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How a Mosaic Batch Built Frame Is Made

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

Take two Mosaic frames — one Batch Built, one Made to Order — and look at them side by side. Can you tell the difference?

Probably not, and that is because our Batch Built frames go through the same made-in-USA process as any Mosaic bike that rolls out of our Boulder, Colorado shop. Here’s how we build these frames so efficiently without compromising the hand-built quality you expect from a Mosaic.

Step 1: Chain Stay Prep We offer three Batch Built models: RT-2 D for road, GT-2 AR for all-road, and GT-2 45 for gravel. As you’d expect, each model has geometry that’s optimized for its purpose. But you might not have realized that each of those three frames has a consistent chain stay length through the entire size run. This allows us to cut and weld the dropouts, chain stays, and bottom brackets in bulk so they’re prepped for the next step of the build.

Step 2: Tube Prep Next, we take seat tubes, down tubes, and top tubes and prepare them for assembly. That entails three bottle cage bosses per frame, internal brake line routing, and reinforcements for Di2 cable ports. Naturally, this stage of our Batch Built process is size-specific, and we keep each frame organized in tidy tube cubbies beneath our benches.

Step 3: Fixture Set-Up We rely on the best frame jigs in the industry, Sputnik Tool and Anvil, to ensure each frame in each size has consistent stack, reach, and angles. Now we’re getting into the fun part, when a bunch of titanium tubes start to look like a bike frame.

Step 4: Cutting and Mitering Tubes After the jig is set up to size, our framebuilders are able to see exactly how the frame’s down tube, head tube, top tube, seat tube, seat stays, and chain stay assembly will join together. It has to be a perfect fit, so in this step, they use the jig to guide the final tube cuts and mitering. Mitering? What’s that? Well, glad you asked; unless you’ve got really weird frame geometry (we don’t!), the tubes join at acute or obtuse angles. We trim the ends for a perfect fit, and also to account for the roundness of something like the head tube or bottom bracket shell. During our Batch Built process, we build several frames of the same size at once. This allows us to set up the tooling once and repeat the same precise cuts and miters over and over again until it’s time for the next size or model.

Step 5: Frame Build At last, it’s all coming together! We put all of the tubes into the fixture and start welding. However, the frame doesn’t leave the jig in a finished state. For this step of the process, our framebuilders simply tack weld the tubes. Time for another definition: Tack welding joins the tubes so the frame holds together, but it isn’t a finished, full-strength weld. This allows us to move the frame out of the fixture to our welding booth so we can get started on the next one.

Step 6: Welding Here’s where the magic happens. We take a tack-welded frame, and give it the beautiful, finished, stacked-dimes welds that will last a lifetime. Just like every Mosaic, this is all done by hand, by an expert welder.

Step 7: Quality Control In the final step of our process, each frame is thoroughly checked over to ensure that the alignment, geometry, and finish are perfect. Whether it’s a Batch Built frame or a Made to Order frame, every one gets the same attention to detail.

Final Step: You Choose Yours! By now you can probably see that every Mosaic Batch Built frame is given the same hands-on TLC as every frame we build. The best thing is that these frames are on hand, in our shop, ready to be finished for you. Once you select the model and size you want, we’ll set up the cabling to your specifications and send it to the paint and finish shop to give it any look you like.

Typically, this efficient process allows us to turn around a Batch Built frame in two weeks or less. Plus, if you end up going full-custom, our Batch Built process frees up our Made to Order queue so we can produce those frames with a quicker turnaround time.

Whichever Mosaic you choose — Batch Built or Made to Order, it is built by the same people with the same care, right here in Colorado.

Is a Mosaic Batch Built Frame Right For You?

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

Reach, stack, head tube angle, bottom bracket drop, paint, finish … You have tons of options when you order a handbuilt bike. But a while back, we started to realize that some riders don’t need a Made to Order Mosaic to get the perfect bike for their favorite rides. So, we created the Batch Built frame program to simplify things. The Batch Built program has now been expanded to include the RT-2d, GT-2 AR, GT-2 45 and MT-2.

