Author: Mosaic Admin

Mosaic rider, PR pro at Dispatch, pro gravel racer, bike industry veteran—and winner of the 2023 Unbound XL—returns to Emporia for another go at one of gravel’s toughest tests: the 350-mile, 17,000-foot self-supported odyssey known as Unbound XL.

Kristen! We’re a week out from Unbound XL. What’s on your mind right now?

I’m really excited. The lead-up this year feels very different—much more relaxed. Last time, I was super focused and really wanted to win. This time, it’s about bringing the fun back into it. I’ve been riding MTB all spring, keeping things loose. I still want a strong result, but I’m not putting a ton of pressure on myself. Just trying to be consistent and enjoy it.

Honestly, we’re all kind of crazy for doing these events—they’re magical, fun, and terrible all at once. There’s something really special about the 350-mile format. It’s not just about racing in a group or sitting on a wheel. You’re alone out there, taking care of yourself, out in the landscape. It becomes this deep adventure with yourself.

You won Unbound XL in 2023. What was that like?

It was that infamously muddy year. Total chaos. The race became more about survival than competition—just keeping your bike and body moving. There were 14 or 15 miles of hike-a-bike. It felt more like an expedition than a race. The weather threw everything at us. Crossing the finish line felt like conquering something massive.

Speaking of mud, it’s looking like a rainy week leading up to this year’s race. What do you think about that?

Well, I’d love some mud out there! But I think it will dry up and drain off. Maybe a few soft roads but I don’t think it’ll be bad unless they get something heavier on Thursday/Friday. We’ll see, weather changes fast out there. 

In 2024, you raced the 200 instead of the XL, right?

Yeah—I did the 200 last year. I had a mechanical early on and dropped out of the lead group, and ended up riding a 180-mile solo time trial. I wasn’t really racing for the win, but I think I could’ve been up there had it not been for the mechanical, maybe Maybe top 10 or 15 but who can say. Mechanicals are definitely part of the Unbound experience.

So why go back to the XL? What brings you back for more?

This will hopefully be my third time finishing the XL—and my fourth attempt total. I DNF’d once. But honestly, there’s a little amnesia after these brutal events. After you finish and a little time passes, you think, “That was fun—I should do it again!”

I wanted to come back because 2023 was so epic with the muddy conditions. Now I’m curious—what’s it like in a ‘normal’ year? The women’s field is growing, and becoming more competitive and deeper every year. It’s exciting to be part of that—to help raise the level of competition.

Any major changes this year in terms of training or setup?

Nothing too dramatic. I’m riding my Mosaic GT-1 i45 again, but with a more aggressive position—based on what I liked in the 200 last year. I switched my gearing to a Dura-Ace 50/34 up front with an 11-36 in the back and I’ll run bigger tires this time: Vittoria Terreno Dry 50c up front ad a 45c Terreno Zero in back. I’m also running aero bars, which are key for XL—you’re alone out there and need extra hand positions for comfort.

Otherwise, it’s a pretty normal gravel setup including a frame bag a CamelBak and my position dialed. For everyday Boulder riding I might run faster tires, but this setup’s all about durability and comfort over the long haul.

What do you look at on your GPS during the race?

I keep the map up—but I don’t look at time or distance until I’m about halfway in. I play little mental games with myself, like, “OK, next 20 miles, hold this average power or speed” just as a way to stay motivated and focused. I’ll check in on nutrition or details occasionally, but mostly it’s about staying in the moment. Phone stays on airplane mode the whole time. It’s about shutting out the world.

Do you get songs stuck in your head out there?

Oh yeah! I actually make a playlist. Music helps pull you out of a funk, calm you down if you’re overwhelmed, or lift you up when you’re down. I’m a sucker for pop punk from high school.

Let’s talk nutrition. What’s your approach?

It’s constant. From the beginning it’s: When did I last eat? Eat more. Drink more. At a certain point—around mile 200 for me—you have to force yourself to eat. The last 150 miles are just a game of “how do I get calories in?”

In 2023, I survived on disgusting amounts of Sour Patch Kids. Still my go-to and first thing I grab at a gas station. 

Most riders will never do an event like this. It must be a different kind of mental experience. Can you share a story?

Not 2023, but another year—it’s the middle of the night, I’m all alone, there are no lights, no houses, just nothing anywhere. Then I see headlights. It’s 3 a.m. and I’m thinking, Who the hell is out here?? And  they keep getting closer. I’m a little loopy, and my mind is playing tricks on me, and I’m considering my options like diving into a ditch. Then I see bikes on the roof—they’re cheering! It’s people heading to the start of the 200.

I haven’t had many hallucinations, but after 22 hours, the heat and fatigue start to really mess with you. You wonder, Was that an animal sound? Or did I make that up? And you can’t train for that sort of thing…no one does 24-hour training rides. You just have to roll with it and see how your mind and body react and that’s just part of the whole experience. 

Give us one tip—something you’ve learned that really matters.

Be patient with yourself. It’s a long race. Everyone makes mistakes—misses a meal or gets a flat that takes a while to repair. Don’t rush through stuff and end up with more problems later.

