Tech feature - March 10, 2006

North American Handmade Bicycle Show 2006, part 4

Stainless steel Photo ©: James Huang What started out Photo ©: James Huang
The underside of the saddle Photo ©: James Huang Phil Wood also provided White Photo ©: James Huang
White worked closely with Phil Wood Photo ©: James Huang Sacha White’s daughters Photo ©: James Huang
How’s this for dedication? Photo ©: James Huang Quite possibly Photo ©: James Huang

Best in Show

After looking at the rest, James Huang decides which piece is his favourite from NAHBS in this final instalment from San Jose

Although he has only been building frames for a handful of years, Sacha White has already earned himself a lifetime of credibility with his stunning Vanilla label. White's frames can definitely cut the mustard when it comes to performance; many of his road and cross frames are raced regularly around his native Portland area and beyond. However, it's his arguably unparalleled sense of innovative artistry and creativity that has made him somewhat of a living legend in the handmade world. I can only wonder from where he draws his inspiration, but it's available somewhere - put me on the list.

For NAHBS 2006, White went completely over the top and displayed an incredible one-off tricycle built for one of his most distinguished customers - his daughter. There was no order placed, no deposit submitted, no consultation on parts specifications. It should go without saying that this customer was one of his most important, so White just went to town and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Ok, fine, so it has three wheels and it may not fit into the classic definition of a handmade bicycle, but I doubt few will argue with my pick. Happy viewing.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com

• White worked closely with Phil Wood for several bits on this project, including the front hub axle that was custom-built to accommodate some crankarms.
• How’s this for dedication? White had a pair of his head tube logos permanently inked on his wrists when he finally made the decision to build bikes full-time.
• Sacha White’s daughters will be the talk of the playground with this incredibly cool tricycle. Does this come in adult sizes?
• The grips are another example of the immaculate finishing on this kiddie's piece
• Stainless steel is the carbon fibre of the handmade industry and White uses it in abundance here.
• What started out as relatively mundane WTB Momentum Grease Guard pedal has been dressed up with a set of beautiful stainless steel ‘cages’. Please, please, please, don’t smash these into any curbs, ok???
• Phil Wood also provided White with a pair of custom-turned solid aluminum wheels replete with, of course, a set of Phil Wood cartridge bearings.
• The inside view of the custom wheels is almost prettier than the outside view (check out the polished lip). White also custom-turned some rubber stock to use as tires.
• Quite possibly the biggest stainless steel Vanilla logo White will ever make. It’ll almost be a shame for someone to place a foot on it!
• I’m not sure how long it’ll take to break in this custom-shaved Brooks saddle, but it sure looks sweet.
• The underside of the saddle is supported by a beautiful cantilevered frame to which the leather saddle bag is also attached.