Travis T, in collaboration with Cameron Falconer, embarked on a unique journey to create a single-speed mountain bike that is nothing short of a gem. Inspired by vintage klunkers and Pro-Cruisers, this custom build is a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and a love for cycling history, all while showcasing top-tier components and modern shred-worthy performance. The vision was clear: to blend the best of historic mountain bikes into a single frame, loaded with PAUL Component parts, and designed for serious riding.
Cameron Falconer, renowned for his frames that prioritize ride quality above all else, was the perfect partner for this endeavor. Falconer’s meticulous approach to frame geometry and his dedication to creating bikes that feel intuitive and natural are well-known in the cycling community. While his frames are celebrated for their performance and durability, aesthetics often take a backseat to function. Travis, however, challenged Falconer to create a bike that not only rode exceptionally but also possessed a distinct visual appeal, a true “diamond” in terms of both performance and looks.
Falconer dedicated himself to the project, hand-fabricating the dropouts and meticulously bending the looptail and fork legs. He ingeniously integrated internal cable routing through the downtube, ensuring a clean look and eliminating cable rattle. True to his reputation, Falconer obsessed over the geometry, tailoring it precisely to Travis’s measurements and riding style. The raw frame, with its disc tabs and threaded dropouts, subtly hinted at its modern capabilities beneath a classic cruiser aesthetic.
For Travis, who had spent years building custom bikes for others under time constraints, this project was an opportunity to savor every detail. He relished the chance to carefully consider each aspect of the build, transforming it into something truly special and personal. This wasn’t just about assembling parts; it was about creating a cohesive, high-performance machine that reflected a deep appreciation for cycling heritage.
The visual brilliance of this “diamond bike” was further enhanced through a collaboration with RJ Rabe, who provided logos and artwork files from his Falconer T-shirt design. These designs were used to create masks for the logos and headtube badge, setting the stage for a custom paint job. Travis then sought out the legendary Russ Pickett, known for his vibrant airbrush work on Mountain Goats bikes. After much persuasion, Pickett, a Chico local icon, agreed to paint the frame, infusing it with a distinct “Chico vibe.” Travis gave Pickett creative freedom, suggesting only lightning bolts as a starting point, trusting the artist to bring his vision to life.
Simultaneously, Travis focused on the components, amassing a collection of PAUL Component parts. These components were mirror polished and anodized gold locally in Chico, ensuring that even the finishing touches were handled with meticulous care and local craftsmanship. From raw aluminum to gleaming, ride-ready components, the transformation was entirely within Chico, adding another layer of local pride to the build.
Travis’s commitment to quality extended beyond PAUL Components. He prioritized USA-made parts wherever possible, selecting a Phil bottom bracket, White Industries freewheel and headset, Velocity rims, and Wheelsmith spokes and nipples. The few parts sourced from overseas—grips, tires, rotors, saddle, handlebars, and pedals—were chosen with the same dedication to performance and durability. Notably absent were any SRAM or Shimano components, underscoring the dedication to a unique and carefully curated parts list.
The assembly process of this “diamond bike” was seamless, a testament to the precision and compatibility of the chosen parts. Falconer even crafted a custom “Hite-Rong™” seatpost from PAUL parts and a titanium spring, adding another bespoke element to the build. The bike’s true brilliance shone during its inaugural ride in Chico’s Upper Park. Travis was immediately impressed by its agility and natural handling. Realizing the bike’s exceptional qualities, he made sure to capture its pristine condition before it faced the rigors of Chico’s challenging trails.
This Krusty Diamond, as it was affectionately named, is more than just a bike; it’s a symbol of collaboration, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the roots of mountain biking. It embodies the spirit of a true California Mountain Bike, built with passion and an unwavering commitment to quality and performance.
Travis T’s Krusty Diamond stands as a shining example of what happens when vision, skill, and passion converge in the world of custom bike building. It’s a rideable piece of art, ready to shred trails while embodying the golden era of mountain biking.
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