At the 2026 MADE Bike Show in Portland, Oregon, a gathering of the world’s most skilled framebuilders showcased their latest creations, each a testament to the art and engineering of custom bicycle design. In a candid exploration of peer admiration, 29 of these artisans were asked a simple yet profound question: “If you could steal any bike from the show, which one would it be?” Their responses illuminated the diverse inspirations and innovations that captivated the cycling community.
Rare Earth Cycles’ Bold Innovations
Among the standout responses, Rare Earth Cycles’ creations garnered significant attention. Their ‘Rare Berd’ model, a hand-formed steel truss frame enveloped in an aerodynamic steel skin and designed around 32-inch wheels, challenged conventional aesthetics and engineering norms. Weighing under 10 kg, the ‘Rare Berd’ was both a visual and technical marvel, sparking discussions on the future of frame design. (cyclingweekly.com)
Rob English’s Meticulous Craftsmanship
Rob English’s work also stood out for its precision and attention to detail. His frames, often featuring polished titanium and innovative geometries, exemplified the fusion of form and function. Builders admired his ability to balance aesthetics with performance, creating bikes that were as pleasing to the eye as they were to ride.
Dustin Simons’ ‘Big Block 427’ Road Bike
Dustin Simons’ ‘Big Block 427’ road bike was another favorite among builders. This model integrated steel, carbon, and 3D-printed titanium components, showcasing a predominantly digital design process. The innovative use of materials and design techniques offered a glimpse into the future of custom framebuilding, emphasizing cost-effective customization without compromising quality. (cyclingweekly.com)
Scarab Serena’s Luxury Climbing Bike
Scarab’s ‘Serena’ model redefined perceptions of steel frames by emphasizing luxury and high-performance climbing. Built with custom Columbus Spirit tubing and precision-machined components, the ‘Serena’ was both a visual and technical masterpiece, appealing to builders seeking the pinnacle of craftsmanship. (cyclingweekly.com)
Bantam Bicycle Works’ Rigid 32-Inch Mountain Bike
Bantam Bicycle Works presented a custom rigid 32-inch mountain bike, designed for a 6’4″ rider seeking a lighter, faster setup for short bikepacking trips. The fully fillet-brazed frame featured custom-bent chainstays and seatstays, an offset forward seat tube for 32-inch wheel clearance, and a long 200mm travel dropper post, highlighting the builder’s commitment to personalized design and functionality. (newsy-today.com)
Prova’s ‘Mostro Integrale’ Gravel Bike
Prova’s ‘Mostro Integrale’ gravel bike stood out for its innovative design and integration. The bike featured a fully integrated frame design, with internal cable routing and a sleek, aerodynamic profile. Its versatility and attention to detail made it a favorite among builders looking for a blend of performance and aesthetics. (velo.outsideonline.com)
Mosaic Cycles’ GT1 i55
Mosaic Cycles’ GT1 i55 was another highlight, showcasing the builder’s expertise in titanium frame construction. The bike featured a refined geometry and high-quality components, offering a smooth and responsive ride. Its understated elegance and performance capabilities made it a standout choice among builders. (velo.outsideonline.com)
English Cycles’ 13-Pound Steel Climbing Bike
English Cycles’ 13-pound steel climbing bike was a testament to the builder’s dedication to lightweight design without sacrificing strength. The bike’s meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail impressed builders, highlighting the potential of steel frames in high-performance applications. (velo.outsideonline.com)
Innovations in Wheel Sizes and Materials
The 2026 MADE Bike Show also highlighted a trend towards larger wheel sizes and innovative materials. The emergence of 32-inch wheels, previously uncommon in road cycling, was a notable topic of discussion. While these larger wheels have been embraced in off-road disciplines for their ability to maintain momentum and roll over rough terrain, their adoption in road cycling remains limited due to regulatory constraints and design challenges. Nonetheless, builders like Mosaic Cycles and Rare Earth Cycles are experimenting with these larger wheels, pushing the boundaries of traditional frame design. (cyclingweekly.com)
In conclusion, the 2026 MADE Bike Show served as a vibrant platform for framebuilders to showcase their creativity and technical prowess. The bikes that garnered the most admiration were those that pushed the boundaries of design, materials, and engineering, reflecting the dynamic and innovative spirit of the custom bicycle community.
Highlights:
- ‘20% of people gave me a barf emoji’: Three MADE showstoppers push steel into new territory, Published on Monday, August 24
- Off-road is buzzing over 32-inch wheels – is road cycling next?, Published on Thursday, August 27
- ‘Designed to deliver maximum speed’ – Ridley has launched it’s latest aero gravel race machine, Published on Thursday, August 27