We offer four Batch Built Models: GT-2 45, GT-2 AR, RT-2d, and our hardtail mountain bike the MT-2. Every frame is available in a standard size run from 48cm to 62cm with our tested and proven geometry. Just like every Mosaic, these frames are made by hand in our Colorado shop. Best of all, thanks to our efficient build process, Batch Built frames are available in a 1-2 week turnaround and cost $4,500 — that includes a Cane Creek headset, Columbus carbon fiber fork and standard raw finish.

So, is a Batch Built Mosaic right for you? Here’s why you might consider this option from Mosaic.

1. Simple order process. If you don’t need to spend time working out custom geometry with your bike fitter, Batch Built allows you to pick the correct size and feel confident your new bike will have perfectly balanced fit and handling.

2. Hand-built on a budget. We don’t compromise on build quality, and neither should you. We give every Batch Built frame the same attention to detail as our Made to Order frames. Thanks to our efficient process, you can get an American-made titanium frame for less.

3. Make it your own. Unlike some off-the-shelf frames, we can configure your Batch Built Mosaic for any shifting system. While the standard raw finish is the starting point for Batch Built frames, you can choose any color option you like from our paint shop to make your frame stand out. (Painted finish up-charge applies). From our experience, Batch Built checks a lot of boxes for a lot of riders. If it sounds right for you, here’s a quick guide to the three available models.

RT-2 D: Pure Road Efficiency

Reports of the road bike’s death are greatly exaggerated … Sure, we dig riding dirt, but the RT-2 D is a blast when it’s time to rack up the miles on perfect paved routes. With clearance for 30mm tires, this is a modern take on a road bike with ample comfort and traction. Most sizes have a 72.5-73-degree head tube angle for intuitive handling.

  • Size range: 48-62cm
  • Straight-gauge titanium tubing
  • 30mm tire clearance w/ road chainline.

GT-2 AR: All Roads, Any Ride

Face it, most of us aren’t riding a Radavist-style wilderness adventure on the daily. (But if you are, congrats!) The GT-2 AR is borne out of the typical rides that help us get through the week. With clearance for 38mm tires, this bike is speedy enough for paved routes but doesn’t shy away from dirt connectors or even some sporty gravel. Most sizes have a 72-degree head tube angle for that just-right “mama bear” handling to keep you out of trouble on sketchy terrain without feeling sluggish.

  • Size range: 48-62cm
  • Straight-gauge titanium tubing
  • 38mm tire clearance w/ road chainline.

GT-2 45: Gravel With MettleMosaic’s gravel bikes are proven at every major event from SBT GRVL to Unbound and beyond. Don’t believe it? Just ask our pro rider, Brennan Wertz, who rides our handmade titanium frames all season. Most GT-2 45 sizes sport a relaxed 71.5-degree head tube angle with a more upright riding position than the GT-2 AR for long-haul comfort. With clearance for tires as big as 48mm, this frame has the versatility for any off-pavement excursion.

  • Size range: 48-62cm
  • Straight-gauge titanium tubing
  • 48mm tire clearance w/ gravel chainline.

Perhaps our Batch Built geometry isn’t right for your physiology. Or, you might prefer butted titanium tubes, which we use to build our top-of-the line GT-1 and RT-1 series bikes. If that’s the case, you’ll want to consider a Made to Order Mosaic frame.

We’d love to build the perfect custom frame for you.Best of all, the Batch Built program makes our shop more efficient, so Made to Order turnaround times are faster than ever at 6-8 weeks for a completely custom, Made to Order Frame.

Behind The Bike // Sheldon’s RCCLA RT-1d // The Cub House

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

Rapha Inspired, Cub House Built

Since we’re unable to visit our friends and customers in person for the foreseeable future, we’re starting a new series of blog posts to stay connected and build upon the relationships we have with our shops, our customers, and their bikes. Behind the Bike will feature Mosaic riders from around the world, a bit about their cycling story, their special bike, and the shop that made it all possible. This week, we’re kicking it off with Sheldon’s Rapha Cycling Club Los Angeles inspired RT-1d, built by The Cub House (@itsnotabikeshop).