Stay present. You can bounce back from so much more than you think. I mean, Taylor Lideen won Unbound XL after slashing a tire. He was actually carrying a spare tire and stopped, swapped tires, got it seated and everything and still took the win. One bad thing doesn’t ruin your race. Keep moving forward.

That’s some wisdom that transcends gravel, Kristen. Thanks and good luck out there!

Mosaic’s Flagstaff Week, a Boulder cycling tradition now in its 12th year, is upon us. Are you ready? Doesn’t matter. Flagstaff Week isn’t about being ready. It’s about way more than that. It’s a hard, good time that’s best explained by its creator, Mosaic Founder and CEO Aaron Barcheck, in his own words: 

The Setup

For me, the word adventure usually suggests an epic voyage—likely a trip far away to a place I’ve never been, with the challenge of riding in a way I’ve never done before. This spirit is what defines many of us as cyclists and keeps us coming back for more. There’s always a new experience to explore, something to plan, something to work toward.

But it’s easy to forget that some of the best adventures are the ones we experience close to home—the ones we return to every season. With that said, today we explore a time-honored tradition at Mosaic: Flagstaff Week, an adventure we look forward to every year, right in our backyard of Boulder, Colorado.

The Route
The Flagstaff Road climb is Boulder’s crown jewel of cycling routes—and worthy of the title for many reasons. At just over five miles and two thousand feet of vertical gain, Flagstaff is a challenging yet accessible ride. Centrally located, it’s never more than a quick spin across town to reach the base.

The climb kicks up quickly, offering expansive views of the city and surrounding areas. As you ascend, the terrain constantly shifts—grindy 10% pitches give way to mellow switchbacks, which then transition into steeper switchbacks, broken up only by brief moments of recovery. But don’t be fooled. The first half’s undulating climb and sweeping vistas lead to a second half that hits with full force.

Just before the summit lies a stretch affectionately (and accurately) known as “The Wall”—an 18% grade that tests your legs and your resolve. In conquering one of the Front Range’s most unrelenting two-mile stretches, you’re rewarded with views of the Continental Divide and a finale featuring two of the most photogenic switchbacks in the region—famous across countless Instagram feeds.

From the summit, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a remote, forested mountain top, a stark contrast to the sweeping view back toward Boulder. From up here, the city looks like a sprawling sea of civilization, fading into Eastern Colorado and the curve of the earth.

At the top, the iconic mailboxes mark the finish line and the end of another successful Flagstaff lap. From here, you have a choice: continue west into some of Boulder’s most beloved loops, or flip it and descend.

The climb’s diverse terrain becomes a fast, technical, and exhilarating ride back down. With repetition, this descent becomes second nature—you memorize every turn, every crack in the pavement, every patch of sand. Confidence grows. Wash, rinse, repeat. 

So. Much. Fun.

The Origin Story

This year, Flagstaff Week will kick off for its twelfth year—thirteenth if you count the COVID season when we couldn’t gather.

In Mosaic’s early, bootstrapped days, the Flagstaff climb was my escape from the grind of launching a business. I was working two jobs, had little time to ride, and felt more out of shape—and more disconnected from the joy of riding—each season. Something had to change.

So I did what I always do: I doubled down. I had the idea to wake up even earlier to ride Flagstaff every morning for a week before heading to The Pro’s Closet, followed by a second shift at Mosaic. I hoped this would kick off the summer season and snap me back into form—physically and mentally. To keep myself accountable, I invited a few friends for a little morning peer pressure.

Year one, we had five riders total: my wife Liz and three friends. Riding Flag five days in a row felt like a novelty—maybe even a big deal. We gave it a shot and, despite being totally spent by the end, we completed every day.

Year two, we knew we had to do it again. This time, maybe ten friends joined. I gave it a name—Flagstaff Week—because, well, everything needs a brand in my world.

Around year three, the now-famous Flagstaff Week punch card was born. I thought it’d be a fun way to mark each day’s ride, so I placed a hole punch at the mailboxes and handed cards out to the 30 or so attendees. The card became more than a keepsake—it was a record of each ascent, a motivator, and a reminder that another Flagstaff Week was always just around the corner.

Now, on rides people ask me “When is Flagstaff Week this year?” more often than they ask how I’m doing. There have even been counterfeit punch cards made! I guess imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.

As the years went on and more riders joined in, my little underground event grew beyond me. It became something personal to so many: a chance to push for a PR, a five-day streak of a tough but rewarding climb, or—for some—a first summit, donuts and laughter shared with friends at the top.

For me, it’s still what it was from the beginning: a way to kick off summer by reconnecting with the people and the sport I love. 

No qualifiers, no licenses (okay there is a waiver form) no entry fees. Just come and ride. Details below and we hope to see you on the climb. 

The Details – 2025 Mosaic Flagstaff Week: June 2-6

• • The Mission: Complete a minimum of one Flagstaff Climb (to the mailboxes!!) per day, five days in a row. At the top, you’ll find a punch chained to the mailboxes. Punch your card, and then head to Cassiopeia for a coffee & daily special on waffles, lattes and more!
  • The Punch Card Pickup: Riders can pick up their 2025 Mosaic Flagstaff Week Cards at Cassiopeia anytime starting on Wednesday, May 28th.
  • The Waivers: must be signed to pick up your 2025 Mosaic Flagstaff Week punchcard. Download one. 
  • The Swag: If you get all 5 punches, you might get some sick prizes, posters, etc…
• The Daily Schedule:
• • The Mosaic crew will be rolling from Cassiopeia @ 6:45am each day, returning for a coffee after the climb. You are not required to ride with us. We would encourage people to ride the climb whenever suits them best, with whoever they want, just get the punch at the top and have a damn good time.
  • Wednesday – Women’s Ride led by Cassiopeia staff.
  • Friday – social hangout at Cassiopeia from 8:45 to roughly 10:00am.

