Each year for as many years as I can recall (going on close to 10 if I’m a counting man), I’ve brought an assortment of bicycles to the Philly Bike Expo. What I bring to the show typically highlights what I build: A hardtail mountain bike named the Marauder and a gravel road rig dubbed the Huntsman. I don’t believe in model years. Each successive version has been honed and reflects all the refinements built upon each other to attempt to create the perfect mountain bike or road bike. The past 3 years I’ve brought along an additional 3rd platform: The Snakedriver, which is a 140mm front / 120mm rear travel flex pivot full suspension platform. This last build really rounds out my offerings as a bike brand and custom builder. It also represents a significant investment in design, engineering and planning. I don’t know if many who see this bike fully appreciate the sheer mountain of dedication its taken to bring it to this point (maybe I make it look easy which is a habit maybe I need to stop). A long term goal has been to produce a stock Marauder hardtail mountain bike as well as offering a stock Snakedriver FS. It seems as time has progressed, interest from vendors and builders waxes and wanes, which with any event is typical and to be expected. The show, however, is always a delight, the crowd is always enthusiastic and Philadelphia always delivers a great experience. I don’t know if its me or if its been slow process of erosion but media coverage appears to be lacking in recent years as that other show over there on the other coast has sucked off many participants. Then again, if I’m to lend my honest opinion on the matter, media coverage for the East Coast has always been wanting despite the fact that the East Coast is a behemoth when it comes to buying power within the cycling community, is steeped in tradition and history but by and large is widely ignored and near absolutely neglected by both media and the industry at large. (However, that’s a topic for a different lesson not covered under todays class.) This year did seem a tad different on the media front. There seemed to be no shortage of cameras but the buzz that typically surrounded the show appeared to be wanting. Perhaps what I bring isn’t of interest or was entirely missed. Regardless, a theme of my life thus far, and this being no exception, has been to forge my own path and to literally have to do others work for them. So in that spirit, since not many photographs were taken of my work presented at the show by outlets, I know there’s a lot of you out there that were not able to come to the show. Without further delay, I’ve taken the time to photograph all the builds I had at the show and I’ve put together a brief summary of all the builds for you below. So on to the good stuff!
First up is the Marauder. This is my thoroughly trail tested hardtail mountain bike. Over the years, this has progressively gotten, well… more progressive! The current iteration is 66° HT angle, 73° actual/75° Effective ST angle, a 17.125″ CS length and 2.5″ of BB drop. There’s a few more numbers but those are the big ones you should know. Internal dropper routing, refined DT cable routing, can be built as a singlespeed or with gears (including T-Type), room for 2 water bottles, big tires and with the use external water bottle mounts, a 200mm dropper fits with ease on this build which is based on the stock large with a few minor tweaks. So what you’re looking at and reading is identical to what the stock Marauder offering will look like, except in steel. For those of you wondering and were not at the show, the stock Marauder will be all steel, tubing selection will be dependent on availability (so think Reynolds 853, Tange or Velospec or a combination of all 3 – tariffs not withstanding). Pricing is looking to be in the $2850 range (again, tariffs not withstanding…). All of the design work is wrapped up, all testing is wrapped up, and all sizing is finished. The last step simply is to build a prototype to be sent out to be ISO tested. A late 2025 launch is expected barring any setbacks. There you have it!
Next up is a build that was actually featured in Industry 9’s booth. This is the all steel version of the Snakedriver. The rear swing arm is a refinement over the previous version but there’s still a few small tweaks that I’m currently working on and did not want to rush to have it at the show. So what you’re looking at is not the final version which you will be able to purchase. The seat stay tips has been redesigned for easier assembly. The lower shock mount has been revised for ease of manufacturing. The rocker needed a subtle revision to make it more widely compatible with air shocks. I’m still working through iterations of the brake mount for ease of adjustment, aesthetics and ease of welding. And the main pivot cluster is going through some design revisions as the current version is a little time consumer to miter actually as the repeatability of that DT bend is just not there where I want it to be. Believe it or not, because of the volume of design time and thought that has gone into this platform, its actually the fastest bike I manufacture. It literally goes together quite quickly! Important data points are 140mm or front travel, 120mm of rear travel via a flex pivot, 25mm of BB drop, 65° HT angle, 76° ST angle, 440mm CS Length, ISCG 05 mount, under top tube accessory mount and all models from Small to X-large fit a large water bottle. Oh, and external cable routing throughout in addition to having a UDH. I’ve pounded this prototype and the Ti/Steel version for the past 2 seasons and thoroughly neglected them. Come maintenance intervals the bearings are still rolling smooth and its quite easy to work on too. I’m quite happy with how this bike has been performing and there’s prototypes slated to go out to two select riders for further testing and feedback. It appears a public offering is coming late 2025 or some time in 2026 as I need to have a prototype ISO tested once all revisions are complete. Expect the all steel version to be frame only priced around the $5000 range without shock. All size runs and geometry specs are finished and locked in. Powder options are also chosen and I’m going to be offering a custom powder option “the sky is the limit” upcharge for those who want something special. This will be frame only and I’ll include two stock parts kits as recommendations that you can source yourself or work with me as a semi-custom option where I work with you to choose and build up the frame to your hearts desire. That’s enough ink spilled for this build. On to the photos!
