North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) 2011: part 1

The North American Handmade Bike show (NAHBS) is now a mainstream draw for builders manufactures and riders alike. The continuous growth of the event's popularity has served to inspire iconic industry names to make new efforts — whether it be behind a lathe or torch — to better cater to the small builder and so that they too can stand by their own handcrafted goods. Chris King expands Cielo frame range

Chris King's Cielo range of steel frames will include four more models to go along with the original collection, including two race-oriented road platforms, a dedicated 'cross racer and new extra-small and extra-extra-small sizes for its big-wheeled hardtail.

The new Sportif Racer is based on the original Sportif but gets shorter chain stays, a shorter head tube, tighter clearances (meaning standard short-reach brakes), and new vertical dropouts. Barring special mounts like River City Bicycles' Reacharounds, there are no provisions for fenders or racks like on the original Sportif so it's expected that this new variant might be more appealing to riders living in drier climates outside of Chris King's Pacific Northwest headquarters. Suggested retail price for the frame and fork is US$1,895.

Cielo will also produce a small run of similar, but more exclusive, Sportif Racer Limited frames built with Columbus XCR stainless steel tubing. We expect the frame to offer a springier ride, while the material offers increased corrosion resistance. Cielo says the frame will also offer aesthetic upgrades including multi-media blasted logos and driveside chain stay. Final pricing is yet to be determined.

This Moots stem beautifully displays what's possible with Chris King's new optional upper bearing caps


Read more at: http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/north-american-handmade-bicycle-show-nahbs-2011-part-1-29442