Bikes of America (and Canada!)

[Canuk]

Recent proud owner of a Klein Quantum Pro, I've been stunned by the volume of artisan bike producers in the States and Canada that we simply never hear of in Europe.

Kicking off with the much loved Klein brand, famous for innovation in large diameter aluminium tubed frames and wild paint finishes. Quantum Pro.

 

[Canuk]

Trek Bicycle Corporation

Gary Klein produced his first bicycle frames while a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during the 1970s, and full production runs of frames began in the 1980s. In 1995 the company was purchased by the Trek Bicycle Corporation, and the original Klein factory at Chehalis, Washington, closed in 2002 as production moved to the Trek headquarters at Waterloo, Wisconsin. Widespread distribution in the United States stopped in 2007, and ceased altogether in the rest of the world in 2009.

 

[Canuk]

Sunrise Cycles, best city bike ever?

 

[Canuk]

Mario Confente (1945-1979)

 

[Canuk]

Mario Confente was a graduate of the Leonardo da Vinci School of Engineering in Verona, Italy, and competition cyclist for the famous Dillettanti Bencini Team. He became a artisan bicycle frame builder with Grandis and said to have been a sub-contractor to famous brands. He was employed by Faliero Masi to head up the new California Masi factory on October 12, 1973.

After some years of managing the Masi operation, Mario struck out on his own. using the playing card “spade” as his signature logo, engraved and printed in various places on his frames.

Tragically, at the age of 34, Mario died on March 8, 1979. He had made 135 frames bearing his name. Confente frames are now eagerly sought by bicycling aficionados.

 

[Canuk]

A very young Mario riding for the Bencini Team

 

[Canuk]

Mariposa (Canada)

 

[Canuk]

Mariposa - Custom bicycles by Mike Barry, Dede & Michael Barry and Tom Hinton.

BICYCLE SPECIALTIES, 45 CRANFIELD UNIT 6 TORONTO, CANADA

Bicycle Specialties was founded by Mike Barry in 1990 following the closing of Bicyclesport, a leading downtown Toronto store he established in 1972. Mike has competed in most branches of the sport. He has been active in several clubs and founded the Toronto Randonneurs. His son Michael now races as a professional with the Saturn team.”
“Tom Hinton has toured extensively. He’s also a keen randonneur–an endurance tourist. Tom has earned both his Super Randonneur medal and participated in the king of all randonnées: the 1,200 km.Paris-Brest-Paris.

 

[Canuk]

What's your top pick of the Americas?

 

[Canuk]

Masi USA