NAHBS 2010

Banjo Bicycles – Strumming Along

Posted on 28. Feb, 2010 by Paul Skilbeck in 2010 News

A crew of builders and their friends dressed to the nines in their best tweed
duds were taking it all in with their musical instruments in hand and
displaying nothing less than a piece or two of multi-medium artwork.

Banjo cycles hails from Madison, Wisconsin and brought with them both
a pugsley style bicycle and this beautiful randonneur. Ahren Rodgers
began honing his building skills at a shop in Massachusetts
and before that courses at the United Bicycle Institute.

Massachusetts is also where he met up with Leah Stargardter who has
built the racks for this bike. Between the two they have created a
stir amongst attendees at the show. Not only has banjo made a piece of
art that is wonderful to look at, but they have done so incorporating
functionality that can only be attributed to a serious understanding
of the needs of serious riders.

While the randonneur incorporates a coupler system for breakdown while traveling, additional measures have
been taken to go beyond this well established system for transport.
Leah’s racks are able to be completely disassembled into several flat
pieces that pack flat for storage and transport.

Laminated wood fenders, made of four layers of laminate further incorporate
additional mediums into the build. Banjo Bicycles is making great
looking bike in an artistic tradition that is clearly a representation
of the strength of a strong fabrication and design community at their
shop.

- Will Jacobs

Photography:  Erik Lokensgard

www.banjobicycles.com