Our 2024 MADE Bike Show coverage from Portland, Oregon, continues with Part 03. Click on through below for selects from Blandford, Fat Chance, Frances, La Marche, Onguza, Ritte, Rons Bikes, Schon, Sycip, and Wilde.
Blandford Fixed Gear Commuter
Fixed gears and track bikes are alive and well in Portland… at the MADE Bike Show. Chris Blandford worked with Oscar Camarena on Simple Bicycle Co manufacturing many white label bikes for various brands. He learned how to build frames at UBI and Oscar helped him learn the ins and out of production. The team at Simple were making a frame a day before Oscar and Chris agreed to part ways – on good terms – so each could pursue their own brands.
He built the the frame, fork, stem, and rack for this fixed gear commuter. Inspired by the old Paul Component Engineering track ends, he even machined his own. The frame is made from a mix of Columbus tubing and was painted by Black Magic Paint…
Follow Chris’ impeccable eye at Blanford Cycles.
Fat Chance Yo Eddy Titanium 29er
The legendary Chris Chance is still at it, building frames and forks in Medford, Oregon. Three classically named Fat Chance models are available: Slim Chance (road), Chris Cross (gravel), and Yo Eddy (MTB), which is available in steel and titanium.
While the name and design reference the ‘90s, the current Yo Eddy has been geometrically modernized with a 68° head angle and 72° seat angle. It fits up to 29 x 2.4 tires, but Chris will also build the Yo Eddy around 26-inch wheels. Steel segmented forks are still an option, as well as 120mm suspension alternatives, and frames incorporate custom chainstay yokes and dropouts. Fat Chance lists six “stock” sizes on their website, though, as demonstrated in this customer build on display, they’ll also make frames around custom geometries to suit any riding style or fit parameters.
See more at Fat Chance
Frances Cycles Mixte Hauler
Santa Cruz-based Frances Cycles builds a number of utilitarian machines and tools, including cargo bikes, trailers, and cooking utensils. The Mixte Hauler on display here is builder Josh Muir’s daily rider designed to transport people and loads. The cargo zone exists low and in front of the rider for optimal loaded and unloaded handling. Currently set up for rider + child, it utilizes cable steering, and its low center of gravity with short wheelbase offers intuitive handling.
Like all of Josh’s bikes, the Mixte Hauler comes equipped with fenders and integrated lights. Cable steering sets this model apart from many other cargo bikes and allows for variety in geometry and cargo placement. For example, the steerer is set up at a classic bike angle to suit ergonomic and weight distribution preferences. A waxed canvas bag snaps into the cargo area, and rack mounts could add even more carrying capacity.
See more at Frances Cycles
Grab the slider and pull it to see the bike loaded and unloaded…
Onguza Rooster Hardtail
Namibia’s Onguza was not in attendance at this year’s MADE but they had a Rooster Hardtail in the Hunt Wheels booth. We documented it with and without bags from Tailfin to highlight the versatility of a hardtail while being able to still showcase some of this frame’s unique detailing and wonderful paint. Reliant on a 120 mm travel fork, the Rooster is a race-pedigree bike; built sure-footed and lightweight, with clearance for a 2.4″ tire.
This exact bike is for sale. Holler at Onguza for a killer price!
La Marche Cargo Pit Bike
Don’t call it a mini Velo. This badass little bike made by Tom La Marche has a big attitude. Built to comfortably carry both its rider and front cargo, its wheelbase is about the same as a standard bike. Additionally, it has a low bottom bracket—similar to that of a BMX bike—a 70° head angle, and about 60mm of trail for good handling with a little front load.
Chainstays are formed 7/8 tubes, and the seat tube is oversized for an MTB post to stick out pretty high from the frame. More BMX vibes from the main tubes, at 38mm top tube and 35mm downtube. It’s driven by an 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal rear hub, and the Alfine dynamo front powers a Sinewave light color coordinated with the frame and Paul Klamper brakes. Tom sold this show bike during the show, so if you want one of your own, inquire over at La Marche Bike Co.
