I find this whimsicality refreshing, unpretentious and honest in a way that bicycle builders seldom are. For as long as I've been into bikes, I've been bombarded with hyperbole from bike makers from the small, custom makers, to the mass producers touting their unparalleled technology, craftsmanship, how much faster you will be if you buy their product etc., 99% of it all pretty much utter bullshit. You know what I mean, I think. These "unparalleled" bikes are almost invariably just minor tweaks of tubesets and component specs that are essentially the same thing trotted out and hyped by hundreds of other bike makers.
This lugset is the basis for a frame that refuses to play the game. One that honestly tries to bring a smile to the face of the person beholding it rather than snow them. No one will believe that a frame with faces in the lugs will make them a faster rider or that its prime attribute is some "magic" geometry that has somehow against all logic remained secret and unknown to all the other builders. It's opted out of the hype game completely.
As a visual artist, I have no problem admitting I consider aesthetics a major, if not THE major factor I personally consider when judging a bike. If the geometry, craftsmanship and parts spec are reasonably in tune with my sensibilities, fine. If it has all these and doesn't appeal to my personal aesthetic sensibility, then I'll feel no affinity for it. Shallow? Perhaps, I don't care. I want a bike that draws my eye and holds it. A bike with both an overall charm and lots of tasty details to discover. Looks matter, and matter a lot. I love bikes, such as this one seems destined to become, that don't pretend otherwise.
Kurt Sperry
Bellingham WA