See you out there, maybe more than once!

-Aaron

A Mosaic titanium frame is built to last a lifetime—and ride better than anything else on the road or trail. But that presents a good problem: it’s hard to justify letting go of something this good.

If you’re after that ‘new bike day’ feeling without adding to your quiver, the Mosaic Refinishing Program is the answer. Whether you want to restore your bike’s original brilliance or completely reimagine it, our in-house team offers a range of refinishing options to make your Mosaic feel brand new again.

Choose from our signature raw titanium finishes with clean, subtle media blasting, or explore an array of painted options: timeless two-tone and Knockout schemes, ultra-smooth two- and three-color fades, or one-of-a-kind Artist Series finishes.

The first step in the process is a trip through our blasting cabinet for stripping and prep. It’s quick, safe and also how we execute our raw titanium finishes.

We offer a curated palette of standard colors or can custom color-match to your vision using samples and automotive paint codes and other means. Want your fork, bar, stem, or seatpost repainted to match—or contrast? We can do that, too.

Whether years of riding have left their mark or you simply want to refresh your ride, the Mosaic Refinishing Program will give your frame a new look you’ll appreciate for years to come. And if you have a non-Mosaic frame or component that needs a world-class finish, our in-house paint shop, Spectrum Paint Works, is available to help.

Refinishing starts at $1,500, with an average turnaround time of 3–4 weeks. Your frame must be fully completely disassembled of all parts when you send it in to us. We’ll strip the paint in our blasting cabinet as the first step in the new finish prep process. 

Ready to bring your Mosaic back to life? Contact us to get started.

Pro racer and cycling coach Adam Saban had an idea: a drop bar MTB that combines gravel bike fit and handling with MTB handling. But doing such a thing is more complicated than slapping a drop bar on a hardtail…as Adam soon learned. There’s a way to do it right, and Adam chose Mosaic to make it happen.

Adam is no gravel noob. He started racing bikes in 2014 and has been racing off road as an elite since the Grand Junction Offroad in 2018, and has since competed in most of the big gravel and mountain bike races around the country. And as a design engineer, he knows his way around the technical side of things as well.

How did you get connected with Mosaic—and how did your drop-bar MT-1 come to life?
In early 2023, I was working at a bike shop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We started carrying Mosaic toward the end of the year. I’d known of the brand from a good friend who rode one. As soon as our shop started stocking Mosaic, the owner, Pete, said he wanted to get me on one ASAP. I thought, “This is perfect,” and I knew exactly what I wanted: a drop-bar MTB.

That’s when you built a drop-bar mountain bike?
Not quite. The journey actually started earlier in 2023 when I was accepted to race the Migration Gravel Race in Kenya. There wasn’t much info out there about the event, but I’d seen a few videos and it looked rugged. My gravel bike with 700x45c tires wasn’t going to cut it. I built up a solid aluminum hardtail with nice parts—essentially a tricked-out drop-bar hardtail.

I raced that setup at Migration and loved the platform. It worked well, but there were a few things that weren’t quite perfect. The fit was off—reach and stack weren’t ideal—and there were a few other geometry issues. I swapped to a different MTB frame and that didn’t work great either. That was right about the time Pete suggested I consider a custom frame from Mosaic.

Did you know what you wanted?
Yes. I started with a Mosaic MT-1 hardtail, which is available in either stock or custom geometry. Mine is custom everything. My time on previous drop-bar hardtails gave me a solid foundation for what I needed, and I started working on the project with Mark at Mosaic.

Compared to my gravel bike, a medium hardtail MTB frame typically has longer reach and higher stack. To get the fit right, I had to run a super short 50 or 60mm stem with a lot of drop—and I was still too high and too long by 10–15mm. I could never quite get the bar low enough.

Basically, I wanted to replicate the fit and feel of a gravel race bike, but with the handling, tire clearance, and suspension fork of a hardtail. I wanted to blend the two platforms.

How did things line up on your MT-1?
My optimal gravel bike fit uses a 110mm stem. We didn’t go quite that short on reach, but we made it work with an 80mm stem and dropped the stack as much as possible while leaving room for a 100mm suspension fork. It’s not quite as low as my gravel bike, but it’s close. We adjusted the seat tube angle and steepened the head angle from the MT-1’s stock 67° to about 68.5°. It now feels like a true gravel race fit.

The quintessential question: what tire size are you running?
Most of the time, I’m on 2.25s. They offer good all-around traction and flat protection and can handle most trails and gravel like a normal MTB. I can run up to 2.4s, but the handling gets weird. With tires that big, you have to lean the bike way over to engage the side knobs, and with a 40cm drop bar, it doesn’t feel right when you’re pushing it.

