Check out the Bilenky '05 Eco Travel Tour special $1,795 Travel Package; $1095 bike only
About Bilenky, People - Products - Philosophy:
Stephen Bilenky, John Weller, Simon Firth and Montana Norvell
Bilenky Cycle Works is small enough to give you individual attention, but big enough to serve you well- Our dedicated team of framebuilders (with almost 100 years combined experience in the bicycle industry) and their varied perspectives provide a refreshing outlook on every project- not the narrow vision of a solitary overworked framebuilder, not the corporate view of a biggie...Steve Bilenky began his lifetime career at age 12 as a mechanic in a bike shop and the rest is history, David Luddy and Andy Dyson prior to this, operated their own framebuilding shop, Buglebrand. Andy and Simon Firth both hail from Britain, where cycling is culturally ingrained and small companies making pro bikes for individuals is the way things are. Big John Weller has been building human-powered vehicles with one, two, three, and four wheels since he was old enough to hold a wrench. Bilenky Cycle Works has always been innovative and forward looking- in 1983 we introduced the Metro 5, an upright bar commuting bike (with 5 speed hub) that presaged the internal gearing craze by over 10 years! We built our first fillet-brazed tandem in 1984 as well as our definitive loaded touring bike, the Midlands. We're S and S experts having worked with the couplings since their arrival on the scene in 1994 and we were first to use them on a tandem. Bring your retrofits to us with confidence- we know and love the Paramounts, Peugeots, and Pogliaghis of the '60's and '70's and we'll turn that old retired workhorse into an exciting travel bike. (N.B. Peugeots have metric tubing so they can't be retrofitted with S and S Couplings. Boo hoo.) We believe that S and S BTC's are so wonderful that we want as many people as possible to be able to afford a bike equipped with them. We offer classic European road frames and production mountain, hybrid, sport and road bikes with couplings installed for those who may not be ready for a custom bike. We've got so many models, sizes, component packages and options it's too much to list here- Visit the photo gallery to get a taste of our offerings... Just want to mention that in addition to our wide range of standard sizing we can build any of our geometries in special women's and small-stature rider's designs with 26" or 650c wheels. We build our own custom chrome-moly racks to fit either standard or Beckman bags and we've got an S and S case conversion kit that changes your S and S hard case into a single wheel trailer! Our philosophy of perfectionism shines through in every bike we build, every retro-fit we undertake, every new product we design. We live, eat, sleep, breathe bicycles- it's a labor of love... And we take our time with you- we'll listen to your concerns and desires before you order and when your bike is done we'll walk you through the disassembly and packing process. Whether you're waiting four weeks for your retro-fit to come back, or fourteen for that super-customized nit-picked-over-every-detail dream bike- when you've finally got it in your hands we know you'll know it was worth the wait!
Bilenky Framebuilders have the expertise, vision, and temperament to serve you best.
Travel a lot?Expertise:
All our bikes, tandem and single, begin with a hand-picked blend of tubing from around the world. Accuracy and strength are assured by machine mitering each tube, then fillet brazing them to seamless beauty by our low temperature Flo-Braze TM technique. We also offer time-proven lugged consruction and economy minded Tig-welding.
Our framesets are finished to the highest level of aesthetics. Complete bicycles feature only superior quality componentry selected for performance, durability, ease of service, and availability of replacement parts. A Bilenky is truly a lifetime investment. From the affordable to the one-of-a-kind, (whatever your type of riding, whatever your body-type, height, or measurements), we meet the needs of any cycling enthusiast or connoisseur.
Vision:
Our Metro5 commuter bike was way ahead of its time and presaged the hybrid revolution. Our innovative yet traditional touring and sport-touring bikes are unsurpassed. (Call for a free reprint of the review in Bicycling) We were the first to use AerMet100 aircraft tubing and continue to expand our palette with the latest tubing technologies. Our early recognition of the S and S breakthrough speaks for itself.
Temperament:
We're a customer-driven company, committed to serving you. Let us hear about your deepest bike desires. If you can dream it, Bilenky Cycle Works can build it.
Ever wish you could take your bike along without the hassle? It is true that people have been bringing bicycles on airline flights for years, but this process is not so simple. A cardboard bike box must be procured, and for domestic flights you are looking at an additional charge for taking the bike. On top of this, some carriers will require that you sign a release absolving them of responsibility should they abuse your ride. Not a very reassuring piece of paperwork, that. You can purchase a full sized bike case that will save you this particular reason to bite your nails, but you will still be paying that excess baggage fee, in addition to the price of the case. Although it is easier than lugging a cardboard bike box around an airport it is still not a small item of luggage.
What are the solutions?
Well, you can go with one of the more usual types of folding bike- fairly ingenious designs with a greater or lesser degree of functionality. Some fold up to be very small and some are tolerably light weight. But do any of these small-wheeled bikes really ride like a 700c road bike or a 26" wheel ATB? We don't think so, despite some manufacturers claims. Road handling is harsher with 20" wheels, rolling resistance is higher and tyres and rims are both specialty parts that are expensive and harder to locate than more conventional sizes. When it comes to off-road there is no comparison. 20" wheels don't cut it. With Bilenky Travel Bikes, there's no compromise...