This next build is the tried and true Huntsman. Possibly the most neglected bike at the past 3 shows! For every 50 conversations I have about the Snakedriver… I may have one for the Huntsman. That’s not to say there’s not a lot of bike packed into this build. A classic 70° HT angle, and 73° ST angle, 2.75″ of BB drop and 430mm CS length, all of my Huntsman’s can be built up as a 1x or 2x. This particular Ti build has internal rear brake routing, fits two water bottles and uses a Ratio Technology hop up kit to convert a Sram Force 22 11 speed shifter to 12 speed which opens up the ability to use one of Sram’s mountain rear derailleurs and big block cassettes (in this case… its a Garbaruk 10-45t cassette). It’s bead blasted with brushed logos for a real sharp classy understated look. This one fits up to 45mm tires but if the client desires larger, I can make more room! Here’s what that build looks like…
Last but definitely NOT least is the Ti front triangle custom option of the Snakedriver. This option will NOT be a stock option. I’ve decided that the Ti front triangle will be a custom only option. So if you’re looking to purchase a Snakedriver, but want that Ti front triangle option, you’ll have to get in line on my custom list. The good news is this *might have custom sizing options. I have to see how this all plays out honestly after a few initial runs of the all steel stock Snakedriver so don’t hold me to this just yet. But because of the expense and added time, I’m going to treat this like a custom client option. So you’ll get that exclusive custom bike experience too. Pricing is going to be in the $6000 range for this option. With tariffs on all materials coming out of Canada for the foreseeable future, and my main supplier being in Ontario (Titanium Joe), this will effect all custom Ti out of the shop. This option will not launch with the all steel version but will come as a later release. I have to see how this whole tariff business shakes out. As of today (March 11, 2025) its not looking all that good honestly. But time will tell and its a wait and see sort of thing if you can call it that. Geometry is set on this custom option however, so reference the all steel data points up above. What I can say is this version rides decidedly different. It weighs in at around 30 lbs vs the all steel version being in the 32 lb. range. So a bit of weight savings and that is reflected in how the bike handles out on the trail. Its got a bit more “pop” and a different vibe. Sorta has the best of both worlds as far as titanium being on the buttery smooth side but steel being in the snappy resilient side of ride characteristics. This is basically a size stock large. Its fast (or its as fast as I can pedal the darn thing!). It loves to be bunny hopped. Extremely fun. And you can absolutely push into and dig deep through turns. Did I mention it absolutely stomps downhills? Or it stomps them as hard as I can stomp them!
One HUGE takeaway from the show? Actually, scrap that: TWO HUGE TAKEAWAYS from the show? Regarding metal and carbon bikes, there was such a repetitive theme I could not help but notice this past weekend: 100% of cyclists/potential clients who were in my booth space when speaking about carbon all stated a myriad of reasons why they hated it and were looking to switch over to a metal bike. Also of note: 100% of all cyclists in my booth also stated they disliked, did not want, nor did they ask for electronic shifting. I realize this is a small slice of the cycling community who were at the show but it was made abundantly clear what people were asking for and that they were at the show attempting to locate: Metal mechanical bicycles. So take note bicycle industry… No one I spoke to cares for carbon and no one asked for electronic shifting.