Is this the ultimate do-everything quiver-killer setup?
Well, I wouldn’t take this bike to a pure MTB race or an all-out, high-speed gravel race. But it’s perfect for everything in between—rugged gravel, light-duty MTB trails. I raced it at Leadville in 2023 and it was spot-on for really heavy-duty gravel events like Migration.

Fit and geometry aside, what else was tricky about the design?
Chainring size was the biggest thing. For gravel race speeds, I needed at least a 38–40t ring. Most hardtails like the MT-1 are designed around 30–32t rings, so that was something Mark and the Mosaic team worked with me on—getting enough clearance for a larger ring without sacrificing tire clearance.

What’s your take on dropper posts for a bike like this? What about a rigid fork?
No dropper—for now. I’ve thought about it, and with SRAM’s AXS post, I can swap between a standard post and a dropper pretty easily, but I just haven’t done it. In my mind, if the race is gnarly enough to need a dropper, it might be time for a full-on MTB. I haven’t run a rigid fork either. If I were going full rigid, I’d just ride the gravel bike.

Is this drop-bar Mosaic MT-1 your main ride?
I still have a full-on gravel bike, but I ride the Mosaic about 50% of the time. Around Sioux Falls, the terrain doesn’t demand a drop-bar hardtail—the local trails are tame enough for a standard gravel bike. Most of the time, when I ride the Mosaic, it’s because I want to, not because I need to. It’s a fun bike. It’s a gravel bike that can do more. It might have funky bars, but it’s a full-blown mountain bike. The only limitation is that it’s a hardtail.

What’s it like switching between your gravel bike and the Mosaic?
Switching to the gravel bike is seamless. The weirdest transition is from the MT-1 to a full-suspension MTB. Bigger tires, wider bars, slacker geometry, more travel—it’s a completely different feel, obviously.

What do riders say about your setup?
Most people just ask what I’m doing on the singletrack with a drop-bar bike. They assume it’s not a real mountain bike—they don’t quite get it. A lot of people ride gravel bikes because it’s what they know. They think it’s as good as it gets. A drop-bar mountain bike is definitely a counterculture setup. But once people try mine, they get it. They understand.

Have you ever gone the other direction—running a flat bar?
I did, actually. I set it up with a flat bar to race the Chequamegon MTB Festival in Wisconsin. It’s an old-school MTB race, and just for fun, I set the Mosaic up like an old-school mountain bike. Since the frame is designed with shorter reach, I had to use a 110mm stem and a narrower 620mm bar. It was actually a blast—super fun and perfect for that course. I kept it like that for a few months. I can swap it back and forth in about five minutes.

Thanks Adam! See you out there!

Most bikes are built to fit a category. A 1-Level Mosaic is built to fit you in every way possible. Handcrafted in Boulder, Colorado, each frame starts with a blank slate and ends with a bike that rides, fits, and looks like no other—because it’s made specifically for your rides. Whether you’re chasing KOM’s on the road, gravel sunsets, or ribbons of singletrack, a 1-Level bike is the kind of machine that changes what you expect from a bike. We know that’s a bold statement, but it’s one backed up by a long list of Mosaic riders which includes National Champions and World Cup pros. 

People think ‘custom bikes’ are just about fit. That’s a big part of it, but a 1-Level Mosaic is a sum of four perfectly tuned parts: Materials, Fit, Options and Finish. And the result is something that’s not just better—it’s entirely yours.

Material Foundation: The World’s Finest Butted Titanium Tubing and Machined Parts

At the core of every 1-Level frame is a tubeset of rider-specific, internally butted 3AL/2.5V titanium of the highest quality commercially available. Not all titanium tubes are created equal. We have exacting standards for material purity, roundness, butting profile consistency and straightness to ensure that each 1-Level frame starts from a foundation of unsurpassed precision. And for the record, we hold the straight-gauge tubes used in our 2-Level bikes to the same level of scrutiny. Cable bosses, head tubes and bottom bracket shells, brake mounts and dropouts are also the highest quality available. We’re aware of the buzz about 3D printing but we find that the quality and performance of our machined parts is unmatched. 

Fit: Custom Geometry That’s All You

Fit is the beginning of the Mosaic process, and for good reason. This goes beyond saddle height and reach. Think: your unique proportions, riding style, flexibility, and handling preferences—translated into a geometry chart and brought to life in titanium.

Even if you’re an “average” size, you’re not average. Not really. A good fit from a Mosaic dealer or fitter accounts for your limb lengths, bar drop, riding history, goals, injuries and imbalances, flexibility or lack thereof, everything. Whether you’re looking for comfort on epic rides, stiffness and responsiveness for crits, or just a little more confidence off-road, the right fit makes it happen. And when it’s built into the frame from the start, it shows.

1-Level frames are available in road, mountain, gravel, adventure and all-road variants, each with geometry suited to that riding style. From that baseline we further tune bottom bracket height, wheelbase, fork offset and trail to suit the nuances of your individual fit along with how and where you aim to ride. 

And we go way beyond the numbers. Each 1-Level frame gets a rider-specific butted titanium tubeset with wall thicknesses, butting profiles and diameters dialed for weight, power, and preference, striking a balance between stiffness and compliance while shedding grams. Want a plush ride for multi-hour gravel days? Smaller-diameter stays can help. Are you a big rider looking for extra punch for sprinting? An oversized tubeset is sure to stiffen things up. 

