Titanium’s (Ti) strength to weight ratio makes it an obvious choice for frame builders. But getting a Ti frame to stand out in the crowd has always been a challenge since a) Ti is a pretty drab color, and b) most buyers aren’t willing to cover up their uber expensive frames with paint. Thankfully Spectrum Power Works was on hand at the ’07 NAHBS to show off the results of a process that can etch almost any design directly onto a Ti frame. The process involves laying out a custom crafted sticker - which is made using a plotter - and then etching any exposed areas using a process sort of like sand blasting, but on a smaller/gentler scale. Once complete, the stickers are removed, and the frame is sealed. Mark Brandt of Spectrum told us they can use any of three different abrasive materials in the etching process to produces slightly different textures and colors. The technique can even be used to spruce up the look of older Ti frames. The cost for etching a frame starts somewhere in the range of $300, though more elaborate designs could run a bit more.

Product Link: Spectrum Powder Works

Posted by David at 5:33 PM | Permalink

Milano Sport was on hand at the ’07 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) showing off several frames from Milano – the US market brand produced by Milan based Alberto Masi. While there were a number of frames on display -including a CPT, and Wing - the real eye candy at the booth was the Nuovo Prestige painted in yellows and blues so rich, the paint still looked wet. The externally lugged Prestige features Dedacciai 18MCDV6 tubing, vertical rear drops, oversized 28.6 tube sets on the top and seat tubes, and 31.7 on the down tube. Sizing runs from 48 to 65, and a base model done up in a single color will run $1995.00.

Nuovo Prestige Gallery

About Masi: The history of Masi dates back to the 1930s when Faliero Masi, who rode the Giro in 1931 and 1932, retired from the sport and launched his own line of bikes. With growing notoriety, Masi moved his company to a work shop under the Vigorelli Velodrome in 1949, and soon began supplying bikes to many of the sports great riders, including Eddie Merckx, Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil, and Vittorio Adorni. Faliero sold the Masi brand to a group of California based investors in the 1970s, and relocated to the US to produce frames for the American market. But, longing for his native Italy, Faliero returned to his country with the intention of retiring. Today Masi is led by his son Alberto who produces a limited number of high-end frames in the same workshop his father established under the velodrome. Masi sells its frames in the US under the Milano brand since the investor group still owns the rights to use the Masi brand and logo in the US market.

Product Link

Posted by David at 11:01 PM | Permalink