But a big thank you to all that attended the show, took the time to swing by my booth and chat bikes. All are always welcome and I always try to address everyones questions no matter how many times I’ve heard the same question. I simply love talking about bikes. One conversation that stood out was with a fellow builder, Johnny Coast. We were chatting about TIG welding and I was offering up a few small tips but the conversation drifted into knowledge sharing. My take on sharing knowledge is I have no secrets. A lot of what I do is practice, time and repetition. I stand on the shoulders of all the educators who showed me the way, and when I first attempted to step into the cycling industry in the late 90’s, I was met with closed doors and a laundry list of “NO’s” and full on, without skipping a beat, laughter straight to my face. Those who did share and open up their time and spaces, I feel an obligation to give back to the community to honor those few who gave me knowledge so freely; Ted Wojcik above all. Reflecting on all this, I recalled a letter that Frank Sinatra penned to George Michael about being a reluctant pop star. The long and short of it is, Frank is explaining to Michael to quit complaining and be grateful to carry the baggage thats associated with those who’ve “made it” and the “burden” of that success they’ve have had to carry. There’s a long line of youngsters who would do in their own grandma just to have a crack at what he’s doing. To quote the good part: “Talent must not be wasted. Those who have it… must hug it, embrace it, nurture it and share it lest it be taken away from you as fast as it was loaned to you.”
That last part made me think about something the past two years I’d get in a huff about: Attending shows. I won’t lie. It’s A LOT of work. There’s little reward. It’s a lot of travel for a short period of show time. But once I’m there, and I meet my fellow builders, get the booth set up and start talking to you, the community? Man, I always come away absolutely PUMPED and excited. Your excitement is where its at and it very much reminds me of just how much I love what I do. So my renewed promise to all of you? No matter how much work it is or how many hours spent behind the wheel, it’s my responsibility to bring the bikes to the people, to you for all to enjoy. The world is vast. Things are turned upside down. But events like the Philly Bike Expo makes the world that much smaller, that much sweeter and I know a lot of you would give your right arm to do what I’m doing just for one week or one day. So as long as I can, I’ll continue to attend the show in Philly for as long as they’ll have me so I can bring the bike stoke for all to enjoy and I’ll keep sharing what I know with all of you so we can collectively build to a higher standard. That’s a promise worth keeping.
Philly Bike Expo 2025
Each year for as many years as I can recall (going on close to 10 if I’m a counting man), I’ve brought an assortment of bicycles to the Philly Bike Expo. What I bring to the show typically highlights what I build: A hardtail mountain bike named the Marauder and a gravel road rig dubbed the Huntsman. I don’t believe in model years. Each successive version has been honed and reflects all the refinements built upon each other to attempt to create the perfect mountain bike or road bike. The past 3 years I’ve brought along an additional 3rd platform: The Snakedriver, which is a 140mm front / 120mm rear travel flex pivot full suspension platform. This last build really rounds out my offerings as a bike brand and custom builder. It also represents a significant investment in design, engineering and planning. I don’t know if many who see this bike fully appreciate the sheer mountain of dedication its taken to bring it to this point (maybe I make it look easy which is a habit maybe I need to stop). A long term goal has been to produce a stock Marauder hardtail mountain bike as well as offering a stock Snakedriver FS. It seems as time has progressed, interest from vendors and builders waxes and wanes, which with any event is typical and to be expected. The show, however, is always a delight, the crowd is always enthusiastic and Philadelphia always delivers a great experience. I don’t know if its me or if its been slow process of erosion but media coverage appears to be lacking in recent years as that other show over there on the other coast has sucked off many participants. Then again, if I’m to lend my honest opinion on the matter, media coverage for the East Coast has always been wanting despite the fact that the East Coast is a behemoth when it comes to buying power within the cycling community, is steeped in tradition and history but by and large is widely ignored and near absolutely neglected by both media and the industry at large. (However, that’s a topic for a different lesson not covered under todays class.) This year did seem a tad different on the media front. There seemed to be no shortage of cameras but the buzz that typically surrounded the show appeared to be wanting. Perhaps what I bring isn’t of interest or was entirely missed. Regardless, a theme of my life thus far, and this being no exception, has been to forge my own path and to literally have to do others work for them. So in that spirit, since not many photographs were taken of my work presented at the show by outlets, I know there’s a lot of you out there that were not able to come to the show. Without further delay, I’ve taken the time to photograph all the builds I had at the show and I’ve put together a brief summary of all the builds for you below. So on to the good stuff!