Options: The Details Matter

Third bottle on the downtube? Rack and fender Mounts? Pump peg? Chain hanger? Specific 1x or 2x drivetrain? With a 1-Level  Mosaic you can dig in on those little extras. Integrated GT and RT models are specified with an ENVE Fork and choice of ENVE or Chris King headset. 

Finish: A Bike That Looks Like Your Dreams

Paint is personal. At Mosaic, the finishing process is done in-house, just steps from where your frame is built. That means tighter control, faster turnaround, and more freedom to get exactly what you want. Choose from several timeless raw titanium options, clean two-tones, or wild fades and custom Artist Series designs for an upcharge.

If you’ve got a vision, they’ll help bring it to life. If not, they’ll guide you toward something that turns heads without overthinking it. And while these options are also available with our 2-Level models as upcharges, they come standard with a Made-to-Order 1-Level Mosaic

You can even extend the look to painted forks, stems, and seatposts, tying your entire build together with a color story that’s unmistakably yours. 

Time to Build Yours

Riders choose Mosaic for a reason: every frame delivers top-tier performance, a tailored fit, and finish work that looks like nothing else out there. When you add it all up, the 1-Level lineup represents the best of what modern custom framebuilding has to offer.

Ready to build your dream bike? Start with your local Mosaic dealer or contact us directly at info@mosaiccycles.com. Let’s get rolling.

To create any of our latest Artist Series finishes, you need more than a steady hand…you need vision, intuition, and a touch of chaos. Meet Mosaic’s own David Cogdill, the artist who turned stardust and stencils into Mosaic’s most otherworldly paint scheme yet—Nebula. In this Q&A, he shares how it all came together.

Q: Where did you come from, and how did you end up at Mosaic?

My background is in fine art—I’m a trained painter. I studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and spent years working on canvases and large-scale murals. Bikes were always part of my life, though. I worked in bike shops and eventually landed at The Pro’s Closet, where I stayed for seven years. When that wrapped up, I saw Mosaic had an open role. Being local to Boulder, I was already familiar with the brand and we’d even done a collaboration with Mosaic while I was at TPC, and I was one of the lucky recipients of a batch-built bike from that project. I applied, got the shot about a year ago, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since.

Q: What got you into riding bikes?

Bikes have been in my life as far back as I can remember. The first one I recall was a blue Schwinn my dad brought home from the dump. It had moustache bars and a fake gas tank. I rode that thing way past its prime. As I got older, I did long bike trips, including riding across the U.S. with my brother when I was 18 and he was 15. I’m not a pro or anything—it’s more about the meditation for me.

Q: What’s your current daily ride?

A Mosaic GT-2 45. I can ride it for everything—commuting, singletrack, you name it. It’s one of the finishes we did for the TPC x TheRadavist collaboration I mentioned earlier.

Q: What inspired the Nebula colorway?

To me, painting bikes feels similar to printmaking and monotyping, where you work with a single impression. It’s about layering and pressure, not always knowing exactly what you’ll get. When I started thinking about Nebula, I approached it as this blend of controlled chaos. You push paint around on the bike with air and movement. You’re layering thin planes of color that interact in unexpected ways.

Some of it is like the high-end finishes you see in the automotive world—flip-flake effects, tri-coats, shimmer and depth. Depending on how you layer it and what colors you shoot it over, it changes dramatically. A dark base can yield bold shifts, while a light base gives you something more ethereal. We’re using all those elements in Nebula.

The name came naturally. I was thinking about nebulae—the star-forming regions in space—and how this paint process is similarly unpredictable and expansive. It’s always exciting to step back and find these little vignettes on the finished bike that just work.

Q: Once you had the concept, how did you develop the process?

We started with an older frame that Aaron gave me to test on. I liked how the paint was moving on a tube sample and decided to try a full frame. The first version came together surprisingly well—I used some jarring, complementary colors to create a kind of visual overload. From there, I began iterating, developing new colorways. One of the upcoming ones is blue, kind of a tribute to the first bike I ever loved.

Initially, the paint was more concentrated in specific areas. Over time, I started thinning it out more, creating broader “panes” and allowing more overlap. That evolution has made the look more balanced and expressive. Each paint behaves differently—it’s all done by feel.

Q: What’s the hardest part of this paint scheme compared to others?

Maintaining a balanced composition across the entire frame. It’s easy to get caught up in one area, but you have to constantly step back and see the bike as a single, unified object.

Q: How long does each frame take?

Roughly 2–3 hours of painting, plus inner clear coats between each layer. There’s a lot of texture, which means sanding between steps to smooth things out. Factoring in those layers and finish work, it’s about six hours total.

Q: Titanium is notoriously tricky to paint. How do you handle that?

We use a really high-quality primer to kick things off—same with any frame material—but we apply it using a wet-on-wet method. That means we’re applying the next coat while the first one is still chemically open and hasn’t dried or cured yet. You’ve got about 45 minutes to work in that window, and it results in a strong bond between layers.

Q: How many versions of Nebula will be available?