A bit from Sheldon.I’m Sheldon and I’m the proud owner of this Mosaic RT-1d. My cycling journey started 13 years ago when I got a road bike to get fit while providing care for my mother who was recovering from surgery to remove a large brain tumor. I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a kid so learning to ride a road bike was a real struggle. I kept at it and found myself becoming a regular on competitive group rides where I lived. Fast forward a bit, and I found myself exploring the rugged mountains surrounding Los Angeles. It’s a special thing, being able to ride into such beautiful and remote places that most people in LA don’t even know exist, and go flying back down into the second largest metro area in the country.

  

Why do you ride?

I ride because of the friendships I’ve made, the places I get to visit, and the mental & physical health benefits that sustain me. My main goal is to keep riding. I always say that the riders still getting out and putting in the miles at 50+ are my cycling heroes.

What’s your favorite ride?

My favorite ride starts on the sand in Santa Monica and goes up Sullivan Canyon, turning from pavement to dirt before it tops out on the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains. It goes from one of the most famous beaches in the world, high into the mountains where there are almost no signs of civilization. It’s just beautiful.

Tell us a bit about your bike!

I chose the RT-1d because I wanted a light bike that rode beautifully and one that would last. Disc brakes allow me to keep up with current wheel technology and give me confidence on the dirt and steep descents that I encounter. The RT-1d has delivered everything that I could have wanted in a bicycle and more. It’s light, rides beautifully and power transfer is outstanding. I threw everything I had at the bike on the first ride, including long climbs, dirt descents, and even a flat-out pace line. The RT-1d handled it all superbly. In the future I’d like to race this bike at the Belgian Waffle Ride and climb Mt. Baldy and Gibraltar.

What’s the story on the finish work?

I had a blast helping brainstorm the paint scheme, logos, and lettering on my bike with the help of The Cub House and Mosaic. My family has been in LA for 4 generations, which is rare. I didn’t fully appreciate the incredible diversity within LA until I started cycling. The bicycle made me appreciate my city for a whole new reason. Growing up in LA, I saw a lot of people with Old English type tattoos representing their communities, so I knew that I wanted my name to stand out like that on the bike. I’m a founding member of the Rapha Cycling Club Los Angeles chapter, so I included the logo from RCCLA incorporating winged mountains for the City of Angels, as well as the the LA logo to celebrate my heritage. Finally, I put the “40” on the top tube because it’s my 40th birthday present from my wonderful family. I’m a middle aged cyclist and damn proud of it!

The Cub House – San Marino, CA

We’re proud to work with partners like The Cub House, who provide world-class service and a great experience for their customers time and time again. Thanks for keeping it fun. They can be a tricky bunch to describe really, but I think they say it best themselves…

“Cycling is serious enough already, so there is no need to cast ourselves in the same light. It’s ok to talk about watts per kilo, but it’s also good to talk about watts per cheeto (that’s how many watts you can hold while eating flaming hot cheetos). We also understand that performance based goals like Strava are relevant, but so is Pizza Strava #pizzastrava (how many King of the Pepperonis do you have?). We believe above all else that riding bikes is fun & more people should do it. Team Dream is a team for everyone. Now let’s get out there and chase some sunsets…” For more of that mentality, follow them here! (@itsnotabikeshop // @teamdreambicyclingteam)

Prismatica: The Artist Series

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

In preparation for Chris King Precision Components‘ Annual Open House, the paint team was given a brief for an RS-1d frameset heading their way: This bike needs to be colorful, highlight the new Chris King headset color and be uniquely Mosaic.

A week later, the painters had a few test pieces in the works after trying some new techniques and processes to show off. But a sample piece is not a full bike frame; how would this translate to a full bike?

“Trust us.”

And thus the Mosaic Cycles Prismatica colorway was born: lots of color but still understated in keeping with Mosaic’s long standing aesthetic. The new Chris King colorway pops and a few design elements draw inspiration from Chris King to tie the design into the upcoming event.

But we want to take it a step further and offer a limited number of frames with this scheme. It’s lively and vibrant and needs to be seen in person. With painters and designers as a part of our production team, we should offer more than just our catalog of paint offerings. And from this, we’ve decided to make this the first offering in our Artist Series: a semi-regular, unique paint offering in limited quantities.

Gravel vs. Allroad – What’s the difference?!

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

It’s not just the dirt.