At the right, stainless steel S and S Couplings wait to be silver brazed into bicycle frame tubes.
Click the image for coupling specifications.
Coupler Tandems.
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Bilenky Cycle Works continues to refine tandem design and construction until our framesets approach art. Bilenky perfectionism results in a frameset with a transcendent quality- a frameset to which the very soul of the framebuilder had been imparted. We have always believed that when combined with sophisticated design, steel is still the best tandem material (due to its inherent durability, fatigue resistance, and strength). Now with the advent of the S and S Bicycle Torque Coupling™ System, there's another good reason.
See a Tinker Tandem being built, step by step. A hybrid Tinker tandem frame awaits assembly At the outset, we recognized the S and S BTC™ System as an innovation that would revolutionize bicycling. We were the first to use S and S's marvels on a tandem utilizing our twelve plus years of tandem building experience to create the ultimate in travel ready tandems. Another first: we produced the worlds only coupler triple. (pack for three!) This one of a kind wonder was awarded in a sweepstakes through Tandem Magazine. And speaking of Tandem Magazine, they've given our bikes rave reviews. So has Bicycle Guide and Bicycling Go to any tandem rally and you'll see Bilenkys being ridden and admired.
Retrofit your tandem: So you love your tandem but wish it was more portable.... Many steel framed tandems can be retrofitted with the S&S torque couplings. This is not detrimental to the performance of the bike in any area, unless you count the increase in weight, which will amount to something under two pounds in most cases. Bilenky Cycle Works was the first company to use the torque couplings in a tandem frame, and we are still offering more options than anyone else when it comes to tandems and couplers.
Click on the frame manufacturers name to see it after retrofitting
Tandems by Co-Motion, Santana, Burley and Ibis await retrofitting with S and S Couplings by BCW.
Can it be done to our frame?
Tandem frames vary even more than those of singles, but we can retrofit almost any steel tandem frame. It is just a matter of how much modification is involved. Some tandems require almost none, whereas others need to have certain tubes replaced or modified. Ask us about the possibilities for your particular frame.
How small will the tandem get?
As with many questions we are asked, we don't have a pat answer to this, and we think that this is one of our company's strengths. The real question is "how small do you want it to get?" Couplings can be installed to enable a complete tandem with captain's seat tube up to 63cm to fit into two 26" square cases. With more complete disassembly such a frame can be fitted into one case, though we do not recommend this as practical for most people. Remember, with these cases there is no need to try to bamboozle any airport staff as to what is in your case. They are not oversized baggage. There are three common configurations of couplings for a tandem, and two different ways to couple the bottom tube. These all have various advantages and disadvantages and we have experience with them all.
Click on the image to see a complete tandem packed into one case
How do we do it?
Your tandem is treated with loving care as soon as it arrives here. Depending on what kind of paint options you are getting we would probably strip the the paint first. Then the frame is set up in our jig and coupling location is determined. Then any tubes that are being replaced are removed, and appropriate tubes that are being retained are cut to accept the torque couplings. Next the frame is removed from the jig and the couplings slipped over the tube ends. If any tubes are being replaced they are fabricated and fluxed up ready for brazing. Now the whole assembly is replaced in the jig, which, you recall, is retaining the original shape of the frame. Couplings are now tacked, alignment is checked and then couplings are silver brazed. This is a perfect time to have any braze-ons added to your frame. Then we do a final alignment. The rest is finish work and whatever paint options you have specified. As with everything that leaves our shop, the insides of the tubes are treated with a rust inhibiting product.
Single bikes to suit your every need.
In addition to our extraordinary tandems, we also build "sculpture-quality" single bikes for touring, off-road, and sport-touring, all of which can be ordered with the S and S BTC™ System.
You love to ride, and you love to ride everywhere. But there are some places where you need to be able to carry your bicycle, or store it in a small space. In the past, the only solution was those gangly collapsing bikes with the small wheels, or taking chances on sub-standard rental bikes when you reached your destination. The S and S BTC™ System changes all that. You can now own a portable bicycle with the looks and performance you're accustomed to. (Or want to be accustomed to!) And because we're so excited about this new product, we're offering the widest variety of coupler bikes in the industry today. Whatever your type of riding, there's a Bilenky to suit your size, style, and budget!
Master framebuilder Steve Bilenky
Quality handbuilts for those who like to travel in style...
- Deluxe Frames- Standard and Custom sized- 4-6 weeks The Travel Deluxe- frameset only with hard shell case $1360. Available in sport, road, or loaded touring geometries:
- Midlands- traditional time-tested design stability and comfort for all-day loaded touring all braze-ons for full touring kit
- Tourlite- sporty and fun. light touring or pure pleasure. Braze-ons for racks and mudguards
- Ultralite- road, stage, or triathlon
- Pro Am- extra rigid extra stiff for American style racing
- Mud Puppy- the dirty little mutt. Ultra light mountain bike or heavy duty tourer? For the all-weather cyclist who doesn't fit any category.
