Saturday, 28 February 2009

A crowd just over 3,000 filled the show halls on day two, as cyclists from all over the USA turned out in droves to the world's finest exhibition of handmade bicycles.

Tubemakers’ View

Customers of the framebuilders at this year’s NAHBS will be interested to know that these artisans are customers, too. Just as builders work one on one with individuals to create made to measure bicycles, the companies who supply them with their most basic raw material, the tubes, work closely with individual framebuilders to meet the precise demands of the craft.

Fabrizio Aghito, VP of Gruppo, the parent company of Columbus is at his 5th NAHBS. Makers of Spirit, Life, Zona and XCR, the first seemless stainless tubeset, he emphasized Columbus’ ongoing research in materials and tooling as being vital to their flexibility in customer relations. Distributed in the US by Nova Cycle Supply, they also sell direct.

Among Columbus’ most satisfied customers is Richard Sachs, who along with Dario Pegoretti, commissioned a tubeset they call PegoRichie. Made to meet the high standards of these two master craftsmen, Sachs said he and Dario worked for 16 months with Columbus to bring the tubeset to production. Available in three different versions, Sachs uses PegoRichie exclusively.

Another builder with a close relationship with a tube maker is David Kirk of Kirk Frameworks.

He works with Reynolds on custom alloys and tube shapes. His JK Special models use a different Reynolds or True Temper product for each tube area, matching the properties of the tube to the function and effect he wants to achieve for a particular customer. Kirk appreciates these supplier’s responsiveness to his (and therefore, his customer’s) needs, as well as his ability to order in smaller quantities, such as the fifty pairs of chainstays he orders from Reynolds each year.

Just as the customer of an NAHBS framebuilder demands the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, along with individual attention, so these builders demand the same from their tube suppliers.

Bike Art by KirkLee

Most of the bikes at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show are works of art, but KirkLee Bicycles’ latest creation was inspired by artwork.

When Florida veterinarian and triathlete Rachel Gross contacted the custom bike builder to create for her a new road bike, she decided to take the opportunity to pay tribute to her mother, an artist suffering from Alzheimer’s. When it came time to paint the bike, Gross asked the company to recreate one of her mother’s abstract paintings.

Building the custom carbon-fiber frame took KirkLee co-owner Brad Cason about 60 hours, but painting it was an even more time consuming. To mimic the look of the inspiration artwork, a canvas texture was painted onto the joints, followed by several layers inspired by the original art. All of the paint was applied by hand with a brush.

“When you spray paint on, you can’t get the same texture as you would a painting,” Cason said. “We wanted the texture, chunkiness of the painting to translate to the bike. We used a softer brush to create the brushstrokes, then knocked the top edges off and finished it off with a clear coat.”

In all, it took 200 hours to recreate the inspirational artwork, compared to the typical 8-10 hours.

Cason admitted he was a bit jealous when the paint job began stealing some of the thunder from the bike, but said both he and his client are thrilled with the way the bike turned out.

When it was time to deliver the bike, I told her, "The good news is your bike came out beautiful. The bad news is you’re going to want to keep your old bike," Cason said.

Cason was reluctant to say how much Gross paid for the bike, but estimated a similar bike would cost a new client in excess of $10,000.

Robert Annis

Anderson’s Kool Kid’s Cruiser

Many here at NAHBS fondly remember their first bicycle. Imagine those memories if your first bike was the child-size cruiser displayed in Keith Anderson’s booth. A Lafayette, IN native now in Grant’s Pass, OR, Anderson describes himself as primarily a painter these days. He has painted at least eight bikes at the show, including the remarkable Candy Stripe bike for Peacock Groove, and is presenting a seminar on The Wonderful World of Color Graphics. Once it had come to him, the cruiser idea and grew to be nearly an obsession, something he said he just had to do.

The father of three young sons, Anderson said the bike contains elements inspired by each of his boys. The seat tube is a piece of steel aircraft foil, cut out to accommodate a rear wheel tucked in “aero” style. The bike sports disc brakes and painted-to-match rims laced to Phil Woods hubs. The metallic red spoke nipples match the disc brake mechanism, brake lever brackets and headset.

The bike’s most distinctive element is the fantastic pair of wooden fenders Anderson created. Made of padouk and wenge wood and inlayed with paua shell abalone, the curved fenders are fully functional, says Anderson ... “I hate flat wooden fenders, they just don’t work.”

No kid’s cruiser is complete without a spoke card to make a little noise, and Anderson’s is one of a kind. Actually it’s three of a kind; three playing card sized sheets of carbon fiber are permanently mounted under the left chainstay. “They’re tuned for sound,” Anderson said.