We’re launching with four to five colorways, and we’ll expand from there. There’s a lot of potential for different interpretations within this style.

Look for a steady flow of Dave’s work in the Galleries and on our Instagram page.

When it comes to handbuilt bicycles, the sheer number of customization options—model, tubing, size, geometry and paint—can be overwhelming. But what if you could get a handmade titanium frame with proven geometry, dialed-in handling, and a simplified ordering process, all while saving time and money? That’s exactly why we created the Mosaic Batch Built program.

Designed for riders who don’t require fully custom geometry, our Batch Built frames deliver the same quality craftsmanship and refined ride quality as our Made to Order models but with a more efficient build process. This means you can get a premium American-made titanium frame, built in our Boulder, Colorado shop, in as little as a few weeks.

Why Choose a Mosaic Batch Built Frame?

1. Effortless Ordering – No need to spend time fine-tuning geometry with a fitter. Choose your frame size (48cm–62cm for road/gravel models; S–XL for mountain), and you’re set.
   
2. Handbuilt on a Budget – You get the same meticulous attention to detail as our custom frames at a lower price point—$4,750, including a Columbus carbon fiber fork for road and gravel models, Cane Creek headset, and raw finish.
   
3. Personalized Touch – While Batch Built frames start with our standard raw finish, you can choose from a full range of custom paint options to make it truly yours. Additionally, frames can be configured for any shifting system, whether mechanical, electronic, or wireless.

Meet the Mosaic Batch Built Lineup

We currently offer four Batch Built models, each designed with specific riding styles in mind.

RT-2d: Pure Road Efficiency

If the joy of smooth pavement and endless miles fuels your rides, the Mosaic RT-2d is your perfect match. With clearance for 30mm tires, this modern road bike balances efficiency, comfort, and traction. A 71-73-degree head tube angle and two unique fork rake options (size-dependent) ensure sharp and predictable handling for spirited road rides.

• Size Range: 50-62cm
  
• Straight-Gauge Size-Specific Titanium Tubing
  
• 30mm Tire Clearance w/ Road Chainline

GT-2 AR: All-Road Versatility

Built for riders who mix pavement with dirt, the GT-2 AR is the ideal companion for varied terrain. With clearance for 38mm tires, it’s quick on the road and confident on unpaved stretches. A 71-73 degree head tube angle (again, size specific) offers stable yet responsive handling, perfect for everyday adventure rides.

• Size Range: 50-60cm
  
• Straight-Gauge Size-Specific Titanium Tubing
  
• 38mm Tire Clearance w/ Road Chainline

GT-2 45: Gravel without Limits

For those who push the limits of gravel riding, the GT-2 45 is up for any challenge. With room for 45mm tires and a more relaxed head tube angle, this frame provides a confident, comfortable ride for long days on mixed-to-rough surfaces. It’s a race-proven design that’s been battle tested at Unbound, SBT GRVL and other top tier events. 

• Size Range: 48-60cm
  
• Straight-Gauge Size-Specific Titanium Tubing
  
• 45mm Tire Clearance w/ Gravel Chainline

MT-2: Batch Built Hardtail

Rounding out the lineup is the MT-2, a titanium hardtail built for fast and fun trail riding, XC racing and everything in between. With Batch Built geometry, a stock size run from S-XL, and two cabling configurations—external full-length shift/brake and internal dropper routing or eTap AXS with a dropper port—it’s a true do-it-all mountain bike.

• Size Range: S-XL
  
• Straight-Gauge Size-Specific Titanium Tubing
  
• Fits up to 29 x 2.4 tires
  
• Designed for 120mm forks
  
• Configurable Cabling Options

The Mosaic Process – How Our Batch Built Frames are Made

While Batch Built frames offer streamlined ordering and shorter wait times, they undergo the same meticulous handbuilt process as our Made to Order frames. Here’s how we ensure precision, quality, and durability:

1. Chain Stay Prep – Each model has a consistent chain stay length across all sizes, allowing us to cut and weld dropouts, chain stays, and bottom brackets in large, well, batches.
   
2. Tube Prep – Various diameters and butting profiles for seat tubes, down tubes, and top tubes are prepared with bottle cage bosses, internal brake routing, and reinforcements for electronic shifting ports.
   
3. Fixture Set-Up – Using the world’s finest frame jigs (Sputnik Tool and Anvil), we ensure each frame maintains consistent stack, reach, and angles.
   
4. Cutting & Mitering – Tubes are precisely cut and mitered to fit seamlessly together, guaranteeing a perfectly aligned frame throughout the assembly process.
   
5. Frame Build – Tubes are tack-welded in the jig before moving to our welding booth for final assembly. Alignment is checked at many stages of the process, starting here.
   
6. Welding – Our expert welders lay down flawless, stacked-dime double-pass welds that give Mosaic frames their signature strength and finish.
   
7. Quality Control – Every frame undergoes the same rigorous multi-step inspection process as our Made to Order frames to ensure perfect alignment, geometry, and finish before shipping off to a Mosaic Dealer.
   

Quick Turnaround. Maximum value. Zero Compromise. 

