Several of us at Blue Monkey love to fabricate, custom build and work with metal. It’s no wonder that we were very exited that the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) was going to be in Salt Lake City this year. NAHBS Started in 2005 in Houston, Texas and was a milestone event that brought together some of North America’s finest handmade bicycle frame builders. Since the beginning the show has traveled around the country yearly and has become a showcase for the best builders of handmade bicycle frames in the world. 2017 was the year for Salt Lake City, Utah.
One of a kind bicycles with serious attention to detail were found throughout the hall. A good number of wooden and bamboo bicycles were quite the attention getters. We especially liked the electric versions powered by the Shimano Steps mid drive system.
The Pro's Closet brought out some bikes from their personal bike museum. It was neat to see just how far bicycles have come in the last few decades. We especially liked this 1992 Clark Kent fat bike which consisted of regular rims joined in tandem with dual bike tires attached. Now that is forward thinking.
We enjoyed meeting Salt Lake City locals Sixth Law Cycles and seeing their beautifully crafted Electric Mixte featuring a Shimano Steps system. This is one bike we'd love to showcase in our front window.
The attention to detail on this wood framed electric commuter bike was outstanding.
Our favorite bike of the show was Maxwell Cycles' Board Tracker electric bike. Weighing just over 50 lbs with a custom built frame and plenty of wattage propelling a specially wound Crystalite motor. This beautiful ebike had crowds around it the entire time we were there. We spent a few minutes talking to the bike's creator, Kevin Ostrom. His attention to detail and his passion for this bike are truly amazing.
For more info on this custom electric bicycle, click here.
