Savvy Cycles is the brainchild of Mike Mahoney, who brings his diverse background of woodworking skills to frame building. From longboard skateboard manufacturing to teaching woodworking, Mike has spent the last two years perfecting the process of making the wooden bicycle frame. Mike’s primary woods of choice for frame construction are hickory and ash, known for their strength, durability and ability to be steam bent. Woods such as sepele and dyed hard maple are used for frame accents.
Construction of every Savvy Cycles frameset begins with four CNC milled frame sections, which form the front and rear frame triangles respectively. Each frame piece is milled out internally, with aluminum inserts set in place for the headtube, seat tube and bottom bracket. Internal cable guides are installed following the milling process.
The frame sections are further milled externally, before the half of the front and rear triangle are bonded together. Two days of handwork follow the bonding process, to finish and smooth the frame. Lamination follows, protecting the frame from the elements.
Chainstays are cut from a single piece of steam bent, nine ply wood, which ensures consistency in finish. Come lamination time, the wood grains are alternated to maximize strength.
Savvy Cycles are offered as framesets or complete bicycles in three sizes, with three models to choose from – Mountain Bike 1x Drivetrain, Mountain Bike Single Speed, and Fat Bike. Savvy is based in Grand Junction, Colorado, conveniently close to component manufacturers such as MRP forks and DT Swiss wheels, which feature on many of their complete bicycle builds.
Frame prices start at $1,850 US for Mountain Bike 1 x Drivetrain and Fat Bike, and $1,800 for Mountain Bike Single Speed. Complete bike prices range from $4,625 to $5,399, dependent on component specifications.
Photos and article by Gravel Cyclist.
Jayson O’Mahoney is the Gravel Cyclist: A website about the Gravel Cycling Experience.