Unlike full custom frames that take 6-8 weeks from start to finish, Mosaic Batch Built frames are completed in as little as 2 weeks, depending on your finish selection. If you opt for a painted finish, expect a lead time of 2-3 weeks. And, because the Batch Built program streamlines our workshop efficiency, our Made to Order frames now have a faster turnaround time of just 6-8 weeks.

Which Mosaic Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for the sublimely balanced and lively ride and unbeatable durability of a high-quality, handbuilt titanium bike with tried-and-true geometry, quicker delivery, and a lower cost, a Batch Built Mosaic is an excellent choice. 

But if you’re excited about customized geometry based on a favorite bike or a pro bike fit, or the added weight savings and resilience of our premium butted titanium tubing, our Made to Order program is the path to creating your dream ride.

No matter which Mosaic you choose—Batch Built or Made to Order—you’re getting a handcrafted titanium frame, built with precision and passion, right here in Colorado.

Modern cycling is full of choices—road, mountain, gravel, all-road—each with its own appeal. On top of that, different price points and build levels add another layer of decision-making. In the Mosaic lineup, we offer our models in both a Level 1 and Level 2 option, each with its own rider-driven features and priorities.

Let’s break down what sets them apart and help you find the best fit.

Mosaic 1-Level : The Full Custom Mosaic Experience, Fit First & Maximized for Performance

At the core of the Level 1 is an internally double butted, rider-specific titanium tubeset—meticulously engineered to strike the perfect balance between strength, weight, and ride compliance. This advanced butting process removes excess material where it’s not needed while reinforcing high-stress areas, resulting in a frame that’s exceptionally strong yet lightweight. Whether you’re chasing high-speed performance, all-day comfort, or the sweet spot in between, a 1-Level Mosaic delivers a ride tuned to your specific demands.

Features such as internal Di2 routing and an optional integrated brake system enhance both aesthetics and functionality, keeping cables hidden, clean, and out of mind. Several Mosaic 1-Level bikes are available with the sleek, aero-optimized lines and a little tire clearance boost in part thanks to ENVE’s In-Route (fully integrated) fork and cockpit (RT-1 ITR, GT-1 iAR and GT-1 i45 models). The finer details and extra steps like these reinforce the Mosaic 1-Level’s reputation as one of the most capable bikes in the world, regardless of material.

Every 1-Level frame is designed from the ground up and Made-To-Order to match the rider. Using fit data from you and your Mosaic dealer, we build each bike with custom geometry and tubing specifications tailored to your specific riding style, including tube diameter, wall thickness, and butting profile. A 1-Level Mosaic bike is as unique as its rider.

Customization doesn’t stop at fit and ride tuning—the every 1-Level Mosaic offers a full spectrum of finish options. Choose from several raw titanium finishes, five core paint schemes, limited-edition Artist Series layouts, and over 150 standard & extended line colors to create a bike that’s uniquely yours. To make the wait a little easier, we provide a digital mock-up of your final design so you can admire it while we bring it to life. And yes, we know waiting is tough—but rest assured, your handcrafted masterpiece will be ready in 8 weeks or less.

Mosaic 2-Level : The Sweet Spot for Fit, Performance, and Price

All 2-Level bikes are primarily batch-built, but the experience remains uniquely tailored—and uniquely Mosaic. Drawing from fit data gathered from thousands of custom 1-Level bikes, we’ve developed a range of stock sizes designed to fit 95% of riders—while still allowing for customization in reach and drop as needed.

To achieve our goal of offering the Mosaic ride at a more attainable price, we swap ENVE forks for Columbus models on drop-bar models and use a size- and model-specific straight-gauge titanium tubeset. Every 2-Level frameset is engineered for a balanced ride that’s both responsive and compliant, with all aspects of fabrication performed in our Boulder, Colorado, workshop alongside our top-end 1-Level bikes. Compared to the 1-Level, the frame adds only about 1/2 lb. Rear brake cable routing is fully internal, and each frame is configured to order based on your drivetrain preference—eTap, mechanical, or Di2.

For those looking to personalize their ride further, the Mosaic Finishwork Program is available as an upgrade. Depending on your finish selection, a batch-built 2-Level bike can be delivered to your Mosaic dealer within 2-3 weeks.

Let’s Build Your Dream Bike

Got questions? Your local Mosaic dealer is the best place to start, but we’re happy to help as well. Reach out to us at info@mosaiccycles.com or @mosaiccycles on Instagram, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Mosaic Team Rider Ben Frederick spent his winter racing World Cup cyclocross in Europe as part of his ProjectLeadLap campaign. But now it’s February, and while #CrossIsComing, there’s a lot of racing between now and then. Ben will be putting his Mosaic(s) to the test in a variety of U.S.-based gravel events.

Turns out, drop bars and knobby tires are about all these two disciplines have in common. We caught up with Ben to talk about how he tweaks his bike, training, race day strategy, and mindset for each discipline. 

First off, congrats on a great Euro CX campaign. You pulled off some impressive rides in tough conditions and kept up with your day job between races. How did it feel to put that behind you and come back to the States?

Ben: Thanks! It’s good to be back. Common sense would say a long break was in order, but man, I love riding bikes. The jet lag was brutal, so I was back on my MT-1 chasing sunrises pretty quick. I’m lucky to live in San Francisco, and January was the driest in recent memory—hard to stay off the bike in those conditions. It’s also been nice to get back in the office, have a fully stocked kitchen at home, and not have another “hardest race you’ve ever done” looming over me.

