Renold Yip is always a crowd favorite. Whether it’s the showstopper Sunflower Mixte from Richmond’s show or the Cafe Racer from Austin, he’s always got something worth stopping and staring at. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Yipsan’s bikes generally skew towards commuter and touring, but let’s see what he’s up to for 2013:
Bikerumor: What materials do you build with? Which is your favorite and why?
YiPsan: Steel. It is flexible in its application with wide tubing choices.
Bikerumor: What have you been working in since NAHBS last year?
YiPsan: Mostly randonneur, adventure type bikes. This type of bike is generally equipped with integrated lighting, fender, rack and bag as a system. They use wider tires, 32 – 40mm are common, and can be ridden on most any terrain and allows the riders to venture away from paved only surfaces.
Bikerumor: Any killer custom bike builds?
YiPsan: This is a very involved build: S&S couplers, Rohloff, lighting, fenders, steering lock, racks and stem. I am happy how it all came together. (Editor’s note: While the wheels look small because of the tall headtube, they are indeed 700c)
Bikerumor: Did you see anything at NAHBS last year that’s inspired you?
YiPsan: The continual stunning quality of long time builders, plus the influx of new ideas from newer builders are both very inspiring. Because an idea has to have a high quality to sustain its impact.
Bikerumor: What are you bringing to the show this year that’ll have every other builder standing slack jawed in awe?
YiPsan: Nothing exceptional this year like the Cafe Racer I did last year. All bikes this year are customer bikes, which should have mileage on them and show signs of use – the reality of a bike.
Bikerumor: Scenario – A customer commissions you and one other builder to create the ultimate bicycle using the same parameters, same base material and same budget in an Iron Chef style competition. Who would you want to build against that would push you and elevate your game?
YiPsan: I am not a very competitive person and cannot imagine being pitched against one particular builder. But if I have to choose, I will choose the best, Dave Kirk. I am sure I would learn a lot from (building against him).
