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RACE TO NAHBS! Naked Bicycles: Dave’s Bike “A Lug Story”

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The offices of BikeRumor are one place where the search term “sexy lugged bicycles” showing up in your browser history would not seem odd.

This is the work of another NAHBS! bound frame builder — Naked Bicycles of Quadra Island, BC. Naked was founded ten years ago by Sam Whittingham and he has been “building custom frames one by one with love, logic and elbow grease” ever since. Whittingham is very focused on bike fit, something that he feels sets Naked apart. Something sets Naked apart — at the 2008 NAHBS Naked was awarded the People’s Choice, President’s Choice, and Best of Show titles. In 2009 Naked received the People’s Choice Award once again.

This bike was made with lug-love for a dude named Dave. More photos of the process after the break.

Not so much like “miniature medieval knight hats” as the lugs on Ira Ryan Cycles’ Mr. T bike; more retro space age.

Naked Bicycles’ deal is that they don’t paint frames, ever. OK, that’s made up.

The company is called Naked, because, like a crack cocaine factory, everyone who works there is required to do so unclothed. Ya, also made up.

Some things are so beautiful that cameras cannot possibly focus on them. I feel this stem’s pain.

Naked isn’t just about the lugs. Check out Naked’s 16 lb, un-lugged, S & S bike on the NAHBS site.

The masking in and of itself is impressive.

“I have a definite style which I cannot help but bring to each and every bicycle, but I am greatly influenced by the needs and desires of each customer.”

Sam Whittingham, Naked Bicycles

“I love it when a bike comes together.”

– Hannibal from The A-Team (paraphrased)

I just feel an overwhelming urge to make Adam West Batman fight scene noises — KA-POW!

Want “more” info? Check out Naked’s website.

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zen
zen
13 years ago

Now _there’s_ some sexy lugs!

Gary Taylor
Gary Taylor
13 years ago

Shame about the FSA cranks.They don’t match the bike at all.

jonah
jonah
13 years ago

geometry looks terrible on this
it looks so tall, but with a really short wheel base
it looks like you would hit your foot if you turned your hand bars.
Lastly who ever put the group set together for that bike should be fired
Campy shifters, with shimano wheels and brakes, with FSA bars and crank( carbon crank WTF?), and a Thompson seat post.
Did you run out of part or forget to order stuff, none of this shit matches, get at least some hand build wheels bro.

djjazzynick
djjazzynick
13 years ago

Is that what you really think about when your riding?! …..”I wonder what other people think about my bike…oh dear, I hope they think my group set matches”

Gillis
Gillis
13 years ago

I gotta say the vibe of the bike is off a little. I generally agree about the parts, so I won’t go there. Except for that seatpost. Another custom on here in as many days with that ugly laid-back Thompson. That post doesn’t look good on any bike, but that’s my opinion. My main critique is with the extended headtube and stem. Pick one or the other, but not both. If that much rise it necessary, build the stem with an upward angle and without all the built-in spacer. Kinda confused about the lack of paint on the drop-outs too. I can get why you wouldn’t (paint chips there alot), But I think it would look better if they were, just looks unfinished to me.

Gillis
Gillis
13 years ago

Just so I don’t sound like a total grouch, I’ll add that the lug work is exquisite. The housing guides on the headtube are a nice old-school touch.

DANGERJONNY
DANGERJONNY
13 years ago

I think this guy needs to visit the velominat web site as have a look at the rules….what an ordinary spec for the components!
Shimano and Campy should never been seen on the same bike together…not even pedals. the wheels that have been specced on the bike i wouldn’t give them to my worst enemy, they aqre heavy pile of crap. on the other hand the build quality of the bike is flawless dont mind the contrast between the blue and black, but the overall vibe of the bike is disjointed, im just glad i havent just eaten lunch!

Generalcuz
13 years ago

Someone drank their Haterade. Nice bike.

Naked
Naked
13 years ago

The Shimano wheels aren’t the actual wheels for that bike. The customer already has his own. These were simply a stand-in to take a few photos. Part of doing a custom bike is that there is always a story behind all the choices. The geometry and style is dictated by the fit requirements and tastes of each individual. The point of a custom bike is that it fits the rider. If the positioning is right for the cyclist, then that’s all that matters. It would be simpler and in many ways cleaner to accomplish this position with a modern tig welded compact style but if somebody wants a classic look in an upright position, this is one way to achieve it.

Steven
Steven
13 years ago

Why all of the hate this bike is badass and your just jealous.

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