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FEATURES: INSIDE THE HANDMADE BIKE SHOW, PART TWO
Zap
March 2, 2011
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Konno Cycleworks was originated by three brothers in Japan back in 1965.
From that triad came three distinct frame brands: Cherubim, San Rensho
and Miyuki. Cherubim is the sole surviving brand and the two-time NAHBS
medal winner had the most radical bike at the show on display.
THREE VIEWS OF HERBIE'S TALENT
His name is Herbert Helm III. Sounds funny doesn't it? Sounds like the name of some hi-falootin' Wall Street banker eh? Herbie is in fact a humble and friendly guy (an accurate stereotype of most custom builders at the show) who has been in business for just a year and is dedicated to the "English school" of frame building. As in, one at a time, each frame a true work of art. I mean really, just look at this handmade lug of his!
Here's the finished product which in no way does any justice to the level of detail work required.
Here's another example of Herbie's excruciatingly beautiful handiwork. One word - amazing.
The Six-Eleven Bicycle Company comes to us from Roanoke, VA with a specialty craft of making one-off steel bikes. You'll find a full flavor of bike types ('cross, road, 29'er, track) under builder Aaron Dykstra's roof.
How this for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail?
This interesting one-piece stem/handlebar combo is yet another example of Aaron's design and build talents.
Sacha White is the man behind the Vanilla brand and even at the young age of 31 he has already claimed worldwide renown for his beautifully crafted steel bikes. Among a wide variety of bikes on display, this pink was a definite eye-catcher. was in over at the Vanilla Cycles booth.
The internally routed Shimano Di2 derailleur cable crawls passed a sweetly reinforced dropout which typifies Vanilla's attention to details.
If there is a saddle of choice among the handmade bike builders it would be the venerable Brooks brand. Still handmade as they've been for the past 100-plus years in the factory north of London, only now in a selection of designer colors with matching bar tape. Although the frame makers grabbed all the spotlight, it was cool to meet Steve Green who has been making saddles for Brooks for over 30 years. I say next year how about highlighting the people who hand make not only the frames, but the products as well?
The "Select" line of Brooks saddles are based on special cows. Well, who is to say what makes any particular cow special, but the leather for the line of Select saddles are sourced from cows who are kept to a special organic diet and a "natural pace". And yes, just as they've been since the original back in 1866, the Brooks saddles still use the hand-hammered copper rivets that have given them their signature look.
Contrary to rumors sweeping the show, Mark Dinucci does not
come from any long history of Italian cycling greats that regularly put
it to the French riders back in the day. In truth, Mark started the
rumor. Regardless, Mark started out as a frame builder back in the
mid-‘70’s before he was lulled away by the very bike brands who aren’t
allowed to display at the show. Eventually, Mark saw the error of his
ways and returned to the fold as a one-off frame builder. This is the bike that was voted Best of Show. Fanciful
without being fancy, the DiNucci bikes are subtle and meticulous…not at
all like the guy who builds them.
Paragon Machine Works has been providing frame builders with a selection of precision machined parts that are necessary for any frame to be completed - like these magnificent singlespeed dropouts. Paragon specializes in titanium and probably has the widest selection of bike part bottle openers in the industry.
Tommasini was another of the handful of foreign brands in attendance. Founded by Irio Tommasini back in 1957, the company is still held in the family and based in Grosetto, Italy. Besides the beautifully built lugged steel frames,Tommasini also makes frames in aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, and now, stainless steel. Best of all, Tommasini still knows the meaning of chrome. Great bikes.
Look for the final chapter of my show coverage soon, but catch all the action at North American Handmade Bike Show. |
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