What’s on your agenda for Spring and Summer 2025?

Ben: It’s going to be a packed season, full of events and races in California, with a few further afield. My fiancée is a badass gravel racer, so I’ll be tagging along to some of her events and giving it my best shot. I’ve also got some MTB races on the calendar—closer to the CX effort and technical style that I love.

That said, I’ve already raced three times since my last CX race on January 5th. The first two rounds of the Grasshopper Adventure Series, plus a mountain bike XC race thrown in there. 

How are gravel races like the Grasshoppers different on your mind and body?

Ben: I’ll be the first to admit—I don’t love gravel racing. Riding off-road for a long time? No problem. The racing part? That’s the challenge. But that’s why we do it, right?

Mentally, a five-hour, single-loop race is a huge shift from an all-out, one-hour, 7–9 lap CX race. In CX, you’re dialing in every corner, nailing gearing, and tackling obstacles with precision. In gravel, it’s about being prepared for anything. Since my schedule doesn’t allow for pre-riding most gravel courses, I just have to make my best guess and send it.

Physically, it’s the opposite side of the power curve from CX. In a cross race, I can spend an hour at 185bpm, with over 30 minutes of that at 600+ watts. It’s all or nothing. Gravel racing requires a much deeper endurance base—being efficient at your “tempo” is key. I’ll add some longer rides and tempo efforts into training, but mostly, I’ll stick to my short and sharp CX-style training and just hang on for dear life during the races.

What about your bike? You’ve got a Mosaic hardtail, a proper GT-1 45 gravel bike, and of course, your XT-1 cyclocross bikes to choose from, and we see pros line up with all sorts of bikes given the circumstances. What was your setup and why?

Ben: Between the three bikes, I can cover just about every event I want. Leading up to a race, I’ll do most of my training on the bike I’ll compete on—even if that means logging road miles on my gravel or MTB. I also try to match my training routes to race conditions as much as possible.

• XT-1 (Cyclocross & Road): The XT-1 is my go-to for CX, road, and some smoother gravel races. In CX mode, it’s a 1x with tubular tires, no bottles. For road, I swap to a double chainring, 34mm tires, and a longer 110mm stem (from a 100mm). We optimized the geometry around 33mm tires for max snappiness, so while it can fit up to 42c tires, the handling changes enough that I prefer my GT-1 45 for that.

• GT-1 45 (Gravel): This is my primary summer off-road race bike. It has a longer wheelbase, more tire clearance, and a tubeset that adds comfort over long days in the saddle. It’s planted on high-speed gravel descents but still playful on singletrack. I run a 1x setup—usually a 46T or 48T chainring with a 10-52T cassette—and always 45mm tires. The longer top tube lets me get into a more aggressive, aero position compared to the XT-1.

• MT-1 (MTB & Technical Terrain): A lot of the riding around SF can be done on a drop-bar bike, but why underbike when you can rip on a hardtail? No surprise—I use this for MTB events. It’s built with a fairly neutral geo to be racy yet capable on modern technical courses. Since I burn a lot of road miles to reach trails, I run a 36T up front with a 10-52T cassette. A 120mm fork smooths out the chatter, and honestly, the bike gets smoother the faster you go. Tires are 2.4s—because more volume is always better.

What other gear or kit-related adjustments do you make for gravel racing?

Ben: The worst thing about gravel? No pit bike!

I’ll wear an aero helmet for free speed, but otherwise, it’s just about dressing for the weather—same as CX. The biggest difference is nutrition. I’m firmly in the MAX CARBZ PER HOUR camp, so I fill my bottles with science fluid and carry flasks of goop and syrup to keep the engine running hot. Oh, and flat repair essentials—because, again, no pit.

What about race-day routine? Prepping for an hour all-out effort seems pretty different from a four-hour dirt road race.

Ben: I’ve never set a 5:30 a.m. alarm for a CX race. But for an 8 or 9 a.m. gravel start? Gotta wake up early to get that last bit of fuel in.

Warm-ups are also way more relaxed for gravel. Usually 20–30 minutes to get the blood flowing and a quick 5-minute build to spike the heart rate. No need to waste precious energy—we’ll be riding for a long time.

How do you approach a race like the Grasshopper Huffmaster tactically? Was it different from how you’d approach a European World Cup CX race—or even a U.S. CX race?

Ben: This is like comparing apples to cucumbers.

In CX, I’m confident at the start line. At Huffmaster, early in the gravel season, I knew my fitness wasn’t quite tuned for that style of racing. My plan? Eat a lot, follow moves until the first climb, climb hard, descend harder, and see what happens.

And? How did it all play out?

Ben: A slight headwind kept our group of 60 together for the first 30 miles. Then, we hit the 10-minute climb, and the race exploded. My goal was to stay in touch, rally the descent (I have the sixth-fastest time on it), and link up with a group.

But a small rock on the tire bead had other plans. A slow leak left me limping to the feed zone to plug it, costing me 2:30 and taking me out of contention. I rode with my fiancée for a bit, chased groups where I could, and still gave it my best effort.

At the end of the day, riding bikes is a good day—especially on these bikes.