SALT LAKE CITY, Utah—The 2017 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) is underway in Utah, and Cyclocross Magazine's contributing photographer and Utah local Cathy Fegan-Kim was at the show, trying to hold in her drool as she ogled and photographed the handmade eye candy.
Rather than showcase most of the two-wheeled art in a massive slideshow, we're taking a more in-depth look at what we've seen in attempt to give each builder and creation its own bit of time in the sun.
In a show filled with shiny metal and matte carbon, it's only appropriate that a couple frames dressed pretty in pink caught our eye. First up is Dean Bikes' hot pink singlespeed cyclocross bike.
Dean Bikes' eye-catching titanium singlespeed cyclocross bike was built for the show, but is ready for a home. NAHBS 2017. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
Dean Bikes has been building bikes for twenty five years and is no stranger to bike shows. We've seen its full-custom belt-drive Torreys titanium gravel bike at the 2016 NAHBS event, and its affordable, Asian-made Antero Cross titanium frames at Interbike (stay tuned for our review).
Owner/Builder Ari Leon has seized the reigns of Dean Bikes from founder John Siegrist, who has been consulting with the company during the transition.
Leon built this eye-catching frame a year ago for the show, TIG welding titanium and coating it with a fresh coat of pink paint. Old timers might be reminded of the classic Stumpjumper Team from decades ago:
Similar to that bike, the Dean singlespeed cyclocross bike prioritizes simplicity and weight savings in the name of racing.
One gear too simple for you? Thanks to the Paragon Machine Works rear dropouts, you can add a rear derailleur hanger and perhaps, if you can find one, a Shimano Deore XT "Deerhead" rear derailleur to recreate your cyclocross version of the coveted Stumpy.
Dean Bikes' hot pink singlespeed features Paragon Machine Works sliding dropouts, and a rear derailleur hanger can be added. NAHBS 2017. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
Rim brakes keeps the build simple and light, with rear spacing set to the road standard of 130mm (feels a bit odd to be writing that in a day of 142mm thru axles).
Dean Bikes titanium singlespeed cyclocross bike features Industry Nine wheels slowed by Paul Neo Retro cantilever brakes. NAHBS 2017. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
Leon put quite a bit of attention into this build, hand-picking each component to have an all-American build as much as possible. Paul Components provided the cantilever brakes, crankset, stem and seat post, while Industry Nine supplied wheels with Torch hubs. ENVE's cyclocross fork steered this bike into our spotlight.
Leon said the Paul Component Engineering Road Single Speed Crankset took three months to arrive, but it sure looks like it was worth the wait. The semi-retro build wouldn't be complete without a square taper crankset, and on such a retro-styled crank, don't expect a narrow-wide chainring. This one is a shiny 39-tooth ring, but not the baller Royal Flush option Paul Component offers on larger chainring sizes.
Dean Bikes' pink cyclocross bike featured a Paul Road Single Speed crankset with a 39t chainring. No wide/narrow on this square taper crankset. NAHBS 2017. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
Got an urge for gravel? The pink Dean has a relaxed upright fit for longer rides, and clearance for 40c knobbies.
Reaching for your wallet? The frame will run you around $2500, with a modest four to eight week wait time.
The pictured bike was built just for the show, but Leon said it's certainly available to be owned and ridden, assuming a show attendee doesn't help make the builder's post-show packing job easier.
Dean Bikes Titanium Singlespeed Cyclocross Bike Spec Highlights:
Frame: Dean Ti with sliding Paragon Machine Works dropouts
Fork: Enve fork for cantilever brakes
Crankset: Paul Component Engineering Road Single Speed
RD:n/a
FD: n/a
Brake calipers: Paul Component Engineering Neo Retro
Stem: Paul Component Engineering Boxcar machined
Seatpost: Paul Component Engineering Tall and Handsome
Saddle: Tioga Spider Stratum
Wheels: Industry Nine with Torch hubs
Tires: Clement 700x33 Crusade PDX
More info: deanbikes.com
Dean Bikes Titanium Singlespeed Cyclocross Bike Photo Gallery:
Dean Bikes shows off its eye-catching custom titanium cyclocross bike. NAHBS 2017. © C. Fegan-Kim / Cyclocross Magazine
