Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Davidson Randonneur

Davidson Randonneur

Here’s a modern interpretation of a classic American marque. