Following MADE, my US trip allowed me to get a firsthand look at WILDE BIKES, their leader Jeff, and the wonderful surrounding community of Angry Catfish (ACF) in Minneapolis.
While Mr. Kimura’s previous entry already introduced Jeff himself and the bike shop ACF, this time, I’ll be checking out the staff bikes from WILDE and ACF.
Much like SimWorks is for Circles, WILDE serves as something of an original brand for ACF. I was impressed by how every staff member rode one, and their genuine enthusiasm for pushing the brand was very strong. Of course, they all love cycling and own various other bikes as well, but this time, I’ve picked out some of the most notable builds to showcase.
Josh’s WILDE Supertramp / Early Prototype
First up is the bike belonging to Josh, the owner of ACF and co-founder of WILDE BIKES.
This is an early prototype of the Supertramp, featuring a custom paint job and assembled as a utility bike with a front basket.
Of course, the handlebars are the WILDE x NITTO Country Bars.
By installing a SURLY rack with a WALD basket and bag, it’s become a bike that can handle everything from daily errands to weekend adventures.
As mentioned in Mr. Kimura’s previous blog, Josh also runs a fly fishing shop and is a huge fishing enthusiast. He even uses this bike for "BikeToFishing" trips by loading up his packraft. I think this is the most beautiful way to utilize a modern ATB like the Supertramp.
Josh’s WILDE Spelljammer / Prototype
Next is another of Josh's bikes. While it has already been unveiled by WILDE, this is a prototype for the Spelljammer, a new Taiwan-produced model scheduled for completion next spring. The retail version will come in an "Oxblood" color, and we definitely plan to stock it at Circles.
Finished by one of the few remaining fillet-brazing masters in Taiwan, this modern take on a randonneur bike uses rim brakes—a feature many enthusiasts likely still crave, even in this era dominated by discs.
While it shares some DNA with the Space Horse that Jeff created during his time at ALL CITY, the Spelljammer is a model born from Jeff’s style being fully polished and unleashed at WILDE.
Josh has built up this Spelljammer as a quick commuter. Thankfully, he uses many SimWorks parts. Yes, ACF is an excellent SimWorks USA dealer, handling and recommending a truly vast array of our parts.
While his choice of parts shines with attention to detail at every turn, the decision to use a Shimano Cues drivetrain shows a pragmatic mindset, which is an approach to building that I personally love.
Jarrod’s WILDE Supertramp
Reuniting with Jarrod was a personal highlight of this trip. It’s been since 2022, when I visited Hope Cyclery, the shop he used to run. Though that shop has since closed, I was happy to see him doing well as a part of the ACF team.
Jarrod rides a Supertramp. It seems he’s gotten into fly fishing over the last few years, and he uses this bike for everything: commuting, cruising the neighborhood, touring, and even BikeToFishing trips.
Since his time at Hope Cyclery, Jarrod has consistently favored builds using plenty of earth tones in the brown family. This Supertramp in "Dirt Champagne" really feels like a color made specifically for him.
The handlebars are, of course, the Country Bar. For a Supertramp build, these bars just feel the most right.
Shop’s WILDE Dark Star
Next is the Dark Star, which they usually have available as a demo bike. They lent this to me as my transport during my stay.
Equipped with the optional Future Proof Fork, it has a rigid setup, yet it still features a dropper post, making it a configuration that can definitely handle trail riding as well.
At Circles, Shibu-chan also rides one, and I think it’s a great choice for adventurous types who hit the trails but also want to enjoy things like OMM Bike or bike packing.
Andy, who is also a WILDE co-founder like Josh and works behind the scenes as ACF’s web manager, has built his Dark Star with a suspension fork for aggressive trail riding. He says on his days off, he goes to the trails with his son and is dedicated to teaching him how to ride.
If trail riding is your focus, the Dark Star is the prime choice.
Blaise’s WILDE Supertramp
Lastly is the bike of the mechanic, Blaise. His main bike was also a Supertramp.
It seems every staff member owns one. The WILDE-style modern ATB seamlessly connects everyday scenarios with fun outings, and through this visit, I truly felt that if you live in Minneapolis, this is the one bike you need to solve for everything.
The handlebars are a prototype of their original Bullmoose bar, currently in development. They have a nice angle on the extension and a pleasant amount of backsweep.
One thing that differed slightly from the other staff members was his tire choice.
He went with slightly narrower RENE HERSE tires, giving the bike a lighter, nimbler build.
The frame bag, custom-made to fit the frame, is by CEDAERO, a brand with deep ties to ACF and WILDE. Because the top tube attachment uses a laced cord rather than Velcro, it has the advantage of being less prone to scuffing the frame. These are available to order, so if you’re a Supertramp rider or have been considering one, please feel free to consult with us.
And that wraps up our staff bike check. In the next blog, I’d like to conclude this Minneapolis trip by focusing on Jeff’s bike, so stay tuned!