The head badge on Brian Chapman‘s frames features a bold anchor, a reference to the nautical orientation of his state’s geography, Rhode Island. It also refers to the faith you can place in the construction of Brian’s frames.
Josie Morway designed the aforementioned head badge and she recently took reception of her own Chapman, a ‘fendered’ road bike that epitomizes the commuter and light touring bikes Brian loves to build. She must be incredibly proud, not only because of the badge but for the incorporated details.
The inspiration for Brian’s frames stem from riding around the back roads of Rhode Island. He’s been building frames with Circle A since 2005, recently branching out on his own to build a few specialty frames behind Josie’s head badge.
Brian focuses on the seat cluster to match the badge’s excellence. “On this frame,” he tells us, “I brazed stainless tubing to the seat stays for caps, formed that tubing to the shape of the lug, and then carved the four points in this cluster to make a shape that is symmetrical and balanced.”
The frame was finally built up with a mix of new and old-school parts, like NOS Dura-Ace brakes that complement the new derailleurs and shifters. Brazed-on chain stay protectors are another highlight. It’s ornate and functional, just like Josie’s typography. See more on the Chapman Cycles website.