In order to keep the peace at home, Anderson hopes to sell the bicycle at the show so the boys won’t have a chance to fight over it. Some lucky kid is going to have fond memories of this bike for many years after he outgrows it.

Mike Marley

A Healthy Mix

To anyone who has ridden in Indianapolis before NAHBS rolled into town, it’s obvious that thousands of people who love bikes have converged on the city. They are everywhere, small packs of cyclists passing through the Indy traffic. And, they are from everywhere.

Indianapolis has long been known as the crossroads of the United States, and if evidence is needed, a cross-section of this year’s NAHBS attendees should do the trick. Cyclists have come in from cities all across the United States, even all across the globe. There are people in town from Lansing, Nashville, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, San Francisco, and the list stretches beyond to Toronto, Vancouver, and even Tokyo.

“It was a simple drive,” says one show-goer. “Indy is simple to access by car, and those who would have flown to Portland have still flown to Indy.”

With two-thirds of the United States within one day’s drive, attendance has been record-setting, and positively eclectic. There are cyclists from across the spectrums, from urban single-speeders to pannier-laden commuters to carbon-gazing roadies. And Indy has presented something for all of them, whether the shenanigans of the ArtBike! party, or the simple nightlife and restaurants of downtown. NAHBS this year has truly been all things to all people, and Indy hasn’t just simply welcomed NAHBS, but facilitated it to the point of embracing it.

Christopher Newgent

Picture This ...

The Show image library is ever expanding, and as well as new albums of components, apparel and ... bikes, there is much more added by our show bloggers and photographers here.

Speeds Leads to Organic Design

What do Naked Bikes and RR Cycles have in common?

They’re run by three world record cyclists for human powered speed.

Sam Whittingham of Naked Bikes holds the current overall HPV speed record of 82 mph. And he’s this month’s cover-person of “Reader’s Digest,” Canada.

“Fast” Freddy Markham of RR Cycles has held many world speed records—recently, the Hour at 54 miles—and now owns the Masters record of 77 mph.

Andrea Blasekie, Whittingham’s partner at Naked Bikes, held the women’s overall world speed record of 65 mph until this autumn.

Their streamlined record HPV bikes were designed by Georgi Georgiev, who forewent computers in favor of shapes from nature, such as fish.

Whittingham’s handbuilt bikes on display at NAHBS extend this metaphor further, with the bends, curves, branches and leaves of trees—including extensive use of wood.

Markham’s “out of the box” take on road bike design results in “un-lugs” for his carbon frames. He carves lug shapes out of the thick tube wrappings, to create what he says are frames that can take far more abuse than typical carbon frames (and he’s crashed a lot of carbon at extra high speeds).

Jeff Potter

Carl Strong

How many people does it take to build 100 custom bicycles in a year? Well, apparently, just two. With the help of just his wife and the occasional apprentice, Carl Strong annually builds about 100 bikes in his Bozeman, Montana shop. Minus a slight dip in sales around the holiday, Strong is happy to report that the troubled economy has not affected his business.

As he explains, if cycling is your sport, then it takes on added importance in times of stress. He’s also happy to report that there seems to be both new and renewed interest in custom bikes, evidenced in part by an influx of new builders.

While that may mean extra competition in what is already a niche market, he feels that it is ultimately great for the industry and his own business. In many way though, he feels that the industry hasn’t changed much over in the 16 years he’s been in business.

In his words, “Bikes are still built to be ridden and enjoyed.”

When asked how he guides his customers through what may seem like intimidating process, Strong explained that over a series of phone calls, be breaks the process down into “manageable” bits.

By the time the bike is complete, the customer feels completely comfortable with the decisions Strong has made. No matter the rider’s experience or technical knowledge, Strong stated that he’s able to help the customer understand, find and prioritize their needs and then translate those needs into the bike’s design.

Strong’s work is divided evenly between titanium and steel - including the relatively new Reynolds 953 stainless steel - and between road and mountain.

Strong also has something new up his sleeve, but he’s unfortunately keeping it a secret for the time being. We’ll all just have to stay tuned.

Kate Wicker

Ergon Grips

Endurance mountain bikers were the first to realize the benefits of riding with ergonomically profiled handgrips. The wing extension on the Ergon grips provides additional support for the carpal tunnel area of the wrist, and it doesn’t take long for this to start feeling a lot more comfortable.

Weekend recreational mountain bikers and now road riders with flat handlebars are discovering the benefits of these elegant shaped handgrips. Not only are they a lot more comfortable, but they also offer additional control for the exacting demands of the strenuous city rider, for example.