First up is the Marauder. This is my thoroughly trail tested hardtail mountain bike. Over the years, this has progressively gotten, well… more progressive! The current iteration is 66° HT angle, 73° actual/75° Effective ST angle, a 17.125″ CS length and 2.5″ of BB drop. There’s a few more numbers but those are the big ones you should know. Internal dropper routing, refined DT cable routing, can be built as a singlespeed or with gears (including T-Type), room for 2 water bottles, big tires and with the use external water bottle mounts, a 200mm dropper fits with ease on this build which is based on the stock large with a few minor tweaks. So what you’re looking at and reading is identical to what the stock Marauder offering will look like, except in steel. For those of you wondering and were not at the show, the stock Marauder will be all steel, tubing selection will be dependent on availability (so think Reynolds 853, Tange or Velospec or a combination of all 3 – tariffs not withstanding). Pricing is looking to be in the $2850 range (again, tariffs not withstanding…). All of the design work is wrapped up, all testing is wrapped up, and all sizing is finished. The last step simply is to build a prototype to be sent out to be ISO tested. A late 2025 launch is expected barring any setbacks. There you have it!
Next up is a build that was actually featured in Industry 9’s booth. This is the all steel version of the Snakedriver. The rear swing arm is a refinement over the previous version but there’s still a few small tweaks that I’m currently working on and did not want to rush to have it at the show. So what you’re looking at is not the final version which you will be able to purchase. The seat stay tips has been redesigned for easier assembly. The lower shock mount has been revised for ease of manufacturing. The rocker needed a subtle revision to make it more widely compatible with air shocks. I’m still working through iterations of the brake mount for ease of adjustment, aesthetics and ease of welding. And the main pivot cluster is going through some design revisions as the current version is a little time consumer to miter actually as the repeatability of that DT bend is just not there where I want it to be. Believe it or not, because of the volume of design time and thought that has gone into this platform, its actually the fastest bike I manufacture. It literally goes together quite quickly! Important data points are 140mm or front travel, 120mm of rear travel via a flex pivot, 25mm of BB drop, 65° HT angle, 76° ST angle, 440mm CS Length, ISCG 05 mount, under top tube accessory mount and all models from Small to X-large fit a large water bottle. Oh, and external cable routing throughout in addition to having a UDH. I’ve pounded this prototype and the Ti/Steel version for the past 2 seasons and thoroughly neglected them. Come maintenance intervals the bearings are still rolling smooth and its quite easy to work on too. I’m quite happy with how this bike has been performing and there’s prototypes slated to go out to two select riders for further testing and feedback. It appears a public offering is coming late 2025 or some time in 2026 as I need to have a prototype ISO tested once all revisions are complete. Expect the all steel version to be frame only priced around the $5000 range without shock. All size runs and geometry specs are finished and locked in. Powder options are also chosen and I’m going to be offering a custom powder option “the sky is the limit” upcharge for those who want something special. This will be frame only and I’ll include two stock parts kits as recommendations that you can source yourself or work with me as a semi-custom option where I work with you to choose and build up the frame to your hearts desire. That’s enough ink spilled for this build. On to the photos!
