By no means am I a bike snob of any sort. There are however things that annoy the piss out of me when it comes to a build. After combing over hundreds and hundreds of photos from this past weekends NAHBS, there is an all too common occurrence when it comes to single speed builds. Chain slack and master links. Perhaps I’ve been going about it all wrong all these years? I always found the best luck by not using a masterlink as well as only allowing for roughly a half inch of vertical play in chain tension. Apparently this is not the norm.
I got thinking about this after Michael’s post at Presta vs Schrader regarding some of the odd component choices he noticed over the weekend. This I commented on feeling that some of these buildes seem to be thrown together with whatever the builder may be able to afford and understandably so in some cases. After all, for the most part NAHBS is a majority of frame builders, not components. That said, I’m not sure which would be a better route given you don’t have the resources for a preferred component group to go with your one of a kind frame set. Some of the builds I’ve seen pictures of I think I would have had more appreciation for as a frame, fork and headset alone.
So, I suppose perhaps this could make me a bike snob in the sense of it’s all in the details when you’re putting it on display for the world to see. I didn’t want to post any pics with this post simply for the sake of not calling anyone out. The amount of hours that go into these bikes is amazing and I’m always blown away by the craftsmanship. Everyone there, and even those that aren’t deserve huge credit for doing what they do. As for your bike, if you’re happy with it then I say fuck everyone else. Enjoy the ride and piss on the rest.
Lastly, there is no doubt in my mind I’ll be attending NAHBS next year as it will be taking up camp in my beloved Austin, Texas! See you all then.
Oh man, I’m so pissed I’m missing this. Michael has an update going on over at Presta vs Schrader and you can see all sorts of detailed pics in his Flikr pool. Sooooooo goood. While it’s always hard to compete with the Speedvagen and Vanilla creations, this Bishop has stolen my heart. Fluted tubing, wishbone seatstay… I’m in love. Can’t wait to see what Erik from Peacock Groove hos going on.
Holy shit this is a good one.Thanks to On Your Left for putting this one up.
More good stuff going on this weekend is NAHBS over in Richmond. Due to some last minute financial bullshit I won’t be making the trip this year, so enjoy it if you do.
It’s that time of year again to go check out beautiful bicycles I have zero chance of affording. It’s a different world, the one of the handmade road and mountain bikes. Regardless, there is worksmanship to behold and bikes to oggle. This years North American Handmade Bicycle Show goes down in Richmond, VA. One huge thing that means for me is there will be food to eat! While I love Broad Ripple in Indy, there just didn’t seem to be a whole hell of a lot in line with the vegan eats up there. Maybe I’m wrong? Regardless, we’re heading to Virginia in a few weeks. Hope to see ya there.
Back home from NAHBS 2009. Met some great builders I’m a fan of and didn’t get a chance to talk to so many others as they were just swamped each time we stopped by. Overall impression from the show is a sort of disenchanted confusion to be brutally honest. This is in no way a reflection of the builders, their bikes on display or the show overall but more of the aristocracy that presents itself when $2000 frame sets are the norm. I’m just not sure what to think of it. When a guy is telling me that he feels his $1900 entry level frame and fork is accessible I feel a bit perplexed.
I am not attempting to downplay the time, effort and materials put into each and everyone of the bikes I admired or their builders. I was blown away with the artistry and craftsmanship presented and even more so with the friendliness and down to earth attitudes of a couple of the builders I talked to especially Erik Noren, the man behind Peacock Groove. I had really hoped to talk to the guys from Vanilla/Speedvagen but as I mentioned before, they seemed pretty involved in conversation every time we passed the booth.
Additionally it was great to finally meet Brad and Jeff from Urban Velo in person. Looking forward to their remaining coverage from the show. In the end, I am thrilled I went and I’m sure I’ll be back next year. While it may not be my style, these are seemingly the most amazing bicycles North America has to offer.
This was the scene yesterday as exhibitors got their displays ready for this weekends North American Handmade Bike Show up in Indianapolis. Unfortunately I won’t be at the show until Sunday as the lady and I aren’t heading up there until tomorrow evening. I will however be sure to get some photos up Sunday night of anything we may run into while out and about in the city as well as whatever strikes my fancy at the show.
With the NAHBS right around the corner, Peacock Groove is one of the builders I’m really looking forward to checking out. You can see the full list of exhibitors here.
According to the Thunderhead Alliance site, you can: Join your fellow bicycle and pedestrian advocacy leaders to learn from expert coaches and each other through the Alliance’s proven curriculum on choosing, directing, and winning campaigns to increase bicycling and walking. After three days of fun and inspiring work with the country’s leading experts in advocacy, you’ll come away with the tools and confidence to not only advocate for improvements, but win them!
Next years North American Handmade Bicycle Show is happening in Indianapolis. At only 2 hours away, Fuck gas will be making the trip for sure. Looking forward to this.