- Hedgehog- Tough and tender Touring mountain geometry. Laid back like the best of the original; mountain bikes.
- Rock Badger- Aggressive geometry, competition mountain bike. A nasty beast.
- Nor'Easter- Rough 'n' tumble. Classic cyclocross, 700c wheeled.
All with your choice of custom Imron or powder-coat finish. You may also choose from parts kits to complete your Bilenky frameset. (see separate price list)
For the ultimate travel bike experience...
- Signature Series- 8-16 weeks $1450. Transportable art... hand-finished details. Standard and custom sizes. All designs mentioned above and then some... Dreams become reality.
Not ready for a new bike?
Retrofits- ( Hack Your Bike) We can outfit your existing bike with the coupler system for $395 plus paint (touch-up or complete re-paint). Ti retro-fit $650, no painting cost required. Your most affordable option. We are well-versed in the classics of the '60's and '70's. Your trusty steed is safe with us.WHY RETRO-FIT? WHY US? So you're not ready for a new bike? Maybe you just recently plunked down major bux for your dream bike. How about turning your old bike into a travel bike- the loyal steed that served you so well in years past can have a second chance at life as your retro-fitted S&S equipped go-everywhere-with-you traveling partner. And we're just the ones to entrust with your faithful friend. We've been working with the S&S couplers since their introduction in 1994 and we have extensive knowledge of the bikes from the '60s and '70's, we've seen it all... And it's this easy: Take the components off- UPS the frame to us with a 50% deposit- then we work our magic. In approximately 4 weeks your frame will come back to you a newly painted, stronger, more practical piece of transportation... think of the possibilities!
What material is it made of ?
Tubing must be Steel or Titanium There are no aluminum couplings currently available. Theoretically a steel or Ti coupling could be bonded into an aluminum frame, but the variation in tubing used by frame builders has so far not made this economical. There are other possible problems, too, such as the greater residual stresses in an aluminum frame. It is tough to see how a coupling could ever be retrofitted to a carbon fiber or other composite frame. But hey, never say never...
Obviously it works best if all your tubes are round. For the most part, Columbus Max and other exotic tubing with ovalized profiles are not feasible for retrofits. At Bilenky Cycle Works we have been retrofitting frames since the introduction of S&S couplings in 1994 and we have done more than a few oddball frames. Sometimes it is possible, usually involving changing the tube profile somewhat and maybe adding a shim and using a larger sized torque coupling. Such work is likely to take longer and cost more if it can be done at all.
Here is an example of an unusual "pear shaped" titanium tube that had to have its profile changed to fit the round coupling. The piece on the left was the section of tube that was removed from the frame and replaced by the coupling. Tubing diameter.
At last count the steel couplings were available in eleven standard diameters. This covers most currently produced steel frames. There are exceptions, however, and there are even more exceptions if you go back in time. Current ones to watch out for are Trek/Fisher frames with 30mm tubes. These can be shimmed out to take a 1 1/4" (31.7mm) coupling, though this does cost more. This tubing shows up in a few hybrid bikes and in some Specialized road bikes with oversized tubing from a few years ago. A great deal of older French bikes also use metric tubing. This doesn't work with available couplings, but again we can often solve this by silver-brazing a shim around the original tube. Give us a call for an exact price quote for your particular frame. Especially with these older bikes the amount of work involved can vary quite a bit.
Tubing brand and type.
As said above, we can perform this job with most steel tubing. There are a few very thin wall tubes, especially more modern mountain bike sets designed for Tig welding that have very short butted sections at the tube ends. It is best for the torque coupling to be installed in the thick butted section, and sometimes there is not enough of it, especially in small frame sizes. Examples of tubing that this is a factor in are the True Temper OX3 and some Ritchey Logic tubing. This doesn't mean that retrofitting won't work with your bike if you have this tubing. It's a case by case judgment call as far as we're concerned.
Special frame designs and features.
Internal cable guides? Frames with this feature can be retrofitted, but only if the internal routing is replaced with more conventional cable stops. Overlapping seatstays, the GT trademark also found on some Shogun frames? It's a bit of extra hassle to do it, but we can. Step-through frames (Ladies' bike)? No problem. Mixte frame? No. The small mixte tubes are too small a diameter for any of the available couplings. Rear suspension designs? Depends, though anything without more or less round tubing is a no. Elevated rear triangle? Can do, all other things being equal.
Bilenky travel Tourlite with modified Bike Friday trailer and hitch utilizing S & S 10" hard case.
Bilenky Cycle Works
5319 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: (800) 213-6388 or (215) 329-4744
Fax: (215) 329-5380
e-mail: artistry@bilenky.com
Bilenky
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