Kinoko Cycles isn’t messing around. Their stock keeps growing with gems like this Independent Fabrication Ti and carbon Factory Lightweight. I’ve always loved the integrated seat tube collar (44rn Design) and race-inspired paint schemes. Check out more clean shots at the Kinoko blog.
It’s not everyday that BAUM photographs one of their Corretto track bikes, so when I saw this, I had to share. Check out more of this GTR metallic black, venom green and Dura Ace track build at the BAUM Flickr.
Deciding on a custom frame for your significant other can be a bit of an ordeal. Lauren and I talked about her bike for what seemed like an eternity, so I can’t imagine what it’s like to physically build a bike for your spouse. Taylor Sizemore did just that. His wife Kelsey is a purist when it comes to road bikes. She likes traditional geometries, clearances and lugged aesthetics, so convincing her that a tig welded frame that would clear 28c tires was the way to go on this ride took some time. The bike looks great and Taylor did a stellar job documenting it. See for yourself below!
I can’t wait to see more from this project with Donhou.
There are few builders out there who have mastered the art of documenting their process. Need examples? Click on the Frame Builders tag… Cycles d’Autremont is one of those builders and while there isn’t a whole lot from this Burlington, Vermont craftsman on the site, I hope to swing by their shop when I’m in Burlington for the JDRF ride in July.
It doesn’t take much to sell a client on your product. A few photos of your work environment, some macro shots of your in-process lugs, or even a full-blown phototorial on why you prefer to make and modify your own lugs can do wonders for your client base.
If you flip through Cycles d’Autremont’s Flickr, you’ll find everything from a clean cross bike, to a rigid MTB fresh from paint, to a porteur to a dirty cross bike. With all this eye candy, it’s still hard for me to not fixate on their killer headbadge.
Hell, I don’t even think my shop visit photos would come close to Hubert’s own! We’ll see I suppose…
The Great Divide Road Frameset
The Little Wing Track Frameset
I can’t tell you how many companies I get emailing me their frames but rarely do the words Made in the USA appear in the copy. No 22 is a Canadian company, using a well-known US-based titanium manufacturer to produce high end but affordable frames.
Their two models are the Great Divide road frame and the Little Wing track frame. Both of which tout clean detailing and construction. I’m waiting on a complete build to post as well, so stay tuned. Until then, check out No 22′s offerings here!
I wish I could be everywhere at once, especially with all these great events approaching in the coming weeks. The Rapha Continental undeniably changed cycling in the USA. As part of their First Thursday Rapha Exhibition series, Rapha will be presenting select pieces from the Continental, as well as a group ride on Friday:
First Thursday Rapha Exhibition – Exploring The Road Less Traveled
The exhibition will feature photographs, films, journals, the riders themselves and their individually handmade steel bicycles.
Thursday June 6th
6-9 PM
Nossa Familia Coffee
1319 NW Johnson Street
Portland, OR 97209
Lunch Ride With The Rapha Continental
On Friday June 7th, Rapha North America will host a group ride with the riders of The Rapha Continental at 12:30 PM. The ride will depart from and finish at the Rapha North America offices at 1915 NW Kearney Street in Northwest Portland. The ride will be approximately 35 miles and will include Skyline Road, Rock Creek Road and Old Germantown Road. All levels welcome, the ride will take place rain or shine.
See more information below!
Photos by Keith Teket
Chris Bishop’s Columbus MS track frame made the rounds on the internet almost immediately after it was built and documented. I’d say that it was one of his most popular frames to date. So popular that when Ben put a deposit down, he specifically requested the road version of the beloved MS track frame and that’s exactly what he got! See more at the Bishop Flickr!
In a lot of ways, my first Geekhouse Woodville touring bike served as a catalyst for me taking cycling more seriously. It was my first custom bike and provided me with ample motivation to just get out there and ride. The first major tour being Portland to SF and from there, I took it on numerous other trips here in Austin. When it was stolen last year, I began planning out a replacement with Geekhouse. There were some things I wanted to change, but mostly I just missed having a touring bike to ride around on.
As it sat en queue, I couldn’t decide on how I wanted it to function. Initially, I wanted a dirt-drop 29′r pack-bike tourer for riding the MTB trails here in town, but then my Independent Fabrication took over that role, so I revisited what I loved the most about my first touring bike. The riding position is what I would consider traditional but having acquired the Bruce Gordon Rock n Road tires, I wanted to make sure it would roll at least a 50c. I also opted for external cable routing and passed on the S&S couplers.
I’ve had great luck with the SRAM XO rear derailleur and its 11-36 range matched with a compact crank. This time I went with White Industries VBC system and a Force front derailleur, converted to a top-pull. With a 50 outer ring and 32, inner, I’ll have a wider range than I would with a triple. Chris King classic hub on the rear and a SON hub with matching Edelux lamp on the front for light.
Paul components throughout: Tall and Handsome post, Touring Cantis. Other components include a Thomson seat post collar, Brooks Swift saddle, Salsa Cowbell 2 with SRAM barcons, TRP levers and MKS Lambda pedals. With all the Made in the USA bling, I got Marty and Brad at Geekhouse to fabricate a one-off custom stem as well as front and rear racks. The beauty of the front racks lie in their low-rider detachable hangers on the front…
I always load front and low on trips. The bike rides a lot better since the handling isn’t compromised as it would with a rear load and these low-riders are low. My large panniers sit about 6″ off the ground, which is perfect on a 43c tire. On top of just looking amazing, these racks weighed a lot less than the Tubus system I had been using previously. The fork is another highlight: internal cable routing for the Edelux lamp and the segmented shoulders have rack attachments.
Even with all those details and that component list, a build can still go south with a bad powder job. Brad really knocked this one out of the park. Olive Drab green with a matte clear adds to the utilitarian / military aesthetic I wanted. I’ve been scooting around town a lot on this beaut and took it on a few trail rides last week and am in love. Even the ride out to shoot these photos was super dreamy…
I still need to dial it in though. The derailleur cables are now routed under the tape, mostly to make it easier to mount a Swift Industries Ozette randonneur bag. I’ll also need to splice some more chain so I can use the 50t with more of the cassette but for now, it’s riding really well.
That said, it’s not a touring bike until you’ve at least camped on it and summertime in Texas will provide ample opportunities. Right now, I’m just pumped that it came together so well. Many thanks to PAUL, Bens Cycle, Chris at Mellow Johnny’s and the Geekhouse crew for making yet another dream come true.
… also, buy renter’s insurance! Most plans will cover your bikes when they’re stolen!
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