See more at La Marche
Ritte Cycles Occulto AR Ti Gravel Bike
“Occulto” is not a reference to the occult, rather is means to hide or conceal and might be one of the best names for an integrated bike we’ve seen. The Occulto AR is Ritte’s latest model, utilizing classic lines, 3D printed components and an all-road geometry. Utilizing ENVE’s integrated cockpit, the Occulto AR has a 3D printed headtube and clean porting. It’s a UDH frame, with new Ritte 3D printed dropouts.
Ritte’s finest bike to date, the Occulto AR is made-to-order with a custom geometry.
Catch a draft at Ritte.
Ron’s Bikes Alumalith EVO Rigid 29er
In 2021, we first debuted the Ron’s Bikes Alumalith at the Philly Bike Expo and this year at MADE, Ronnie Romance debuted the next evolution of his aluminum rigid 29er bike. The Alumalith EVO features a modern racing geometry with impeccable frame construction from Frank the Welder, along with a refined steel fork.
Ronnie’s builds are legendary and this one did not disappoint. Built from a mix of vintage and modern components from Control Tech, Tune, Paul Component Engineering, Shimano and Crust bikes, this bright red race machine was a show stopper all weekend.
Feel the glow at Ron’s Bikes.
Schön Studio Disco Swing Bike
Come for the disco, stay for the hand-milled components! Danielle Schön bowled us over at MADE with her disco-themed swing bike. For the uninitiated, a swing bike is a direct drive that pivots about the seat and head angle, allowing the rider to swing the bike from side to side.
Danielle has a knee injury and is awaiting surgery. Many thanks to Kris at 44 Bikes for making her a titanium cane!
While that on its own is an accomplishment to build, Danielle hand-milled each of the purple components. The headsets, cranks, seatpost collar, and hubs were all milled “old-school” style as she put it, with dimensions and specs on a notepad. Then, to up the ante, Danielle anodized each of the parts in 5-gallon buckets and fillet-brazed the bars. Collaborator Anna Schwinn covered the unicycle saddle with stingray leather and made the center bar pad under her new company Wow What Studio.
Danielle, we await the swing bike tandem for next year! ;-)
Follow along at Schön Studio!
Sycip Double Dribble Steel Full Suspension
“I’ve built a few full-suspension bikes over the years, but this is the first one for me. Dude. It’s a total game-changer.” Jeremy Sycip exclaimed in the middle of a light summer rainfall one afternoon during the MADE show. Jeremy lives in Santa Rosa and his local trails in Trione-Annadel State Park are very rocky. Jeremy noted that thanks to the increase in traction, he’s able to clear technical climbs he’d normally walk and ride more confidently down the chunky descents.
Dubbed the Double Dribble, the 120 mm rear and 160 mm front travel bike features a single pivot linkage with a Chris King bottom bracket for the sole pivot bearing. It took Jeremy a few rides to get used to the new progressive geometry after riding “old school” XC racing geometries for the past few decades but he’s hooked.
The Double Dribble will be available in 2025 from Sycip Designs.
Wilde Bikes Sugar Foot 650b Gravel
Minneapolis-based Wilde Bikes recently announced their lugged gravel bike, the Sugar Foot. Founder and designer Jeff Frane tells us it’s made to be a fast racer of a bike disguised by classic styling. Using Richard Sachs lugs, Pacenti fork crown, and Columbus tubing, Sugar Foots are built in-house, primarily using silver brazing by Brad Wison, formerly of Capricorn and Waterford.
The Sugar Foot is built around 650b wheels and will clear a 2.4″ front and 2.2″ rear. It features three sets of bottle bosses, fender and rack mounts, internal rear brake routing, and fork dynamo routing (this build has a connectorless dynamo attachment). D&D Cycles did the golden olive metallic paint with Imron, and Jen Green made the head badge. You can build it up with vintage parts like Jeff did with XTR 3x and barcon shifters or take a more modern approach. Wilde plans to start with a batch of ten frames, so roll on over to their site for ordering details.
See more at Wilde Bikes
A HUGE THANKS TO PAUL COMPONENT ENGINEERING FOR SPONSORING THIS POST!
That’s it for Part 03 of our MADE Bike Show coverage. We’ll be rolling out more over the next several days. What’s your favorite from this selection?