The Radavist

2017 Philly Bike Expo: Mars Cycles JRA Approved Track Bike
Words and photos by Jarrod Bunk

David from the Bay Area contacted Casey Sussman over at Mars Cycles (Featured here during NAHBS) for this rad track bike!  Built for everyday commuting, from Columbus Zona double OS tubing, and featuring a wrap-around seat stay cluster that morphs into the ISP with a Ritchey topper, this bike is far from ordinary.

The Deluxe 840mm Ti bar stem combo along with 45mm deep carbon Deluxe wheels should make for some fun rips through traffic on this JRA approved track bike. Other details include an ENVE fork and a Columbus tapered headtube with raw, un-filed fillet construction throughout.  I’m so stoked on the stance of this bike.

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2017 Philly Bike Expo: Bilenky Cycle Works Wild Cross Bike
Words and photos by Jarrod Bunk

Bilenky builds bikes in Philly from mild to wild in every style you could ever conceive, from steel road bikes to Ti Tandems.  This fillet brazed cross bike is one of the many they’ve made over the last 30 years and its seen some abuse this year while Taylor Kuyk-White has been racing for Bilenky Cycle Works/Philly Bike Expo, even stacking some UCI points behind the bars.

The handbuilt wheelset, a no-nonsense White Industries to Pacenti SL25 build, has been proven along with the SRAM Force 1x setup, with stopping power is performed by none other than the impeccable Paul Component Klampers.  I really dig all the colors, on this bike, from the paint to the anodized bits this bike pops, so be sure to check it out at the races. Bilenky say’s he loves to braze, and it shows, especially around the bottom bracket of this machine. Growing up in Pennsylvania I’ve been a fan of Bilenky’s work for some time, and hope to be able to visit the shop one day soon.

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2017 Philly Bike Expo: Weaver Cycle Works Jersey Devil Gravel Bike
Words and photos by Jarrod Bunk

Hailing from South of Jersey, Weaver Cycle Works, made their way out to PBE with this Jersey Devil themed bike.  The Jersey Devil is a mythical creature that can take down livestock, much in the way that this 47c equipped bike can tackle the varying terrain that it was designed around. The Jen Green head badge pulls the theme together along with the “13” which is for the cursed 13th Leed’s child (the Jersey Devil).

Built with a 1x drivetrain in mind this SRAM Force-equipped bike is propelled forward with a blend of White Industries R30 cranks, CLD hubs, and their new headset, and halted just as quickly by Paul Component Klampers.  This is Weaver’s personal bike, and I’ve been told he only rides steel forks, so even though it’s built with a 44mm headtube, there will not be carbon on it anytime soon for him.  Much like every Weaver this bike is 100% custom from the geo to the paint, if you’re into it, drop him a line and you to can rip a bike where the devil is in the details.

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2017 Philly Bike Expo: Skwisgaar The Waterford Track Bike
Words and photos by Jarrod Bunk

Some bikes bear their owners names, this is something a little bit different, what started in 2010 covered in a black glove of paint, has changed after it sat over the years lying dormant while it’s owner wasn’t able to ride it (due to contractual obligations) and emerged as something a bit more vibrant, Skwisgaar, born of speed and metal.  From the Fleur de Lis stainless lugs brazed by EJ Muller to the beautiful paint from Roger Krueger, both of Waterford Precision Cycles, this is anything but black now.

A mix of polished components including SRAM Omnium cranks, an All-City Pursuit Special chainring, and a Chris King headset tie the lugs together and are sure to provide years of service for this heirloom quality bicycle. Zipp wheels hand painted by Eric Baar of  Ground Up Speed Shop, give it, even more, flare.  There’s something fast looking about this bike just standing still, which was proven recently as it was raced to a Bronze at Madison Track Nationals in Colorado Springs,  under its pilot, Anna Schwinn.

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Seth’s Land Run 100 Salsa Cutthroat
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

Seth’s Cutthroat is a Testament to having one bike that can do a lot of things well.  Seth has raced the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, DK200, and completed Land Run 100 more than a few times, this bike was ridden 10,000 miles last year alone.  Local knowledge certainly paid off for him as I’m told he didn’t have to walk any of the hike-a-bike sections. It makes sense to see a 38c tire on a MTB then, especially with the notoriously muddy terrain that can take you from 30MPH to zero in a flash. Those Prototype 38c Vittoria Mud Tires were proven that day, from the loose slick climbs, to the bombing descents they never skipped a beat.  Last year was probably the worst year for mud, ever, and the Shimano Di2 drivetrain worked flawlessly, even when caked full.

If you’re thinking about riding Land Run this year sign up is live – I know a few people from the Radavist will be there – and you can bet Seth will be there ready to rock as the cannon fires this year. What bike will you bring?

