San Luis Obispo-based Kish Fabrication came to last year’s NAHBS with a 24″-wheeled BMX-inspired showpiece. This year, it returned with an improved model that took the prize for top Titanium bike at the Austin show.
2011’s version, which is inspired by BMX and single-speed MTBs, yet is primarily designe dfor town cruising, weighs in at a scant 13lb (5.8kg), and has lovely, super-clean-and-tidy welds. The bike’s geometry is closer to its BMX heritage than its older brother – which drew a little more on the MTB in its mixed parentage – though much of the finishing kit is taken from single-speed mountain-bike product ranges, says Jim Kish, because of the variety of high-end accessories now available for SS MTBs.
Suiting its BMX DNA, the prize-winning bike has no front brake, a change from previous models, and an innovative back brake tucked under the chainstays – a little reminiscent of the Modolo brake callipers so beloved of time-trialists in the early ’80s.
The bike’s finished off with custom forks, that are cut a little higher than necessary; the front end is an inch taller than previous models, to make for a more comfortable town cruising position.
Click below for a couple of close-up pictures.
