We’ve been watching closely on social media as Jeff Frane’s bicycle passion project evolved into a full-fledged bike brand. And with the announcement of Wilde Bicycle Company, that day is finally here. For those that don’t know Jeff Frane, he’s been a fixture in the Minneapolis bicycle scene for decades, though most are probably familiar with his work as the founder and former leader of All-City Cycles during his time at Quality Bicycle Products.
Now, Jeff has partnered with the owner of Angry Catfish bike shop, Northern Coffee Works, and Northern Frameworks, Josh Klauck plus “vintage balloon tire bike aficionado, entrepreneur, and online marketing ace,” Andy Tesch to bring Wilde (pronounced like Oscar Wilde) to life. Their plan? To partner with U.S. frame builders and create both ready-made and custom frames that are an expression of their cycling dreams, their “Love Letter to Cycling.”
The long-term plan includes frames made from steel, titanium, and aluminum, but the first frames available (right now), are the steel Earth Ships. Named after the style of green architecture developed by Michael Reynolds, Jeff tells us the Earth Ship name is also a continuation on a theme from his time at All-City with the Space Horse and Cosmic Stallion. According to Jeff, “I just thought it was a killer name for a terrestrial roaming juggernaut.” Well said.
Steel Earth Ship
That’s pretty much exactly what you’ll get with a steel Earth Ship—a modern gravel race bike that can also pull bikepacking duties. The frame will fit properly large 700c x 50mm or 650b x 2.2″ tires and will be offered in four stock sizes. Made in the U.S. from a mix of Reynolds 853 and Columbus Life tubing for the top and downtube, the frames use custom tube designs for the rest of the parts which are supplied by Nova Cycles. Built around the ENVE Adventure fork, the frame features plenty of mounts including three bottle mounts, top tube mounts, and fender mounts.
FRAME SPEC
- Handbuilt in the USA
- Enve Adventure Fork
- Clearance for 700 x 50c or 650b x 2.2″
- Three bottle mounts
- Top tube feedbag mounts
- Fender mounts
- Tapered head tube with external cup: EC34/44
- 68mm bottom bracket shell
- Flat mount brake
- Rear Thru Axle M12 X 1.5
- Derailleur Hanger: Paragon B4085
- Seatpost: 27.2mm
- Seat Collar: 30.8
- Cable Guides: Paragon Modular guides under the downtube, and full loop braze-ons on the stays (No Zip Ties)
The ready-made steel Earth Ships are offered with your choice of headbadge made by none other than Jen Green. Copper, Gold Bronze, and White Bronze head badges are all included in the base $2,500 price tag for the frameset—but there’s also a Silver option for an additional $60. The first run of steel Earth Ships will all be finished in blue/dark pink, though custom finishes are available including Cerakote, powder coating, and wet paint to offer “any finish you desire.” That custom option also includes custom geometry and details, with pricing and lead time on a per-bike basis (custom bikes do require a $1,000 deposit).
Titanium Earth Ship
Take the Steel Earth Ship and make it Ti. Also made in the USA, currently, Ti Earth Ships are only available as a custom build with a 4-5 month lead time. If all goes well, Wilde will have ready-made Ti Earth Ships in stock around Springtime.
TUBING
Butted Titanium Main Triangle with custom S-bend seat and chainstays. Paragon Machine Works head tube, bottom bracket, and dropouts.
FRAME SPEC
- Stock finish is an anodized downtube logo – other options available at an additional charge
- Handbuilt in the USA
- Enve Adventure Fork
- Clearance for 700 x 50c or 650b x 2.2″
- Three bottle mounts
- Top tube feedbag mounts
- Fender mounts
- Tapered head tube with external cup: EC34/44
- 68mm bottom bracket shell
- Flat mount brake
- Rear Thru Axle M12 X 1.5
- Derailleur Hanger: Paragon B4080
- Cable Guides: Paragon Modular guides under the downtube, and full loop braze-ons on the stays (No Zip Ties)
Yo Jeffy! Hardtail MTB
With a playful nod to the legendary bikes of the past, the Yo Jeffy! is Wilde’s take on a hardtail mountain bike. Only it’s really your take since it is custom-built to your desired suspension travel, fit, and riding style. These will be offered in steel, titanium, or aluminum and with all kinds of options. Pricing starts at $3,500 for the titanium frameset.
Wilde X Cedaero Bags + Artwork by Nick Potts
