2007 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (Tons of sick pics!)

Mar 7, 2007

This past weekend was the third North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS). Last year I missed the show because I was down in Bootleg Canyon ripping some gnar, but this year I made sure my calendar was clear so I could attend this event. The show was held at the San Jose convention center, which is conveniently located within walking distance from my work.

It’s not often that you get to see so many unique one-of-kind bikes all under one single roof. Many of which were the builder’s personal bike(s). All you need to do is start a conversation with any of these frame builders to immediately sense the passion in their voice! Every time the word “bicycle” comes out of their mouth, their eyes get bigger!

I couldn’t believe how many exhibitors were present – it felt like a mini Interbike. The only difference is that all these small builders are purists! Their creations are works of art – "the ultimate assemblage of artistry and utility" like Don Walker would say. Some bikes showcased were so damn nice that I would be scared or pedaling them around!

Like expensive Scotch or fine caviar – bikes like these are an acquired taste. They are not for everyone, so for some of you this might be boring, but I'm sure some of you are totally fascinated by these hand crafted steeds. Well for those of you who are into custom hand made bikes, I snapped a plethora of pictures that you can view HERE. It was hard to take good pictures since the lighting in the convention center was pretty bad. But hey – even bad pictures are better than no pictures at all! ;o)

Frame builder of the year: Steve Garro (Coconino Cycles)
Best lugged frame: Brian Baylis
Best fillet brazed frame: Tony Pereira (Pereira Cycles)
Best TIG welded frame: Shawn Wallings (Soulcraft)
Best paint job: Brian Baylis
Best carbon bike: Craig Calfee (Calfee Designs)
Best titanium bike: Roark custom Titanium
Best track bike: Independent Fabrications
Best road bike: Tony Pereira (Pereira Cycles)
Best mountain bike: Tony Pereira (Pereira Cycles)
Best tandem: David Bohm (Bohemian Cycles)
Best New builder: Carlos Martell/Maldoror
Best city bike: Joseph Ahearne (Ahearne Cycles)
President Walker’s Choice: Dario Pegoretti (Pegoretti Cycles)
People's Choice: David Bohm (Bohemian Cycles tandem)
Best in show: Bruce Gordon

Pereira: Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
Crumpton: This bike was retarded light - sub 7 lbs
Castellano Zorro: 29er, 26er, SS, geared...this bike can do it all
Coconino: Frame builder of the year and you can see why
Calfee: A handmade bike show wouldn't be the same without Calfee's Bamboo bike.
Independent Fabrication's track bike - how would that look hanging my fireplace?
Handy work courtesy of Jason at El Camino
There was some amazing paint jobs - here one of Keith Anderson's masterpiece
Anyone up for some hunting?
Sweet internal hydraulic line routing - bike that Soulcraft built for Formula brakes
Pretty nice cruiser on display at the Spectrum booth - I need one of these for beer runs
That's a wrap - Sam Burkhardt from FSA gave the show two thumbs up!