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Eathan’s Tahoe Rim Trail Salsa Timberjack
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

“Fresh of an 8 week collarbone recovery, I felt the call of the woods and passing up the spectacular views and world class trail that the TRT has to offer just wasn’t an option. 4 day and 170miles with some of the best riding and hardest Hike-a-bikes, I circumnavigated my way around Lake Tahoe to Northstar for the Kick off of another rad Saddledrive! Covering some 24,000 feet of elevation gain left quit a toll on not only my body but also my gear. TJ was the perfect choice, confident on the descents and still perfectly at home loaded down. And though I may have push it up more trail then I would have liked I can’t think of a better way to spend 3 nights under the stars!” – Ehtan Frey

We’ve all been there, the feeling of spending time off of your bike, when its all you want to be doing, sometimes it can be the daily grind, or some thing outside of your control, like breaking your collarbone.  Ethan defintiely made the most of the time before Saddle Drive this year, he took his custom Timberjack, outfitted with everything he would need to naviage the TRT.  After I talked to Ethan about his trip he said if he had the choice he would do it over with a dual sus bike.  The combination of a dead silent Onyx Hub, Whisky Carbon Rims, and a SRAM Eagle build peg this as anything but stock, to me its really cool to see how a stock bike could be transformed over time as your riding styles change.  From the trail to the tour this Timberjack is ready for anything, and Ethan proves that bicycles are the best medicine!

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Crystal’s Gunnar Not-So-Roadie
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

I still remember seeing this frame when I was in District Bicycles this March at the Land Run. You remember that story, right? The muddy as all hell race where I couldn’t feel my hands or feet? Well, anyway, I was at District and I asked, when is that thing going to get built?  I was told it had been there a while, like three years a while.  

Crystal, Bobby’s wife and co-owner / operator of District made the jump to get this built just a few days before Saddle Drive this year, test ride around the block and boxed up for a trip from Oakland California, to Saddle Drive near Truckee.  The 300-ish mile trip took Crystal on some pretty beautiful roads on her way to NorCal over three days. 

During my visit to District Bicycles I felt like Crystal was the glue of the operation and it was great to see her break in this beautiful Gunnar on such an epic journey. Next year, the whole Radavist team needs to make an appearance at the Land Run… Til then, thanks to District for the constant stoke!

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My Celestial All City Spacehorse Disc – Jarrod bunk
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

All City’s Spacehorse Disc ticks a lot of boxes for me, I fell in love with my canti version two years ago, since then I probably spent the most time on that bike of all of them. It just felt right, the geometry was fun and it climbed, descended and shredded so well.  Fast forward to Saddle Drive last August, I happened to check out the new Spacehorse Disc, it solved one of the only issues I had with the canti version, the braking.  I ordered up a frame, but my mind wandered and I decided to add a few small things to the build, based on what I wished the canti bike had, warranty be damned. I had Maestro Frameworks braze on a third bottle, pump peg, and add some internal wiring for my rear tail light.

Since the bike was getting the paint stripped off for the frame work I had Wanderlust Paint make something special for me. I printed a picture of All City’s geo chart and broke out my markers, I’ve always had something for brown on bikes, so that’s where I started.  I think that paint can make a bike, so I even had my Simworks stem painted to match.  Years ago my friend Jesse turned me onto Pass and Stow racks, I always wanted one, and since then have been waiting for the right bike, this was that bike.  I knew I would be using a dynamo system on my Spacehorse and loved that I could run wiring through the rack for a cleaner look.

I used a little Newbaums tape to cover the wiring safely and protect the powder coat on the rack.  I think this worked out well.  Aside from those details, I’m running a Chris King rear hub, SON front, and Supernova lights.  Other parts include a CK40 headset, Silca frame pump, White Industries cranks, Chris King bottom bracket, and Velocity Cliffhanger rims.  I build custom bikes 6 days a week and breaking bike parts should be my job, so I built this bike with the most bombproof parts I could. Enough about the build, I’ve got to spend a bit of time on this commuting and riding, and its as good as the old canti bike, just a little bit better for my needs. For whatever reason the disc fork feels a good bit stiffer, which is real nice for front loading, and adds some confidence under hard fast braking descents.

Swift Campout was a blast this year thanks to the Spacehorse which handled the muddy, slick, steep terrain perfectly, hence the dirt on it.  I can’t say enough about just how damn fun the Spacehorse Disc is, the versatility of the bike is out of this world, from commuting, to touring, to just shredding gravel I love this bike. It didn’t take much but I turned a stock frame into my dream bike, one I will have for a lifetime.  If you haven’t ridden one I recommend checking one out at your local dealer, you won’t be sorry.