So, you’ve probably picked up on a bit of an emerging and flourishing trend in cycling… Gravel. It seems to be all we’re talking about these days. However, I think there’s still a level of uncertainty around gravel for many of us that only years ago would have labeled ourselves as either mountain bikers, OR, road riders. Now, a very attractive and popular bit of middle ground exists (and always has done…). So, what is “gravel”? Where do I find this “gravel”? Why is everyone doing it all of a sudden? Is it fun? Do I need a special bike for it? What kind of tires should I use? What size should they be? Hang on a second, Allroad is something different?! If you find yourself wondering about these kind of things, keep reading, we’ve got your back.

These dirt roads and trails aren’t new, so why all of a sudden are we riding them more? There’s no doubt that new bike technology and the excitement around gravel are synonymous with each other. Sure, you can ride plenty of dirt roads on a 25mm tire and rim brakes – and you’ll probably still have a good time. Having the right tool for the job however, will result in a riding experience that’s a hell of a lot more fun, and one that inspires you to push the realm of possibility just a bit further. High volume tubeless tires, disc brakes, a wider gear range, and updates to frame geometry all contribute to the gravel bike’s huge popularity. Part of what makes gravel so attractive is the versatility and ride quality offered by a modern gravel bike. Unless you live somewhere like Kansas or Oklahoma, there’s a good chance that most of your gravel riding will also include some pavement. For us in Boulder, our favorite dirt roads and trails are connected or accessed via pavement. Having a bike that’s capable, confident, and most importantly fun on mixed surfaces is paramount in creating a great riding experience. Depending on your ratio of dirt to pavement, we’ve got a few options to perfectly meet your needs. Our GT-1 and GT-2 frames are available in two distinct versions, Allroad and Gravel 45.

G-Series Gravel 45

Gravel 45 is our response to the increase in popularity of events like Unbound Gravel, Mid-South Gravel, Lost and Found, and the desire to explore even further off the beaten path. The terrain at these events is extremely demanding and unforgiving on both the rider and their equipment, making the bike, tire, wheel, and component choice absolutely crucial to completing the route. For many gravel riders, myself included, the attention to detail and obsession over choosing the right parts has become one of my favorite parts leading up to any event. For riders and racers taking a Mosaic to the Flint Hills of Kansas for example, we needed to create a frame with more tire clearance, a longer wheelbase, and the kind of geometry that’s comfortable to ride all day long on the roughest, and longest routes imaginable. At that point, the rest is up to you! The gallery below has a selection of recent GT-1 45’s and our latest addition, the GT-2 45 which is available in stock sizing and complete build options.

G-Series Allroad

Allroad bikes are designed for the rider that tends to split their time close to 50/50 on smooth dirt and pavement. A Mosaic G-Series Allroad frame and ENVE Allroad Fork will accept a maximum tire size of 38mm, but we find that most of our Allroad riders opt for a fast rolling, low profile, 32-35mm tire. A G-Series Allroad is the perfect bike for the rider that likes the feel of a fast and efficient road bike, but wants something just a bit more capable for the kind of routes that include a healthy mix of dirt and pavement, without having to make a compromise. Below are a few examples of GT-1 Allroad bikes that we’ve built, one in 700c and the other in 650b, a choice that’s available on any G-Series bike – just ask!

What is gravel?

Well, to us, gravel takes on many different forms. It’s the dirt path through your neighborhood park or city greenway, the seemingly endless network of fire roads through the mountains, farm roads on the plains, little pieces of urban single track connected to make a loop, and frequently, trails that are probably better suited to mountain bikes if we’re honest! As the iconic roads around Boulder get busier, we find ourselves looking toward these creative, less traveled, mixed surface routes all the more frequently. Routes that wouldn’t be as enjoyable on a pure road bike or on a mountain bike.

These dirt roads and trails aren’t new, so why all of a sudden are we riding them more? There’s no doubt that new bike technology and the excitement around gravel are synonymous with each other. Sure, you can ride plenty of dirt roads on a 25mm tire and rim brakes – and you’ll probably still have a good time. Having the right tool for the job however, will result in a riding experience that’s a hell of a lot more fun, and one that inspires you to push the realm of possibility just a bit further. High volume tubeless tires, disc brakes, a wider gear range, and updates to frame geometry all contribute to the gravel bike’s huge popularity. Part of what makes gravel so attractive is the versatility and ride quality offered by a modern gravel bike. Unless you live somewhere like Kansas or Oklahoma, there’s a good chance that most of your gravel riding will also include some pavement. For us in Boulder, our favorite dirt roads and trails are connected or accessed via pavement. Having a bike that’s capable, confident, and most importantly fun on mixed surfaces is paramount in creating a great riding experience. Depending on your ratio of dirt to pavement, we’ve got a few options to perfectly meet your needs. Our GT-1 and GT-2 frames are available in two distinct versions, Allroad and Gravel 45.

