Touring bikes at NAHBS

I absolutely love the classic looks of a touring bike. Especially when punctuated by leather accents and accessories. I honestly am not sure what it is about the touring style that draws my attention so much (even though I can’t seem to get the stuff together to get my own touring bike project off the ground.) And the 2016 edition of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show provided plenty of beautiful examples to fulfill that interest.

Sacramento, CA builder Steve Rex of Rex Cycles brought this beautiful example, among his many other bikes. We already mentioned Rex Cycles in our look at the beautiful lugged frames present at the show.

DSC06485Oh… and let’s not forget that in addition to awards at past NAHBS, he took home Best Fillet Frame this year.

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Mitch Pryor Bicycles brought this rather comfortable looking bike with custom graphics to match the tool bag.

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In my opinion one of the best examples – and my favorite bike of the whole show – was this little pink beauty. And, come to find out, if was built by a student enrolled in the University of Iowa Hand Built Bicycle Program.

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Last but not least, it isn’t a touring bike without the right accessories. And Rivet Cycle Works – another Sacramento area vendor – was well represented on that front.

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