March 2/09 13:13 pm - Canadians Win Awards at NAHBS

Posted by Editor on 03/2/09
 

Canadians Win Awards at NAHBS

At the 2009 North American Handmade Bicycle Show, held in Indianapolis, Indiana February 27 - March 1, Canadian framebuilders took two 'Best in Show' awards.

Best Paint Job
Toronto painter Noah Rosen works closely with Mike Barry, father of the Canadian pro road rider, and a former builder for Mariposa. Barry wanted Rosen to restore his old 1951 Cinelli to something closely resembling its original condition. They had to go by black and white photos, but Barry was confident the paint color was a close match. One of the main challenges, says Rosen, was matching the proportions on the seat tube bands. Getting clean lug edges on a 60-year old bike took a lot of work, since the metal had roughened over the years. Rosen put some 20 hours into the restoration job.



People's Choice
Naked Bicycles from British Columbia once again won the heart of the NAHBS crowd. Wooden components are used for the seat post, hand grips and pedals, and the frame features particular curves that builder Sam Whittingham states he has a liking for. Bicycles should be more feminine as it softens their lines, he says. The Mountain bike uses the 29" wheel, which Whittingham says is well suited to the BC riding conditions.




All the winners