This next build is the tried and true Huntsman. Possibly the most neglected bike at the past 3 shows! For every 50 conversations I have about the Snakedriver… I may have one for the Huntsman. That’s not to say there’s not a lot of bike packed into this build. A classic 70° HT angle, and 73° ST angle, 2.75″ of BB drop and 430mm CS length, all of my Huntsman’s can be built up as a 1x or 2x. This particular Ti build has internal rear brake routing, fits two water bottles and uses a Ratio Technology hop up kit to convert a Sram Force 22 11 speed shifter to 12 speed which opens up the ability to use one of Sram’s mountain rear derailleurs and big block cassettes (in this case… its a Garbaruk 10-45t cassette). It’s bead blasted with brushed logos for a real sharp classy understated look. This one fits up to 45mm tires but if the client desires larger, I can make more room! Here’s what that build looks like…
Last but definitely NOT least is the Ti front triangle custom option of the Snakedriver. This option will NOT be a stock option. I’ve decided that the Ti front triangle will be a custom only option. So if you’re looking to purchase a Snakedriver, but want that Ti front triangle option, you’ll have to get in line on my custom list. The good news is this *might have custom sizing options. I have to see how this all plays out honestly after a few initial runs of the all steel stock Snakedriver so don’t hold me to this just yet. But because of the expense and added time, I’m going to treat this like a custom client option. So you’ll get that exclusive custom bike experience too. Pricing is going to be in the $6000 range for this option. With tariffs on all materials coming out of Canada for the foreseeable future, and my main supplier being in Ontario (Titanium Joe), this will effect all custom Ti out of the shop. This option will not launch with the all steel version but will come as a later release. I have to see how this whole tariff business shakes out. As of today (March 11, 2025) its not looking all that good honestly. But time will tell and its a wait and see sort of thing if you can call it that. Geometry is set on this custom option however, so reference the all steel data points up above. What I can say is this version rides decidedly different. It weighs in at around 30 lbs vs the all steel version being in the 32 lb. range. So a bit of weight savings and that is reflected in how the bike handles out on the trail. Its got a bit more “pop” and a different vibe. Sorta has the best of both worlds as far as titanium being on the buttery smooth side but steel being in the snappy resilient side of ride characteristics. This is basically a size stock large. Its fast (or its as fast as I can pedal the darn thing!). It loves to be bunny hopped. Extremely fun. And you can absolutely push into and dig deep through turns. Did I mention it absolutely stomps downhills? Or it stomps them as hard as I can stomp them!
One HUGE takeaway from the show? Actually, scrap that: TWO HUGE TAKEAWAYS from the show? Regarding metal and carbon bikes, there was such a repetitive theme I could not help but notice this past weekend: 100% of cyclists/potential clients who were in my booth space when speaking about carbon all stated a myriad of reasons why they hated it and were looking to switch over to a metal bike. Also of note: 100% of all cyclists in my booth also stated they disliked, did not want, nor did they ask for electronic shifting. I realize this is a small slice of the cycling community who were at the show but it was made abundantly clear what people were asking for and that they were at the show attempting to locate: Metal mechanical bicycles. So take note bicycle industry… No one I spoke to cares for carbon and no one asked for electronic shifting.
But a big thank you to all that attended the show, took the time to swing by my booth and chat bikes. All are always welcome and I always try to address everyones questions no matter how many times I’ve heard the same question. I simply love talking about bikes. One conversation that stood out was with a fellow builder, Johnny Coast. We were chatting about TIG welding and I was offering up a few small tips but the conversation drifted into knowledge sharing. My take on sharing knowledge is I have no secrets. A lot of what I do is practice, time and repetition. I stand on the shoulders of all the educators who showed me the way, and when I first attempted to step into the cycling industry in the late 90’s, I was met with closed doors and a laundry list of “NO’s” and full on, without skipping a beat, laughter straight to my face. Those who did share and open up their time and spaces, I feel an obligation to give back to the community to honor those few who gave me knowledge so freely; Ted Wojcik above all. Reflecting on all this, I recalled a letter that Frank Sinatra penned to George Michael about being a reluctant pop star. The long and short of it is, Frank is explaining to Michael to quit complaining and be grateful to carry the baggage thats associated with those who’ve “made it” and the “burden” of that success they’ve have had to carry. There’s a long line of youngsters who would do in their own grandma just to have a crack at what he’s doing. To quote the good part: “Talent must not be wasted. Those who have it… must hug it, embrace it, nurture it and share it lest it be taken away from you as fast as it was loaned to you.”
That last part made me think about something the past two years I’d get in a huff about: Attending shows. I won’t lie. It’s A LOT of work. There’s little reward. It’s a lot of travel for a short period of show time. But once I’m there, and I meet my fellow builders, get the booth set up and start talking to you, the community? Man, I always come away absolutely PUMPED and excited. Your excitement is where its at and it very much reminds me of just how much I love what I do. So my renewed promise to all of you? No matter how much work it is or how many hours spent behind the wheel, it’s my responsibility to bring the bikes to the people, to you for all to enjoy. The world is vast. Things are turned upside down. But events like the Philly Bike Expo makes the world that much smaller, that much sweeter and I know a lot of you would give your right arm to do what I’m doing just for one week or one day. So as long as I can, I’ll continue to attend the show in Philly for as long as they’ll have me so I can bring the bike stoke for all to enjoy and I’ll keep sharing what I know with all of you so we can collectively build to a higher standard. That’s a promise worth keeping.