G-Series Gravel 45

Gravel 45 is our response to the increase in popularity of events like Dirty Kanza, Mid-South Gravel, Lost and Found, and the desire to explore even further off the beaten path. The terrain at these events is extremely demanding and unforgiving on both the rider and their equipment, making the bike, tire, wheel, and component choice absolutely crucial to completing the route. For many gravel riders, myself included, the attention to detail and obsession over choosing the right parts has become one of my favorite parts leading up to any event. For riders and racers taking a Mosaic to the Flint Hills of Kansas for example, we needed to create a frame with more tire clearance, a longer wheelbase, and the kind of geometry that’s comfortable to ride all day long on the roughest, and longest routes imaginable. At that point, the rest is up to you! The gallery below has a selection of recent GT-1 45’s and our latest addition, the GT-2 45 which is available in stock sizing and complete build options.

G-Series Allroad

Allroad bikes are designed for the rider that tends to split their time close to 50/50 on smooth dirt and pavement. A Mosaic G-Series Allroad frame and ENVE Allroad Fork will accept a maximum tire size of 38mm, but we find that most of our Allroad riders opt for a fast rolling, low profile, 32-35mm tire. A G-Series Allroad is the perfect bike for the rider that likes the feel of a fast and efficient road bike, but wants something just a bit more capable for the kind of routes that include a healthy mix of dirt and pavement, without having to make a compromise. Below are a few examples of GT-1 Allroad bikes that we’ve built, one in 700c and the other in 650b, a choice that’s available on any G-Series bike – just ask!

If you want to discuss your dream gravel build, or you have any questions at all, please get in touch with your local Mosaic dealer, send us an email, or pick up the phone! We’d love to hear from you.

Downcountry Hardtail? Whatever You Call it, MT-2 Does It

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

It seems silly that the bike industry just recently realized that cross-country bikes would be more fun with just a tad more travel and capable geometry. Also, it is odd to take a classic hardtail and water it down with comically slack angles and a too-long suspension fork.

Our MT-2 mountain bike is everything a hardtail should be — nothing more, nothing less. Dare we call it a “downcountry” hardtail? Maybe. We just think it’s fun to ride.

The MT-2 is built for the way we ride. Our summers are filled with high-Alpine epics in the Colorado mountains and after-work rips on the local trails. The simple efficiency of a hardtail is hard to beat, but it won’t shy away from a fast descent to get back to the car.

And you best believe we’ll also head out to the races from time to time. Right now, we’re a week away from the Sea Otter Fuego XL, then looking ahead to the Bailey Hundo, a 60-mile marathon XC race a few hours outside Denver and, of course, the Leadville 100 in August.

With durable, straight-gauge titanium tubes, the MT-2 can handle any of these adventures. And if you lay it down in a rock garden (and we have, oh we have), it’ll stand up to the abuse.The guiding principle behind our latest titanium mountain bike is versatility, the core of which is its geometry. Built around a 120mm travel suspension fork, the 67-degree head tube angle is plenty confident on steep drop-ins, without wandering and wallowing on the climb back up.

Similarly, we took a middle-ground approach to the seat tube angle. At about 74 degrees for most sizes, it gives riders the over-the-pedals position that’s becoming the norm without getting too extreme.MT-2 is versatile in terms of its handling personality, but it also can shape-shift, depending on the parts you select.

We have seen MT-2 frames built into lightweight XC rigs with 100mm forks, feathery carbon fiber rims, and narrow, lighter tires. When you drop the suspension travel by 20mm, it steepens the front end by about one degree. It’s a Leadville weapon, if we’ve ever seen one.

