Mosaic Cycles & Spectrum Paint and Powder Works | NAHBS Builder Stories

Written by #ShimanoGravel Alliance Ambassador Kristen Legan

 

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Each year the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) sparks inspiration and excitement by gathering the best frame builders and bike artisans from around the world. This year, NAHBS landed in Sacramento, California and one builder swept the show with a tidal wave of colors, sparkles, and fun. Mosaic Bicycles out of Boulder, Colorado not only showcased an extraordinary number of custom handmade bicycles at the show - more than any other builder - but these bikes were some of the most exceptional and exciting frames to be found. 

 

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To acknowledge Mosaic’s prevalence at NAHBS this year and its mounting leadership in the custom bike community, the show awarded Mosaic and its founder Aaron Barcheck with the Judges’ Discretionary Award. While the name does little to express the importance of this honor, the Judges’ Discretionary Award has only been presented to a handful of builders who have gone above and beyond and wowed the show time and time again. Mosaic certainly impressed this year, and this shimmering deep blue and glittery silver Mosaic GT-2 gravel bike was a perfect example of the impressive craftsmanship, artistic flare, and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of Mosaic Cycles.  

 

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Designed for tackling rough gravel roads in America’s heartland or for searching out singletrack connectors while exploring mountains roads, Mosaic’s GT1 offers all the features you’d expect from a modern gravel bike but in a simply stunning package. For comfort and compliance, the GT1 offers ample tire clearance and was sporting cushy WTB rubber at the show. The bike is also built with a straight gauge titanium tubeset that help quiet the buzz and smooth out bumps over rough terrain. Flat mount disc brakes add stopping reliability with a sleek aesthetic from front to back. And the components hanging from the frame scream “adventure” with a flared PRO Discover handlebar, Ultegra RX rear derailleur, and gearing ready to tackle the most challenging gravel roads. 

 

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Frame design and component choice aside, the most striking feature of the GT1 and of all the Mosaic bikes showcased at NAHBS this year, were the dramatic paint schemes with wild color combinations and glittery finishes. From a “Ruby Slippers Red” motif to a drool-worthy pink to purple fade, and of course the GT1’s magical blue and silver glitter bomb, Mosaic was definitely peacocking at the show.

 

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These vibrant colors, wild designs, and the boatload of glitter that went into each paint scheme came to life thanks to Mosaic’s sister company, Spectrum Paint and Powder Works. Barcheck acquired the legendary paint and design company several years ago and continues its legacy. As the choice painter for scores of custom frame builders, Spectrum has long been a staple in this important corner of the bike industry. But since taking over, Barcheck has injected excitement and artistic innovation into the company and NAHBS was the culmination of this transition. 

 

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Whether you’re excited by Mosaic’s flawless “stacking dimes” welding style, the bikes’ modern builds paired with classic titanium tubing, or simply love the sparkle and glamour of Spectrum’s paint schemes, these bikes are something special. And while Mosaic celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, Barcheck is just getting started with his run at Spectrum. 2019 has been marked by a sparkle downpour and the cycling community is excited to watch what grows into the 2020 season. 

 

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