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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.

If you were to gaze into the smoldering maw of an active volcano, it would look a lot like Jack’s GT-1 i45 in our latest Artist Series #6 colorway: Lava. With a metallic base coat of fiery orange and golden yellows accented by randomly applied Scale patterns of smoky grey and black, this bike is almost too hot to touch.

Introduced in 2024, Scale is already one of our most popular finishes and has been showcased on Brennan Wertz’s Gravel National Championships winning GT-1 iAR and the GT-1 i45 he raced at Gravel World Championships.

The Scale artwork was designed, prototyped and painted by Mosaic founder Aaron Barcheck using a randomized, stamped paint technique requiring over 20 hours of painting and sanding. No two are exactly alike.

With Scale, varying the base color can create a dramatically different effect. Jack’s infernal GT-1 i45 is undeniably eye-catching, but the same Artist Series finish in NightShade with  a black base and subtle tonal silver, blue and purple accents results in a very different look and feel.

We’re up to eight standard Scale base colors and of course, there’s the option to work with the Mosaic design team to come up with your own colorway, as Jack did for his Scale Lava GT-1.

Scale is available now by request on any new Mosaic, or as a repaint on an existing Mosaic. Contact your Mosaic dealer for more information.