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MinneCycle 2017: Cecil Behringer Matching Road and Track Bikes
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

Cecil Behringer started his love affair with bikes at age 17, racing around the track.  Soon after he had to leave bikes behind to join the war at the time. While in the Navy Cecil learned more and more about metals, so much so that some years later he created a lugged Ti frame using an oven (the first one in the world).

His work has a similar approach to Wyganowski, and that with good reason, he is the first in the lineage of builders that taught the like of Terry Osell and Tim Paterek, who then taught Paul Wyganowski.  This is apparent in the use of open tubesets, again to help with the breathing of the frame, and reduce interal corrosion and rust.

This matching set of bicycles was on loan from the Cycling Museum of Minnesota, with similar details spread between both bikes, like the stamped Behringer “top eyes”, Dura-Ace cranks, and Columbus tubesets.  Thank you to the Cycling Museum of Minnesota for bringing out these two beautiful bicycles.  For more information you can check out the Cycling Museum of Minnesota here.

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MinneCycle 2017: Prairie Crow Bikeworks Shred-Muter
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

Prairie Crow Bikeworks makes one beautiful bike.  Based out of Minneapolis,  Alex specializes in custom and limited run bikes, he had this shred-muter at the show.

I love touring style bikes that can handle larger rubber, the Surly Knard/Velocity Cliffhanger combo really makes this bike capable of riding off the beaten path.  From the IGH rear hub to the Dynamo front, Supernova front and rear lights, front rack and swept Metropolis bars, this bike can handle much more than just commuting.

More and more capable bikes are being created every day, this bike covers all the utilitarian needs of getting around Minneapolis, but can handle having some fun along the way.  There are a lot of beautiful touches on this bike, it’s full lugged construction, the asymmetrical cable hanger, and the seat cluster.  The mix of no nonsense parts from the Paul Components canti, MKS Pedals, and Cane Creek 110 headset should keep this bike running for years to come.  Check out more over at Prairie Crow Bikeworks.

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MinneCycle 2017: Clockwork Bikes Custom Tour Divide Bike– Jarrod Bunk
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

You’ve probably seen Clockwork’s bikes before: Joel shaped steel for Poppi’s romantical dirt droop 29’r, which was featured here on the Radavist in 2015. While at MinneCycle I was able to check out this rad bike that came together for the Tour Divide with some pretty special extras. Those include internal dynamo wiring, sliding dropouts, and a custom made rack with a unique decaleur and a quick disconnect.

Oddity made a pretty wild bar for multiple hand positions and longer days in the saddle, so naturally, it made its way onto this build. A White Industries rear hub and SON Dynamo front hub should have this bike service-free for the entirety of the trip and then some.

A Box Components drivetrain and Paul Klamper brakeset round out this gorgeous build. The sleeved internal cable routing should keep things tidy while on tour and should something happen, still remain serviceable. All in all this is one hell of a clean bicycle that is full of features to make life easier when you’re out there. Check out more at Clockwork Bikes.

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MinneCycle 2017: Chris Kvale And His Classic Steel Road
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

At the start of my trip to MinneCycle, I knew of Chris Kvale. His thin lugs are beautiful. He started racing bicycles at a young age. And these things you can see when you look at the vintage race aesthetic and precision in his builds.

I was able to get a small glimpse into his daily shop life right before he departed for his summer hideaway in Norway. Being that he’s Norwegian he’s extremely humble, and it was fantastic to have a mellow conversation about this beautiful bike. The Law of Jante keeps him reserved, and doesn’t let him romanticize about his process or his craft, but you can see a love he pours into each piece of steel he manipulates.

The way Chris takes extra time with each build – the bottom bracket, the DiNucci fastback seat clamp, his beautiful thinned lugs – Kvale is a true craftsman. He even makes his own tools, which I learned when I toured his studio right before he boarded the plane the next day. His workshop is always clean and extremely orderly and he still uses the same process he started with years ago. It was such a great experience to see his work in person. Check out more over at Chris Kvale Cycles.

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MinneCycle 2017: Peacock Groove Polka Dot Cargo Bike
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

Cargo bikes aren’t something you see every day. Polka dotted bikes aren’t something you see every day.  Peacock Groove threw out those notions, because the Liberace of bikes builds anything you’d like, just with even more style, and deep custom.

The deep custom approach is found everywhere on this bike, from the headset to the rear rack, Erik Noren, made it all.  Erik is an artist, and you can see that in every bicycle that he manufacturers.

