All Work and All Play: Oregon Bicycle Builders

Photo by PDXCross

From the Travel Oregon blog:

We live in a DIY culture, and Oregon is at the forefront—this is no more evident than with the bicycle. It’s no secret that this state’s got a prevalent biking community (Portland’s reputation alone puts us on the international map), so it should come as no surprise that Oregon has generated its fair share of handmade-bike builders, some who’ve been around since long before building bike frames was en vogue. Peppered around the state are builders, designers, even a school dedicated to the art of bikes. Proving, once again, that Oregon runs on two wheels.

Dinucci Cycles

Some say that Mark Dinucci is the OG when it comes to frame building. Based in Central Oregon, Dinucci built his first frame in the 1971 but recently re-emerged on the scene this past February when he won “Best Lugged Bicycle” at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. Dinucci’s vast experience not only as a fabricator for companies such as Specialized Bicycles, but also as a former bicycle racer, makes him an expert and gives him a distinction all his own.

Pereira Cycles

Handmade bikes are so popular here we even have our own show celebrating our feat: Oregon Manifest. Last October, Tony Pereira of Pereira Cycles in Portland took home an award for his well-crafted machine that gracefully walks the line between form and function. Tony is an expert builder because he’s an expert rider. As a team member and bike builder for Rapha Continental, he rides through Oregon’s most picturesque mountains and valleys.

Keith Anderson Cycles

While also building bicycles that bear his name on the tubes, Keith Anderson is well know throughout the bike world for his vivid paint jobs. Perhaps it’s his home base in Southern Oregon’s Grants Pass that provides the inspiration for his bold colors and distinctive designs. A looming physical figure and boisterous personality—not to mention a resume that boasts bicycles from all over the country—make Anderson a sought-after personality in the world of handmade bikes.

Jeremy Dunn came to Oregon from Boston for greener pastures and better bike paths. He spends his days not only riding bicycles, but writing about them as well. A few years ago he created Embrocation Cycling Journal about the artsy side of bike racing culture and now works for UK-based Rapha Performance Roadwear at their North American HQ in Portland.