Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Mark Nobilette Townie

Mark Nobilette Townie

The tradition of American frame builders is long and twisted, like the boughs of an old oak tree. There are many branches, some thicker and more established than others. One of those is Colorado’s Mark Nobilette, who has been brazing tubes together since 1973.

Mark is still at it, applying the skills he learnt from another legendary American frame builder, Albert Eisentraut. He’s been the chief builder of Rivendell frames, the steel frames for Boulder’s Zinn Cycles and numerous pro racers. He’s what you’d refer to as ‘the frame builder’s builder’.

This townie is an acute example of his skill. Built up by Winnipeg’s Natural Cycle Worker Co-op Limited, it bears the beautiful fillet brazed joins that he is known for and, according to the customer’s request, fitted with as many US-made parts as possible.

Natural Cycle specialize in single speed bikes so, naturally, the drivetrain consists of White Industries cranks and chainrings. Paul Components supplied the rest of the spec sheet: road hubs, Tall & Handsome seat-post, Racer Medium brakes, levers, cable hangers and chain keeper.

Special thanks to Mark Reimer for the photos and Andrew Dalton for the spec sheet. Head to the Natural Cycles website for more information and Mark’s flickr stream for more photos.

Mark Nobilette Townie
Mark Nobilette Townie
Mark Nobilette Townie
Mark Nobilette Townie
Mark Nobilette Townie
Mark Nobilette Townie
Mark Nobilette Townie
Mark Nobilette Townie