On the other hand, the MT-2 is designed to handle forks up to 140mm of travel, so if you want to get into the enduro hardtail zone, you can bump up the suspension for slacker angles and more fork trail. This leads to a head angle that’s around 66 degrees … Plenty slack for shredding. If you go this route, the frame can accommodate up to 2.6” 29er tires.

As you can tell, this hardtail isn’t meant for purebred XC racers who want bike weight in the teens and an abusively stiff carbon frame. It’s also not for the senders who think a 140mm fork is short travel.Some mountain bikers just want to do it all, and the MT-2 is made for it.

The MT-2 is available as a Batch Built frame only. For those of you looking for that elusive custom geometry hardtail, stay tuned, we’ve got something for you coming later this summer. As usual, the MT-2 is available with all of the paint and finish options that make Mosaics look so good.

Adventure Journal: Allan Shaw’s Atlas Mountain Race – Embracing Cold and Dark in North Africa

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

I’m walking my bike up the last few steep switchbacks on the ridge of a tall mountainscape, bathed in the full moon, catching and reflecting the snow on the hillside. Gazing down the mountain on a sea of bike lights of a hundred other cyclists behind me, slowly making the same journey up the valley. As I finally reach the summit my GPS tells me it is 3.10am and a frigid -8c. No point in resting now, the options are keep moving or get uncomfortably cold fast.

Not what I was expecting from a bike race in North Africa, but we are just getting started on this years’ Atlas Mountain Race, and it turns out that cycling in the pitch black in sub-zero temperatures would be a theme throughout this race.

The Atlas Mountain Race is a self-supported, single-stage bicycle race through the mountains and desert of Morocco. Covering 1340 km (830miles) and 25,000m (82,000ft) of climbing on mostly gravel roads, single and double-track, with the occasional mule-track or two.

A few days earlier, relaxing in chaotic Marrakech, making the final tweaks to my set-up, there was a lot of talk about cold weather predictions on that first night, but none of us were expecting it to last much beyond that. But in the end temperatures were well below freezing every night of the race, with my lowest temperature on Sunday night at -10c (14f).

I was still fairly confident my set-up would serve me well, my selective layering of lightweight clothing from Velocio and riding my brand new Mosaic GT2-X, truly our maiden voyage together. I wasn’t at all phased that we hadn’t spent very much time together yet, and we had a great time getting to know each other out on the trail.

Many fellow racers throughout the experience mentioned my choice of rigid gravel bike instead of a hard-tail or full-sus mountain bike. I accepted I wouldn’t be the most comfortable on long rocky descents, but this bike was a lightweight, stealthy and versatile choice of weapon for this battle, and with 2.25’ tyres and the right handling she took on so much of this course with ease. I had zero mechanical issues during the race, one less thing to worry about.

Rolling up at the start line for registration on Friday, February 3rd, there was a quiet, nervous energy hanging over the crowd. Everyone so fresh and so clean.

After a swift evening roll-out from the south of the city and that long first climb in the full moon to the top of telouet pass, I hiked as fast as I could down the infamous 4km mule-track down the other side and made it to the first checkpoint of the race just after 5am in 52nd place, and to a busy checkpoint.

Racers passed out in rooms, inhaling hot tagines in the background in varying states of energy. I knew, for me it was a trap, the best thing for me was to keep moving and push rest to later in the day. If I’ve learned anything in previous ultra-endurance races, it’s that the first 24-36 hours are crucial. There would be plenty of time for faffing and taking breaks later.

With almost 13 hours of darkness per day, this day, like every day of my race, was actually truly fought out at night.

Sunset was around 7pm and sunrise around 8am everyday, making it a maddeningly long night shift, whichever way you chose to take it. For me, I knew my sleep system would not support a decent sleep below zero, most days I chose to sleep a few hours in the early part of the evening, when temperatures were a bit higher, and to ride through coldest parts of the night, from around 1-2am onwards. This meant I was riding up to 7 hours in the pitch black before sunrise came, by far the hardest part of this race mentally for me. I watched the sunrise everyday to huge relief.

After those first few days and cold nights I arrived at checkpoint 2 in a remote mountain valley in 42nd place, on the edge of lush palmery dug deep into a sharp canyon. Our route then whisked us off west on a longer section of rolling tarmac, towards the infamous old-colonial road. A forgotten 40km section of rocky mountain pass. It winds beautifully through the landscape, but has been made impassable to cars due to three steep collapsed points in the road caused by landslides, which you must clamber in and out of with your bike.

