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Bilenky Cycle Works builds a custom bike for British Prime Minister, gifted by President Biden

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As a small frame builder, if you got a request from the government out of the blue to build a special bike for an undisclosed client, would you believe it? That was the situation Stephen Bilenky of Bilenky Cycle Works found himself in, after being approached by the U.S. Department of State.

Boris Johnson signature

Joe Biden Signature
Joe Biden’s signature on one side, Boris Johnson’s on the other. All photos c. Painted Dog Media / Daniel Kilkelly

The ask? Build a bike for the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, using as many American-made parts as possible. Oh, and do it for only $1500 with an extremely short deadline. According to Bilenky, “[the Department of State] gave a good sales pitch on the zoom meeting. Later when I asked, she said they found us by doing an internet search of American-built bikes. I guess my name started with B, so I was ahead of Chapman and Weigle. Maybe I was the only one that would agree to a June 4th deadline. Or work for $1500….”

Bilenky Cycle Works custom bike for Boris Johnson as a gift from Joe Biden
Stephen Bilenky (center) and team figure out the finish.

When it came to the bike itself, Bilenky says that they requested an upright commuter design. “I based it off my classic, sport tour club bike from the 80’s, the “Bilenky Clubsman” (the name changed in the 2000’s to a gender neutral “Tourlite”, all my early names were British influenced).” According to the Philly Bike Expo’s facebook post, the ““Boris Bike” comes full circle back to its British roots as Stephen Bilenky started his frame building skills with an English builder from Birmingham – Jim Gittins.”

Mars Cycle help on the frame

Built with help from Casey Sussman of Mars Cycles, who cut and brazed the front triangle out of tubing that he had on hand to help meet the tight deadline, the custom wheels were built by Bryan VanArsdale of Bicycle Revolutions.

Junkyard Cats Tracklocross teaser

We’re told to expect an additional collaboration between Bilenky and Mars in the future that will be called Junkyard Cats with a production run of tracklocross framesets (including a very small size).

Thomson stem White Industries crankset and chainring Vans x ODI grips Spurcycle bell

With a goal of making it the most American bicycle possible (within the given time constraints), the spec list reads like a PBE highlight reel.

Specs:

  • Hubs: White Industries Mi5 QR
  • Spokes: Wheelsmith
  • Rims: Velocity Quill 36 h
  • Tires: Schwalbe Lugano 2 700 x 32
  • Brakes: Avid Shorty Ultimate cantis
  • Brake levers: Velo Orange
  • Handlebars: Ahearn MAP
  • Headset: White Industries
  • Seatpost/Stem: Thomson Elite seatpost and X4 stem
  • Saddle: Selle anatomical X1
  • Crank: White Industries with 1X ring
  • Cassette: SRAM NX
  • Derailleur/Shifter: SRAM GX AXS derailleur and thumb shifter
  • Chain: SRAM 12 speed
  • Pedals: Volume Demolition
  • Bell: Spurcycle
  • Grips: Vans x ODI
  • Headbadge: Friendship Flag – Jen Green Headbadges
  • Bern Helmet

custom headbadge by Jen Green

Surely, part of the motivation for the gift by President Biden to British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is to improve U.S. – British relations. Which makes the custom ‘Friendship Flag’ headbadge made by Jen Green, perfect for the occasion.

Custom Bern helmet for Boris Johnson Custom helmet for Boris Johnson

Along with the bike, there was also a Bern helmet custom painted to match.

Bilenky at work

Bilenky Cycle Works custom bike for Boris Johnson as a gift from Joe Biden

So far, we haven’t seen Boris Johnson actually riding the bike, or any photos of Biden delivering it. But as Bilenky told ABC News 4, “I hope the bike doesn’t just sit there. It is not a museum piece; it’s made to be ridden”

bilenky.com

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18 Comments
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luggednut
3 years ago

This is fantastic, Bilenky is a true O.G.

TomM
TomM
3 years ago

This is very cool.

Hurricane
3 years ago

This is awesome! not just the bike but the way that now we have a REAL president that is patching up relations to world leaders that were neglected over the past four years and using bicycles as the media to go about it.

ap
ap
3 years ago
Reply to  Hurricane

amen

Eric in the 505
Eric in the 505
3 years ago

@killerisation: It is mathematically impossible to upvote your comment enough…!
; )

Involuntary Soul
Involuntary Soul
3 years ago

how did they get the price down to $1500, those crankset along are $300, Thompson finish pieces are not cheap, and those $50 bell

Seraph
Seraph
3 years ago

$1500 for the frame I believe.

Linc
Linc
3 years ago

I wonder if the low price limit is to try to circumvent rules or regulations preventing “bribery.” I remember from reading Colin Powell’s autobiography that he had to purchase a bespoke shotgun he was gifted by a foreign government at market value to avoid it being seen as undue influence.

barael
barael
3 years ago

Not to mention the AXS shifter / derailleur…

mud+rock
mud+rock
3 years ago

Hear Hear! The guy could use the exercise.

Doug Bach
Doug Bach
3 years ago

Considering the British weather, some bamboo fenders may have been in order… (would have looked cooler, too)

Steve
Steve
3 years ago

It probably cost him to build it. I suspect Bilenky did it because it needed to be done. Some people still think this way

mike kone
mike kone
3 years ago

I hope Bilenky Cycle Works gets some great PR and business as a result. I’ve had dealings with Stephen Bilenky over the years and he is one of the most wonderful people I’ve met. He is good to the core. I’m so happy for him that he had the opportunity to make this high profile bicycle.

Alex I CARL
Alex I CARL
3 years ago

Come on, the whole budget 1500? The manufacturer must have added another 3000 USD for that built. I mean: GX ASK rear derailleur + shifter, Industry hubs…. hell no! Basically the manufacturer paid for advertising here…..

Marshall
Marshall
3 years ago

Perhaps they donated time and labor to keep the cost down. Might have even donated materials on hand or just plain decided they would take a financial loss for gain of satisfaction.

As a lover of bicycles and bicycling I can’t think of a better gift that represents the best in human beings.

AJ
AJ
3 years ago

British setup always and must rear brake with left hand lever. right?
but never mind.
as long as it have swept back handlebar, everything will be just fine.

PoorInRichfield
3 years ago

Prime Minister Johnson, “Rim brakes!?! Are you trying to kill me?!?!”

Collin S
3 years ago

@poorinRichfield, I was wondering the same thing when I saw canti’s. Figure some mechanical BB7 or similar would be a better match for the rainy English weather.

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