NAHBS Award winner, Drew Guldanian of Engin Cycles, ran Ergon grips on the award-winning bike in 2008. He says, “I am a huge supporter of the product and feel it is a true product and is not a gimmick. Most everyone who gets them loves them, myself included.”

Paul Skilbeck

Bright Friday

Attendance at the show on Friday touched 1,700, well up on last year’s figure at Portland, which had 1,254 attendees.

Vicious Homes in on 650B

Although their top seller is a 29” wheel single speed mountain bike, Vicious is investing in the resurgent 650B wheel standard, made popular by the retrodriven interest in old-style city bikes.

“We’re hearing about a lot of interest in this wheel size, and for us it’s exciting to have something in between a 26” and a 29” wheel. It has the acceleration of a smaller wheel, and the smooth rolling of a larger wheel. Also, it gives us a lot more versatility in getting the fit just right,” explained Patrick Giltiam, a machinist for Vicious Cycles.

The 650B standard is popular as well with randonneuring riders and touring cyclists, said Giltiam.

Paul Skilbeck

Wings of Desire

I guess most of these could be designated road bikes crafted from steel, titanium and carbon, and maybe one or two other exotic materials. Most are geared. All are finished, painted and buffed to perfection, exemplars of the bicycle builders art with more than a hint of science and engineering and commitment.

Lots of images here.

Bikes of Burden

Whether you're carrying home the six-pack or setting out on a round the world expedition, there is a bike for you at this year's NAHBShow. See images from the show here.

Of Bikes 'n Beer

While wandering through the booths at this year’s NAHBS, you might notice a matching bicycle and six-pack of Small Batch 417 Indiana Pale Ale at Shamrock Cycles. Tim O’Donnell explains, “It happened over beers . . . like most good ideas.”

He and a customer were discussing the paint scheme of the Galway 650B Mountain Bike. O’Donnell suggested that the colors of the Irish flag, but, “(The customer) was telling me he wanted more earthy colors,” considering that it is a mountain bike and riding out on trails. He glanced over at the case of Breckenridge Brewery beer and said that the colors of the packaging were what he was thinking.

O’Donnell packed the six-pack in the box with the frame when he shipped it to the painters and had it matched.

O’Donnell is fond of the Galway, a fillet brazed frame. He says, “It’s a fun bike,” and likes the idea of a 650B wheel because “it’s not too big, it’s not too small . . . it’s the Goldilocks of wheels.” O’Donnell builds the bikes that he likes, ones that are meant for everyday use and is “not interested in making big or sexy bikes.”

“Every frame builder I respect is here . . . it’s overwhelming,” he said.

This is O’Donnell’s first year at NAHBS and he’s excited about the show, even more so because “it’s in my own backyard.” Shamrock Cycles is a local builder and can be found in Broad Ripple, one of the cultural districts here in Indianapolis. He has been building bicycles for five years, with Shamrock Cycles producing between 15 to 25 bikes a year.

When asked about trends in handmade bicycles, he replied, “Handmade bicycles are the trend.” He went on to explain that not that many people cared for handmade frames twenty years ago, but now builders are popping up everywhere and doesn’t see this trend ending soon.

The only thing that could possibly affect this would be the current economic situation, but O’Donnell isn’t overly concerned. He explained that slowing sales are to be expected, and he himself has been affected. One of his customers has recently postponed having a frame built for his wife. However, he’s not worried about how this will affect the industry as a whole, “(Builders) probably won’t be able to do this full-time anymore, but that won’t stop them from building altogether.”

words and image : Naomi Szczesiul

Fixies, Single-Speeds ...

... and the occasional hub-gear.

Dozens of fixy and single-speed bikes are on show. I don't know if it's consumers harking back to simpler times or just the aesthetic presence and mechanical simplicity of a bike with only one gear. Anyway, here they are.

NAHBShow Live!!!

The NAHBShow got off to a flying start this morning with a record 2400 visitors having pre-booked online.

I spent the first hour or so mingling with the crowds. I took a picture of every exhibitor's display. You can see them all here.

Latest information from the show here.

More images soon ...

New Framebuilders’ Collective

An influential new organization has emerged from the ranks of handmade frame builders.

According to a press release issued 26 February, eight frame builders from three countries have spent the last 24 months working together to create an international organization which they hope can strengthen the trade, pay homage to its past, and work towards ensuring that its future is bright and profitable.

The Framebuilders’ Collective includes Curt Goodrich, Sacha White, Nick Crumpton, Dave Kirk, Carl Strong, Dario Pegoretti, Darrell McCulloch and Richard Sachs.

A website www.framebuilders.org provides information about the group’s mission statement and an FAQ list.

