Naked bicycles took a unique approach to how they were going to get their display bikes to Sacramento this year. Builder Sam Whittingham and his assistant Lolo rode road over 375 miles to get to the show. The trip was documented here, and makes for an interesting read. It shows both the design and build of the bikes, as well as chronicles the trip they took to get to the 2012 NAHBS show.
Naked bicycles is no stranger to winning at NAHBS, and this year is no different. This lovely, and unique, cargo bike was the winner of the Gates Carbon Belt Drive design contest.
Head to the otherside for more Naked bikes, plus a 26″ touring bike from Ahearne and a custom carbon disc brake cross bike from Appleman.
The cargo bike was designed around the Gates Carbon Belt drive, and thus has a very long integrated rear rack that can accomodate two panniers per side.
The integrated front and rear lights are a nice touch.
Along with the cargo bike, this stainless steel road bike was also ridden to the show.
The frame was polished, masked, and then bead blasted to get the desired finish.
Trick rear cable routing keeps things nice and clean around back.
Naked was greedy this year. They didn’t just take home the Gates Carbon Belt Drive design award, they also took home best mountain bike as well.
Ahearne
Frame builder Joseph Ahearne has a passion for utilitarian bicycles. Something I greatly appreciate. This 26″ randoneer rig shows that he cares about beauty as well.
This bike is internally wired up for lighting. The wiring for the front light is hidden inside the rack.
I usually prefer bar end shifters or Paul Thumbies on a bike like this. The set up here though is superb.
Want the story behind that gorgeous headtube badge? Excellent, because it’s a good one. Find it here.
Appleman
Frame builder Matt Appleman takes us on a departure from metal and dives right into the world of composites. Pictured here is a 17 lbs cyclrocross bike with disc brakes and clinchers.
I have seen Appleman use carbon fiber logos in the past, but now he is venturing out into colored fiberglass as well. It adds a nice, and unique touch to the bike.
Evne Composites tubes are used in the construction of his custom carbon bicycles.
Barstem!