Every year, Tim O’Donnell’s Shamrock Cycles collection spans the gamut of bicycle types, from road to ‘cross to touring to mountain. And every year, he’s got a plethora of fanciful features adorning each one. This year looks to be no different, and apparently his show bikes are no different than the everyday builds he’s been doing for customers between shows…
BIKERUMOR: What have you been working in since NAHBS last year?
TIM: I have been concentrating pretty heavily in supporting a cross team for the past two seasons and that has really paid dividends. It is way more work than I initially planned but is worth it. I also support a smaller mtb team but that is largely for my own fun reasons.
BIKERUMOR: Any killer custom bike builds?
TIM: For the past three NAHBS I’ve brought five bikes. This year only three. The one that I think it the coolest is a city bike. Internal gear, dynamo hub, internal wiring, disc brake, quick release rack/fender combo, etc. It took a lot of planning to make it all work but it came together great.
BIKERUMOR: Did you see anything last year that’s inspired you?
TIM: Every year I leave NAHBS I think, “Man, I’ve got to step up my game.” The ingenuity and attention to detail is humbling. Signal Cycles have always struck me in their elegance. I always head straight to their booth to take a peek. Eriksen, Strong, Engin, and Groovy are always DO NOT MISS events.
BIKERUMOR: Can you give us a teaser of what you’re bringing to NAHBS 2012?
TIM: The city bike mentioned before is one. I am also bringing a top shelf cyclocross race bike and an understated road bike. All of which I am supremely proud.
BIKERUMOR: If you had to race all the other builders, who would you want to inch out for the win right at the line?
TIM: Technically, I would want to beat all of them but I would likely stop for a beer hand-up. I would likely lose to Richard Sachs (that old man is fast) but could probably outkick Eric Noren (Peacock Groove) for second place.
