scenic highway through the Redwoods, on a whim, I took an unmarked turn onto a steep, rooted singletrack. Several times I got caught on a root and rag-dolled down the mountainside with my 60-pound bike. The trail led to a deserted sand dune 400 yards wide with a sleepy green ocean on the other side. I pushed my bike through the dune and, when I reached the ocean, the world lit up orange, red and crimson through the setting sun. Exhausted from 700 miles of travel, I ate and fell asleep surrounded by the glory. The next morning I trudged back across the dune. I stopped to rest and, when I stood back up, a herd of elk had surrounded me. Before my brain had time to register the spectacle before me, a full-grown bull with 6-foot antlers charged. It was rutting season, and I was the mating competition. I could not outrun the bull, but I could outmaneuver it. Twenty minutes of playing rodeo clown on an open, sandy prairie took every last drop of energy from my body. I apologized to the bull, sat down on the ground before it and pretended to eat grass. I surrendered. The bull stared. He bellowed long and with passion. Then he walked in circles around me, stood behind my back and urinated. I could feel his breath on my neck. I was alone in the world, no one to help, no divine intervention, no depression. If I died in the antlers of that elk, then that was how it was going to be written. Then he lost interest. He figured out that I didn’t want a piece of his harem. He walked away. I knew where I was without the GPS navigator. It would be years before an old forest ranger would laugh at my story of survival and give me this advice: If a hoofed mammal charges you, throw something at its head.

Fearless into the Mystery

MARATHON. THE ORIGINAL

The latest. More security: new puncture protection GreenGuard.

Longer lasting: new Endurance compound and Anti-Aging sidewall.

E-Bike ready.

GreenGuard® inside3 mm thick puncture protection layer of

highly elastic natural rubber, a third of

which is made from recycled material.

www.schwalbetires.comSchwalbe North America ◊ Ferndale, WA ◊ USA

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it’s not just what YOU do. it’s WHO YOU ARE.

r idex t r .com

Engineered for the way you ride.

Photo: Sterling Lorence | Rider: Andrew Shandro

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Documents

NAHBS Show Guide 2011