Another section I rode entirely in the dark. Arriving at the bottom at 8pm, the race quickly takes away the privilege of choice.

The full moon did a pretty magical job of illuminating the surrounding scenery, and the other quiet, moving bike lights off ahead and behind me reminded me I wasn’t entirely alone up here. It was unique and memorable, like some of the best (and worst) race experiences.

The strength of the mid-pack riders meant despite how alone you felt, you were never that far from other racers, someone was always catching up to you and you were always catching up to someone. That pressure kept you moving. The racers I was able to share the trail with were a warm-spirited and friendly bunch. I really enjoyed the riding we got to share together. It was inspiring to watch others endure the hardships, still pushing and looking strong, and reminding yourself that this was exactly what you were doing too.

But of course the bike also took a beating, and so did I. By day 3 the building fatigue causes aches and discomforts up and down the body. My wrists in the afternoons and my knees in the mornings. From your lower back up to your neck, with so much time for your mind to wander it finds paths to pains hiding in all different corners. My friend Mike told me before the race, “pain is just information”.

People also say it’s important to listen to your body, which I think it is, but in these ultra-distance races I think it’s more of a conversation. Sometimes we’re just trying to ignore each other, other times It’s a negotiation to constantly ask for more and promise to pay the rest back later.

The race route took us through long expansive valleys and rolling climbs, completely isolated from the towns and villages around. The remoteness and isolation of the surroundings is powerful, an ocean of rock, winding trails and mountains, melting and folding in on itself. The daylight brought breathtaking views one-after-another. The route was consistently beautiful from start to finish.

After some hours walking through sand in the Agadir plains, I spent my final night of the race climbing steep and rolling hills through the Valley of paradise and over the aptly named “Moroccan Stelvio”, a 1000m climb over 12 km of multiple switchbacks curving up a wall of mountain ridge.

A stiff wind at the summit, through the darkness you could just about make out the lights from ships way out in the Atlantic Ocean far below, and the knowledge the finish line was now almost within reach.

In the end I crossed the finish line in Essaouira at 1850 on Thursday February 9th, almost exactly 6 days after setting out from Marrakech, in 28th place. A hard fought fight through long nights and days, a testimony to an epically beautiful land and people.

The Mosaic GT-2X adventure bike was Allan’s companion of choice for the Atlas Mountain Race, proving it’s versatility and reliability day in and day out. Learn more about the GT-2X here, and start planning the next adventure of your own now.

Inside the Mosaic Finish Department

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

Look good, feel good, ride good. Apologies to the great Deon Sanders, but his famous quote really does apply to bikes, especially handmade bikes.

An exceptional amount of craft goes into the process of building every Mosaic frame. It’s only right that we devote the same effort to the finish process. No matter if your Mosaic has a classic raw finish or a jaw-dropping paint scheme, it looks as good as it rides.

Here’s a walk through the Mosaic finish department to explain how we go from a raw titanium frame to a bike that turns heads on the daily.

Off the top, we have to be clear that we do all of our paint and finish work in house, right here in Boulder, Colorado. This gives our team complete control of the process. It also lets you personalize your frame as much as you like. We have five proven finish options that always look good. And any of those layouts can be painted with hundreds of different color combinations.

Is there a car paint color that catches your eye? We can match it. Want a painted stem or seatpost to set off the build? We do that too. Pearl glitter, color shift, and other options are also on the table.

Prep Work

After you’ve settled on your paint scheme, the raw frame is prepped with one of two media blast machines in our shop. The titanium frames will get either an etched, brushed, or satin finish, depending on the plan. Our raw frames rely on a combination of those finishes, such as an etched logo on a satin frame. If the frame is going to be painted, it needs a fully etched finish to ensure the paint adheres to the frame. Along the way, we also sand any carbon fiber components for paint.

Most of our painted frames have sections of raw frame at the bottom bracket and along the chain stays and seat stays. Naturally, we mask off that portion of the frame before going to paint. That titanium will eventually get a satin finish.

