The Radavist

Like local frame builders? Live in New England? Then don’t miss the 2015 New England Builders’ Ball on October 2nd. Head over to the NEBB for the full scoop.

Heads up Vancouver! Thursday, September 10th at Musette Caffé, Skyland Cycles is bringing you a rad event. Shoot the shit with 9 local frame builders and throw your cap in on a stacked raffle with prizes from Shimano, Chris King, 7mesh, Burnaby Velodrome, and Fabric. If you’re in town, get there!

Last week, Mellow Johnny’s had the great pleasure of hosting a frame builder’s happy hour that showcased the work of five local bicycle artisans. With so many talented frame builders in the immediate Austin area, it only makes sense to get them out of their work sheds and together for a party. Icarus, Chumba, Kirklee, Paramour, and Saila all descended upon the shop for a night where they could showcase their work and talk to established fans as well as potential clients.

The energy was rambunctious. Halfway through the night, I found myself surrounded by over 100 people who were enjoying beer, friends, and the company of some beautiful bicycles. The amount of “oh’s” and “ah’s” were uncountable. From someone marveling over the beautiful weld work of Lauren from Saila to an in-depth conversation about carbon frame repair with KirkLee, there was something for all tastes. The amount of support and admiration that was had for these humble local builders was a testament to the tight-knit and passionate community that is evident in Austin’s cycling community.

For myself, the highlight of the night was hanging out with the fellas of Chumba Cycles. After talking with them about their home base right down the road from Pace Bend State Park and witnessing their love of beer, it was clear these guys loved to shred and loved to have a good time. The coolest bike they brought was a fully loaded 29+ rig called the Ursa 29+. Able to fit a 3.0 inch tire, the Ursa is clearly a bike that has the potential to handle just about any terrain you could throw at it. Three bottle cages and the ability to run a Singlespeed, 1x, or 2x set up leads to extreme versatility and the option for fully loaded camping or an afternoon shred session at your favorite local trails. The Ursa they brought was outfitted with their Zulu series bags for handlebar, stem, seat, and frame. Vince from Chumba shared with me his story about taking the bike to Ecuador for a 7-day bikepacking trip from Cotapaxi to Chimborazo and all I could think about for the rest of the night was the plan for my next bikepacking trip!

All in all, the event was a huge success. Good times were had, there was much “nerding out” on bikes, and many Topo Chicos and beers were consumed. If you have a local frame builder in your town and you’re looking for your next bike, it’s so important to see what they have to offer. Check out a few more photos below and see the full gallery at Mellow Johnny’s.

I’ve been meaning to post this project for a while, but I figured it might make a good last-minute gift for someone.

The Signal Haul is a project I’ve watched from sketch to production run:

“Introducing Haul by Signal. A limited edition offering for winter 2015. Initially conceived around Christmas last year, this became a project Signal continually prototyped through the summer between designing and building bikes.

Each Haul is crafted at Signal using using 3/8” 1018 cold rolled steel rod and assembled in house with leather webbing or full leather with various Pendleton wool laminations and additional materials to come.

Custom powdercoat colors as well as leather and Pendleton options are available. 20 Hauls were created in this first edition and currently 12 are still available and ready for paint and assembly. Please email Signal with any questions and to place your order. $500 retail with 10% discount to Signal owners. We take care of our own!”

Since moving all of their production from Oregon to Austin, Chumba‘s been cranking out their mountain bike frames in house. Today after a quick trail ride with Vince from Chumba, he took me out to their facilities so I could see their office and fabrication shop.

All I have to say is I’m stoked to see this going down in Austin, just 30 minutes from my home.

More to come!

This looks like a RAD time in Colorado:

“Colorado is home to some of the finest handmade bicycles in the country, if not the world. This site is a showcase for not only these well crafted machines, but also the craftsmen that build them.

You will also find the latest news of our annual show, the Colorado Framebuilders’ BBQ, where you can come see these beautiful bikes and enjoy some delicious food and beer while chatting to the builders. This year’s BBQ will be held on September 27th, 2014.”

I’m thinking road trip? See more at the Colorado Framebuilders’ BBQ.

This Friday, May 2nd, Aaron from Stinner Frameworks will be at Mission Workshop from 7-10pm for a Q&A on frame building. Of course, there will be beer and bourbon.

Head over to Mission Workshop for details. If you do go to this event – you’d be crazy not to – do me a favor and give Stinner a high five. That dude is killing it.

I like this idea a whole lot! One of the most original frame builders of all time will be at the Brooks B1866 shop in Seven Dials, London next week. The saddle manufacturer is opening their doors to Dario Pegoretti to fit potential customers for a bike and to celebrate his new collaboration Brooks Cambium Saddle. Sounds pretty rad right? I wish I could be there to see this!

Check out the press-release below with all the juicy details and more photos of this wild bike!

Last week, I posted ENVE‘s video featuring Independent Fabrication. Now, here are two more, featuring Calfee and Vanilla. These videos were both playing in the ENVE booth at Interbike.

Here’s the latest from e r t z u i ° Film.

_{“FILM Shot & Directed by Kristian Ansand & Martin Gilluck | Music by A Dancing Beggar | Produced by ERTZUI FILM ertzui.de}  

The Rapha Continental was established in the United States in 2007 with the aim of rediscovering the lost spirit of cycling. To help realise that ambition, the Rapha Continental joined forces with the finest independent framebuilders in America. In recognition of the Continental’s continued expansion in 2013, Rapha is now proud to be working with some of the finest independent framebuilders around the world.

The result is a growing collection of custom bikes that reflect the craft and heritage of global framebuilding, bikes that are versatile enough to handle the wide range of terrain that the Continental riders encounter. Meticulously designed and entirely handbuilt, they combine technology and innovation with individuality and flair, creating elegant, understated bikes that handle beautifully and perform brilliantly.”

As the Rapha Continental continues to grow, Rapha will be working with some of the best bespoke framebuilders in each Continental territory. In 2013, these will include:
Amaro Bikes, Crema Cycles, Crisp Titanium, Edelbikes, Festka, St Joris Cycles, Vandeyk Contemporary Cycles, Vogel Fahrradrahmenbau and Tiziano Zullo.

See more at Rapha

With a cast of the wand, a frame appears in a plume of smoke, right? Brian Vernor took some photos of Cameron Falconer while he was in San Fran recently. Check out more photos here.

Everyone always assumes Portland has long been the mecca for frame builders in the USA. Truth be told, New England’s scene has been churning since the early 70’s and it’s still going strong. Angles & Poise did an infographic on how just about every framebuilder in New England can be traced back to a handful of craftsman.

Check it out here. I’m glad to see Icarus and Geekhouse on there.

Out of all the UK Rapha Continental Builders, this man, Brian Rourke is the one who’s doing the most original work. That’s probably because he’s been doing it for so long that his eyes are affixed on an idea, rather than a trend or what the US builders are doing. I dig this film, a lot.

Aaron of Courage Bicycles by Brad Quartuccio at Urban Velo

The NAHBS heads down south this year to Richmond, Virginia. It’s quickly approaching the dates of February 26-28 and a recent policy tweak will allow new builders to rent a display table at the show. Details below and the full press-release can be found here.

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…