For all those who thought that owning a bike shop is the coolest thing you could possibly do, just wait until you hear what the folks at Velo Cult have done. From the epicenter of weirdness Portland, Oregon, Velo Cult operates a bike shop that also functions as a coffee shop, bar, and event space too. Now you’re thinking bigger, right?
Well Velo Cult is still dreaming up new ideas too, and they’ve just announced a new custom program that will feature road, rando, cyclocross, gravel and mountain bike frames adorned with Velo Cult styling cues. The first two custom collaborations, a randonneur bike built by Mark Nobilette and a full line of frames by Mosaic Cycles, have just been announced.
As is typical with custom built bikes, specifications are scarce compared to the big brands’ catalogue models. If you’re drooling over these frames you’ll have to contact Velo Cult to sort out all the options and costs. Check out more photos and the basics on Nobilette and Mosaic’s creations after the break…
The Velo Cult Rando is a traditional randonneur bike designed by Velo Cult and hand fabricated by Colorado-based frame builder Mark Nobilette. The frame is a lightweight, modern design that’s made from good old fashioned steel with classic styling. It is designed to fit 650B wheels and accommodate tires up to 42mm wide.
The base Rando model has some special features including integrated fender mounts, but don’t forget this is a fully customizable machine. In addition to selecting your angles, measurements and fittings, you could also request options like a demountable frame or internally integrated lighting system, or very likely whatever else you can conceive.
As shown in the photos the Rando features old-school touches like a threaded headset, cantilever brake mounts, down tube shifters, a frame-mounted pump, mounts for three bottle cages, a front carrier rack, plus a two-tone paint job and some very cool looking fenders. The rear brake cable is also routed internally through the top tube on this masterfully lugged and fillet brazed frame.
Turnaround time for a custom Rando is approximately four months, but the exact timeline will ultimately depend on Nobilette’s schedule.
Velo Cult’s collaboration with Mosaic Cycles allows discerning riders to obtain a customized frame from Mosaic’s full line of steel or titanium frames. Operating out of Boulder, Colorado, Mosaic builds frames for road, gravel, cyclocross, touring and MTB. The frames will feature a touch of style from Velo Cult, but are built to your exacting specifications.
In addition to custom geometry Mosaic offers a variety of options like your choice of BB shell type and head tube diameter, disc brake mounts, internal cable routing, Di2 or EPS compatibility, plus frame finish or custom paint work. Some models can also accommodate belt drive systems, or be simplified with single speed dropouts.
Since these unique collaborative frames will become your bike and your bike only, Velo Cult will take body measurements to ensure a perfect fitting custom frame for each buyer. If you’re thinking it’s time to treat yourself to a custom frame, email Velo Cult for more info or to put down a deposit on your future dream machine.
