After a whirlwind three days at NAHBS, we made the 1,200km drive to Portland.
Having driven through the night on the way there, I hadn't realized the full scale of the Great Salt Lake. Seeing it in daylight, I was left stunned by its sheer vastness. Between the massive trucks passing us and the endless, straight roads, it made me question everything I thought I knew about the world, and reconfirmed just how colossal the continent we are standing on really is.
The journey continues, but looking back on those three days in Salt Lake, it was a show that reminded me once again of the importance of imagination and creation.
This Sycip mountain bike was ridden by builder Jeremy himself in Moab before being brought straight to the show.
The bike itself, as well as the build, felt truly like Jeremy—hardcore, yet with a touch of gentleness. Finished with a paint job that faithfully recreated a Landspeeder, it undoubtedly captured the hearts of every man at the venue.
BreadWinner Cycles showed an impressive nine bikes again this year. Among them, the one that personally caught my eye was the flat-bar assembled B-ROAD. It’s perfect for commuting and great for hitting the dirt. Swap it to drop bars, and you're ready to head out for long-distance adventures.
The gravel bike from W.H. Bradford, which stood out with its custom Porcelain Rocket frame bag, was also built with flat bars. A recurring trend at this year’s show was the pairing of gravel bikes with dropper posts. Plus, this one featured an internal gear hub and S&S couplers so it could be taken apart. In other words, it’s a bike built to do anything, anywhere.
Looking at a Steve Potts bike, you are reminded that riding fast isn't the only thing that matters about cycling.
The "Monster Cross" from Stinner Frame Works, a builder gaining steady ground in Santa Barbara, perfectly captures the modern gravel-riding landscape derived from cyclocross. With a clear sense of their own direction and a strong focus on paintwork, they are definitely a team to watch as they continue to grow. If this has piqued your interest, please come talk to us.
And one last person to mention.
I first learned of him at last year's NAHBS. Sklar is an up-and-coming builder from Montana who, at just 23 years old, took home the Best Mountain Bike award this year.
Despite his youth, he has a wonderful sensibility, having thoroughly absorbed what he learned from those who came before him into his building process. This year, it was great to see these next-generation builders making their mark.
Every era and every community needs rejuvenation, and he is truly a "new hope" for this generation. Above all else, he has passion. I have a feeling he and I will be working together for a long time.
Of course, it’s a well-known fact that the achievements of those who came before us are immense. It’s not about going against that; I think we’ve reached a time where the younger generation is ready to imagine and create the future. That’s right—it’s our turn now.