Painting

Time for the fun part. Just like you’d do to paint a wall in your house, we begin with a layer of primer. Then, there’s a multi-step process to paint the frame. Often, the first layer of paint is the color used for the Mosaic logo. Then, the logo is masked off, and the background color is applied. It’s far easier to mask the logo’s letters than it is to do an inverse mask.

Once the paint is applied, the frame goes through color sanding to prep it for clear coat. We apply two layers of clear coat and sand after the first to ensure the finish is perfectly glossy and smooth. The frame is baked in a specialized oven to cure the clear coat.

Finally, the frame is given a three-step buffing process to make it shine, and we perform a final quality control check.

Thanks to an efficient process of batching frames through the prep, prime, and paint steps of the process, we can usually finish a frame in 1 week. With two painters in the booth, things can be pretty efficient!

Making Your Mosaic Your Mosaic

As we mentioned at the beginning, whether you opt for a Made to Order frame or a Batch Built frame, you can go as far as you want in personalizing the paint and finish. And of course, this applies to any kind of Mosaic frame — road, gravel, mountain, and more.

Need a little more inspiration? Stay tuned for a re-launch of our standard color line, as well as the extended line of premium colors. Check out the fresh hues below and start your dream build this spring.

A visit to Bicycle Speed Shop in Houston, Texas

Posted on by Mosaic Admin

The black and white art deco façade doesn’t match any other store front on E. 11th Street. The 12 foot tall graffiti style tiger face doesn’t help either. The sign on the front door says to use the side door. And upon entering Bicycle Speed Shop, you know your stepping into a unique bike shop.

When you walk into the store, straight ahead of you, the owner Brian Jones is likely to be in the bike fitting space. To the left, towards the front of the building is the service counter where you’ll find Ryan Strayer building a custom wheelset or dialing in a customer’s bike for their next race or weekend ride. And to your right is a long, live edge wood community table with a coffee bar and small selection of the latest riding apparel where Casey and Carson will get you ready to ride.

Brian had invited Aaron and myself down to Houston for Bicycle Speed Shop’s 5th anniversary party. They wanted to celebrate five years of “making fast bikes faster” as they say and show off some of the Mosaic builds they have done along the way. They also just launched as a Rapha retail partner so it was an opportunity to show off some new kits as well.

As a performance-oriented shop, Brian has placed emphasis on fit and service for the shop. So where does a Mosaic, a built to order titanium or steel bicycle, fit in the lineup of tri bikes and aero road bikes queued up in the service department? The best way to be fast and comfortable on a bike is to ride a custom built one Brian says. And at Bicycle Speed Shop, the team lives what they sell.

In the lead up to the event, we talked about doing some wild paint job for an upcoming customer’s bike or updating the finish on of the shop guys’ bikes. But Brian wanted to do something different; he wanted to build his own RS-1d. We set about fabrication and called upon the paint team for some design work. We also called in an early order for a yet to be released set of Chris King Bourbon hubs, headset and bottom bracket to finish off the build. We wanted the bike to be uniquely Bicycle Speed Shop.

We rolled out on that Saturday morning with a group of about 50 riders, customers from across the Houston area that call Bicycle Speed Shop their local shop. Half the group split off for some off-road adventure and the rest of us rolled through the warm, fall morning for a proper 65 mile ride. It was nice departure from riding in Colorado where we’d already had one good snow fall and a series of snow storms were in the forecast the coming week.

Both groups managed to meet back up on the road and we rolled back into the parking lot all together. Ryan and Casey set about pulling together the Mosaics together and amassed almost 20 bikes to show off, each one unique to the owner. Tucked away inside was Brian’s new RS-1d, the first steel bike for Bicycle Speed Shop to build, dressed in paint so fresh it might have still been wet. Hints of the art deco tied in with the tiger face on the fork legs and a series of lightning bolts- the distinct mark of a Bicycle Speed Shop Mosaic build.

That afternoon Brian and I read through the list of Mosaic builds they have done in their first five years and it’s a healthy list of some really awesome bikes. The team at Bicycle Speed Shop has done an incredible job building deep connections with their customers to draw them into the shop and elevate their riding experiences from day one.

This is just a sampling of the bikes the team at Bicycle Speed Shop has put out on the roads of Houston. We are incredibly lucky to work with them to get customers on the right bike for them.