To think that something like this can come out of his mind and be formed out of steel is incredible.  Where others see a zany cargo bike, I see a masterpiece, from one of the most skilled craftsmen I’ve ever met.  I only got a small taste of his operation while in Minneapolis, but as a long-time fan of his work, I hope to make it back to be able to document his shop. I can’t get enough of his deep custom bikes.

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MinneCycle 2017: Wyganowski Frames Minnesota Made Mixtie
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

Paul Wyganowksi has a pretty unique build process, one that was passed down four generations of frame builders to him.  From the exterior of this commuter, it doesn’t seem that wild, until you look closer, the use of vents to open up the tubes and inhibit rust, the reverse “top eyes” used for the mid stays, the thinnest dropouts I’ve ever seen.

Finding all of the details on this bike was an enjoyable experience.  Extra attachment points, three sets of waterbottle bosses, fender and rack mounts, this mixtie can handle daily transit and then put on some gear for a weekend of touring.  The sedate lines and beautiful fillets, make for one special Mixtie that was built in Minnesota to last a lifetime.

Paul actually teaches a frame building class as well, continuing in the footsteps of the builders that passed the torch to him. For more information check out Wyganoksi Frames.

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MinneCycle 2017: Appleman Bicycles Smooth As Silk Disc Road With E-Tap
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

The way that Matt Appleman manufacturers his bikes is nothing short of stunning. He starts with Minnesota-sourced tubesets, custom designed around the rider, at which point they are bonded together to create a seamless frame, that is smooth to the touch. This process allows him to make adjustments based on each rider’s needs. To me, I like the raw carbon look and the difference between the tube and the joint. Something about this bike just feels handmade.

Wood inlays with seamless decals make up the panels, which have a classic road aesthetic. Not to stop there, he also molds his dropouts into an apple, for an added touch. I couldn’t get enough of this bike and its rawness. There’s something extremely appealing to me about the lack of derailleur cables and internal brake housing that make this bike look fast, just standing still. For more information check out Appleman Bicycles.

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MinneCycle 2017: Northern Frameworks All Road with Dura Ace
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

I first heard of Northern Frameworks when it was just a whisper. Josh from Angry Catfish and Alex from A-Train Cycles decided to team up for a new custom frame brand to be sold in-house at the shop. The first time I saw one in person I was stoked: custom made steel bikes that keep the Twin Cities proud.

Northern Frameworks produces a bike with clean lines, tailored fit, and brilliant paint. The build on this bike is just as good as the aesthetic though, sporting Dura Ace 9100 series components, painted to match fenders, pewter Chris King headset and an ENVE cockpit. Those Derby rims laced to White Industries CLD hubs, hand built by Haute Bacon, tie it all together. The internally routed hydraulic line is extremely clean and the T47 BB keeps this bike somewhat future proof should the owner choose to build it differently down the road.

A bike like this screams versatility (with an inside voice), as it’s not overbearing in any way, but can tackle several different types of riding pretty well. I can’t wait to get back to Minneapolis to see more from these guys.  For more info check out Northern Frameworks.

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MinneCycle 2017 : Vincent Dominguez Cycles Not So Mellow, Yellow Disc Road
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

After I hopped off the plane and a short ride to MinneCycle 5, Minnesota’s handmade bicycle show, I waited out the harsh light and 90 degree temps outside by checking out the show inside.  One of the first bikes was this Dominguez. I wasn’t super familiar with Dominguez, but soon after observing this bike I wanted to be.

There is nothing mellow about this yellow bike, especially when you look closely, which I did!  The fully lined, internal cable routing, with some beautiful entry points into the frame, is what drew me in closer. Once I was there, I noticed things like the logo-less DT Swiss hubs, Campagnolo Chorus build – but most of all the frame details.

The mixture of fillet brazing and lugs to me was just the right amount of both. The way they integrate into the frame elegantly so as to not take away from each other really caught my eye. Scalloped seatstays and the slightly offset front brake housing – so as to not rub the headtube – were the final nails in this killer build. Check out Dominguez Cycles for more.

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Bobby’s Land Run 100 Moots Routt 45
Photos and words by Jarrod Bunk

Bobby knows the Gravel roads around Stillwater, when given the opportunity to make his ultimate gravel bike he chose the Moots Routt 45. This isn’t just any Routt though, this one has RSL tubing something that wasn’t an option until NAHBS this year. Other details include laser etched logos, and an engraved head tube. Bobby chose to use a Chris King 40th kit on this bike, to me something about the olive and Ti is just near perfect. The bike is outfitted with some new ENVE AR rims, Moots post, Thomson stem and a tried and true Salsa Cowbell bar. A Shimano Di2 build rounded it out with a custom machined Wolf tooth ring made to fit the new 9100 cranks.

Bobby and the crew at District Bicycles sure do know how to make one nice bike.

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