Bici Frances

I’ve been working with Joshua Muir, a Santa Cruz-based framebuilder who goes by the nom, Frances Cycles. I had the opportunity to work with him via an email introduction from Joshua Thayer (you may know him as Joshua of California).

I jumped at the chance, if nothing more than to work with a framebuilder on their site (since many are frankly, not that good) and do some good work. A lot of the site came together frankly because the photography well for Frances was deep — both Joshua’s have a rich library of stuff to pick through. The yellow mixte that’s prominently featured on the homepage set the tone.

Initially slated for launch at NAHBS, it’s obviously late — but Muir was busy with NAHBS and some technical difficulties kept the launch delayed but I’m so very, very happy to see this one go live.

Muir builds in the utilitarian style but with distinct details and unique touches. He’s one of those framebuilders who will suggest what might be right for you. In full disclosure, I’m working with him on a custom and I’m pretty excited — it’s the first time I’ve been able to venture down the full-custom path and I’ve learnt enough to know that I leave a lot of the major decisions to the builder. I provide what I’d like to see but want the builder to perform his craft.

Enough said. Introducing Frances Cycles. He’s taking orders and his prices are very affordable, and wait list is short. Who could ask for more?