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Among the Eucalyptus Trees: A Shop Visit with Framework Designs

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Among the Eucalyptus Trees: A Shop Visit with Framework Designs

I’d only started dating my partner Sam for a matter of weeks before we left to cycle around the world together. Red flag? Romantic? Stupidly spontaneous? – I’ll let you decide. I’ll concede that a multi-year bike tour isn’t exactly a traditional way to start a relationship. But with precisely zero bike touring experience under my belt, cycling around the world with a stranger was ironically the least of my worries. I had to find a bike, learn how to ride it (yes, I’m serious) and figure out how the hell I was going to pack my life into two panniers and a basket bag.

To say I made some mistakes would be an understatement. I mean, who knew hair straighteners and a hardback copy of The Power of Now wouldn’t be suitable for a bike tour? That said, I also made some damn good decisions, not least my choice of basketbag: The Sight Seeker from Framework Designs. That bag has travelled halfway across the world with me, weathering everything from tropical monsoons in South East Asia to numbing snowstorms in Nepal. So when Sam and I returned to Melbourne three years later, I couldn’t wait to check in with Framework Designs Founder, Tia Evans on how the business was going, visit her home studio and, of course, share it all with you.

Castin’ Lines: Mountain Bikefishing in Victoria, Australia

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Castin’ Lines: Mountain Bikefishing in Victoria, Australia

‘Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride’ is one of those famous quotes by John F. Kennedy, famous perhaps for the wisdom that it carries, more than for the person who said it.

All those who have recreationally ridden a bicycle should know that Kennedy was right. However, the ex-president didn’t realize (and possibly neither many of us) that something that may be compared to and even surpasses that addictive pleasure is to combine pleasures.

A bicycle is a freedom machine that allows us to carry out different activities while simultaneously enjoying the bike itself. It is up to each one of us to choose those activities that generate the greatest pleasure. For example, in my case, a good bike packing trip combined with a fly fishing session does it for me. What in this world could compare to this pleasure overdose? A new adventure was being cooked.

The Melburn Roobaix is Happening in 2020… Sort Of

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The Melburn Roobaix is Happening in 2020… Sort Of

2020 has certainly put the damper on group ride events like the Melburn Roobaix, which takes people around the city of Melbourne via a network of pavé roads, visiting local eateries, breweries, and other local sights. The name of the game is dress-up! Since numbers are on the rise again in Victoria, the Melburn Roobaix organizers have opted to throw the event as solo-exploration while still offering up a deal for $10:

-2020 Melburn Roobaix Ticket. We’ve put together a GREATEST HITS of PAVE sectors from every year for you to create your own unique ride with your mates – whenever it suits you.
-2020 Spoke card.
-HALO – Emergency bike light holder from Towards Zero.
-Each ticket is also an entry into the Monthly PRIZE RAFFLE.
-2020 riders will be guaranteed entry for the 2021 Melburn Roobaix if they register in the first week.

Support grassroots events and pick up a ticket at Melburn Roobaix. Check out this article from the Age and our coverage from the 2014 Melburn Roobaix.

Mark from Prova Cycles’ Ripido Prototype MTB, aka the ParTi Hardtail

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Mark from Prova Cycles’ Ripido Prototype MTB, aka the ParTi Hardtail

During the ENVE Open House framebuilder exhibit, one builder traveled further than the others: Mark from Prova Cycles in Melbourne, Australia. I’d never seen a Prova in person. Instead, I’ve had to check out his work via the lens of FYXO and the Prova Instagram. Mark learned at the Bicycle Academy in the UK and has been really putting in work on his brand. Let me tell you. It shows.

2018 Handmade Bicycle Show Australia: Llewellyn Custom Bicycles Road

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2018 Handmade Bicycle Show Australia: Llewellyn Custom Bicycles Road

2018 Handmade Bicycle Show Australia
Photos by Andy White, words by John Watson

Darrell from Llewellyn‘s work was first introduced to me by Andy White of FYXO on one of my first trips to Australia, somewhere around 2010 or so. I had never heard of his work, much less had seen it in person, so at the time, I was completely blindsided by Darrell’s craftsmanship. If you were to ask me for US-based frame builders who share a similar craftsmanship, Chris Kvale, DiNucci and others come to mind but there is something different about a Llewellyn and it’s not easy to put a finger on it.

2018 Handmade Bicycle Show Australia: Bastion, BAUM, Bikes by Steve, Curve, Damu

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2018 Handmade Bicycle Show Australia: Bastion, BAUM, Bikes by Steve, Curve, Damu

2018 Handmade Bicycle Show Australia
Photos by Andy White, words by John Watson

One show that has been on my radar over the years is the Handmade Bicycle Show Australia. This year’s showcase was located in Melbourne, Australia, and featured a mix of makers and companies, who bring a selection of custom bicycles and components to display. Photographer and owner of FYXO, Andy White was at the show, documenting each of the maker’s bikes, under the spotlight, and on the stage at the event. We’ll have a few big galleries up over the next few days from each of the builders present at the show. Beginning with…

FYXO: Australian Madison Championships

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FYXO: Australian Madison Championships

Photos by Andy White

Madisons are one of the most exhilarating track races to watch. Recently, the Austral / Australian Madison Championships took place in Melbourne, prompting Andy from FYXO to venture out in the hot, hot, hot summer heat. Clearly the outside temperature wasn’t the only thing on fire that day. Those BT bikes!

See more at FYXO!

Busyman for Speedvagen

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Busyman for Speedvagen

Mick Peel is Melbourne, Australia’s saddle leather magic-worker. His work never ceases to amaze me and his latest project for Speedvagen landed atop a bike just in time for the Speedvagen Australia Fit Tour. Which bike? A Black Holla Text painted road with bright pink to white to mid blue gradation text. This tape, when wrapped around the bars, starts with pink highlights and finishes with blue.

I’m trying to scrounge up photos of the complete bike, but this one on the Speedvagen Instagram might suffice for now.