The press release adds: “All founding members are enthusiastic about the Collective’s potential and are now looking forward to finally being a public entity after two years of planning. Efforts are underway to expand the names involved so that the Framebuilders’ Collective will be a true representation of the talent and the commitment that is part and parcel of the professional frame-building trade.”

The new collective will build on work started by NAHBS to raise standards in the industry.

Paul Skilbeck and Naomi Szczesiul

Why Indie?

Logistics, cost and convenience added to a region full of cyclists hungry for a good show in determining how NAHBS chose Indianapolis for its 2009 convention. Don Walker, promoting the show for the 5th year, pointed out that Indy convention executives made the city a reasonable choice.

It was Indianapolis’ cycling notable Jeff Gold, now of De Rosa cycles, who said it best. Gold pointed out that, while Portland, Oregon, and many other cities are wonderful places and known as cycling hot spots, Indianapolis is within comfortable driving distance from Chicago, and Detroit . . . Cincinnati and Louisville.

It’s a very accessible town. As well, Gold observed, more and more cycling companies are choosing the Midwestern city because of its central location. Endura, a clothing manufacturer, recently chose Plainfield as its home base — possibly because of its accessibility to Fed Ex and DHS shipping facilities. Endura joins Zipp Speed Weaponry and Speedway Handmade Bicycle Works as cycling suppliers local to the area.

Additionally, it’s entirely appropriate for NAHBS to visit Indianapolis — the city, the home of what Major Taylor Velodrome manager Linda Fink says is one of the nation’s top five velodromes. The velodrome, approximately 5 miles northwest of the convention center at 3800 North Cold Spring Road, has hosted both the USCF Masters and USCF Collegiate Cycling Track Nationals. Once home to the 1987 Pan Am Games, the facility is now home to cycling teams from Indiana University, DePauw University and the national champion Marian College cycling team, among others.

The show fills a gap in a comparatively underserved area. Indiana has long been host to competition, first on the wooden velodromes of Major Taylor’s era, then on the cinder tracks of DePauw and Indiana, and on mountain bike trails throughout the state. As well, enthusiasts who participate in regional events like CIBA’s Hilly Hundred and the NITE Ride and who commute on the area’s Monon Trail certainly merit an event of this magnitude this close to home.

Kim Hunt

NAHBShow 2009 Eve ...

This is Exhibition Hall D, The Indianapolis Convention Center, IN, this morning, just before the first exhibitors started setting up their displays.

I took a walk around trying not to get in the way and took these images ... just to give you a taster.

Vicious Cycles' incredible Thunderwing.










Alternative Needs Transport's Boston Roadster.










It's not all about the bike. Shiela Moon Athletic Apparel.




But lots of it is about the bike. Richard Sachs' cyclo-cross bike.










Retrotec | Inglis Cycles making final adjustments.





Serotta and intriguing brake ...











Thanks to all exhibitors for allowing pictures during set up.

The NAHBShow blog will be posting regularly from now on and include links to images direct from the show.

Find out more ... here.

Online Ticket Sales Deadline

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Online ticket sales for the NAHBShow end at 12.01AM EST, Thursday 26th February.

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Tickets will only then be available at the door at $20.00/day, so there are just a few days left to get the online deal; $15.00/1 day; $25.00/2 day and $35.00/3 day.

On the door:

• adults $20.00/day
• children under 5 $free
• children 6-14 $8.00/day

You can still register for the online deal here.

Essentially, you need to do this by the end of Wednesday to make savings ...

Westward Ho!!!

The next couple of days will see me traveling from the East into deepest Indiana to run the web presence of the North American Handbuilt Bicycle Show from Indianapolis - splash page here and information hub here.

I will be compiling a daily, if not hourly, blog right here to keep those who can't attend informed and at least give some ideas of the latest trends and superb craftsmanship on show, as well as chat from personalities and just a feeling for the whole expo. We will also be uploading as many images as we can get here.

It will be busy for sure.

Sign on for RSS updates at the bottom right-hand side of the page.

Be seeing you ...

NAHBShow 2009 moves into top gear

With the opening of North America's most prestigious hand built bicycle show just a few days away, the website is starting to move into live mode.

• Catch up with the latest show information from the website's information hub ... here.
• The latest images from the show will be available here as the show begins.

And, of course, daily reports will be available here, on the show blog.

Bookmark this page now or sign up for RSS feeds on the bottom right hand side of this page.

Blog Update ...

We've taken a moment to harmonize with the NAHBShow website.

Continue to look in to keep up with the latest developments or subscribe to the blog using the RSS feed on the side of the page.