Travis T, a passionate cyclist with a penchant for vintage mountain bikes, collaborated with Cameron Falconer of Falconer Cycles to create a unique, custom single-speed mountain bike. Inspired by the iconic klunkers and early mountain bikes, this project, dubbed the “Krusty Diamond,” is a testament to blending historical aesthetics with modern performance.
The journey began at Cameron Falconer’s workshop, surrounded by classic bikes. Travis, fueled by nostalgia and a desire for a personalized ride, envisioned a single-speed mountain bike frame that captured the essence of old-school klunkers. He specifically requested a fork reminiscent of the Pro-Cruiser, the first production mountain bike, complete with a distinctive loop tail. This wasn’t just about looks; Travis wanted a bike that embodied his favorite aspects of historic mountain bikes, all rolled into one frame tailored to his specifications.
Functionality was paramount. Travis aimed to showcase as many components from PAUL Component Engineering as possible and feature their innovative Set-N-Forget thru-axle skewers. Crucially, this bike wasn’t destined to be a showpiece. It was built to be ridden hard. Shred-worthiness was key, demanding modern geometry and robust construction, free from any weaknesses or tolerance issues.
Cameron Falconer, renowned for crafting frames that prioritize ride quality above all else, was the ideal partner. His meticulous attention to detail, obsessing over minute adjustments in geometry to achieve optimal bike handling, is legendary. Falconer’s bikes are built for riders, emphasizing practicality and durability over mere visual appeal. While some might find their aesthetic understated, true cyclists appreciate the subtle innovation and purposeful design that stand the test of time and rigorous use.
Travis managed to convince Cameron, who typically prioritizes performance over aesthetics, to build a bike that not only rode exceptionally well but also looked visually striking. Falconer dedicated significant time to the project, hand-fabricating the dropouts from scratch and custom-bending the looptail and fork legs. He ingeniously integrated internal rear brake cable routing through the downtube, ensuring a clean look and eliminating cable rattle. Geometry and fit were meticulously tailored to Travis’s unique physique. The raw frame, at first glance, evoked the image of a vintage cruiser, but closer inspection revealed modern features like disc tabs and threaded dropouts, hinting at its performance capabilities.
Having spent years building custom bikes for clients under time constraints, Travis relished the opportunity to meticulously consider every detail of this personal project. He embraced the luxury of time, allowing for thoughtful decisions and ensuring every aspect was truly special.
To further enhance the bike’s unique identity, Travis reached out to RJ Rabe, the artist behind Falconer’s distinctive T-shirt designs. He obtained the artwork files for the logos and headtube badge, commissioning masks for a custom paint job. For the paintwork, Travis sought out Russ Pickett, a local legend known for his vibrant airbrush artistry on vintage Mountain Goat bikes. Aiming to infuse the bike with a strong Chico vibe, Travis persuaded Russ, after much persistence and local name-dropping, to come out of retirement for this special project. Travis provided a basic concept of lightning bolts, but gave Russ artistic freedom to execute his vision.
Concurrently, Travis began accumulating parts from PAUL Component Engineering. He had them mirror polished by Ted in Chico and then anodized gold, also locally. These high-quality components, transforming from raw aluminum to finished, ride-ready parts, all within Chico, underscored the local craftsmanship of the build.
Travis prioritized sourcing USA-made components whenever possible, including a Phil Wood bottom bracket, White Industries freewheel and headset, Velocity rims, and Wheelsmith spokes and nipples. The only parts sourced from overseas were grips, tires, rotors, saddle, handlebars, and pedals. Notably absent were any SRAM or Shimano components, highlighting the commitment to boutique and US-made parts.
The bike assembly process was remarkably smooth, with all components fitting together seamlessly. A custom “Hite-Rong™” seatpost, fabricated by Falconer using PAUL parts and a custom titanium spring, provided the finishing touch. The inaugural ride in Chico’s Upper Park left Travis impressed by the bike’s agility and natural handling. Realizing the bike deserved to be documented in its pristine condition before facing the rigors of Chico’s challenging trails, Travis made sure to capture these photos. He knew the bike wouldn’t stay clean for long, anticipating the inevitable dirt, scratches, and wear from aggressive riding.
This “Krusty Diamond” single-speed mountain bike stands as a testament to collaborative craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for cycling history, creating a truly unique California mountain bike.
Follow Travis T. on Instagram, Paul Component Engineering on Instagram, and Falconer Cycles on Instagram.
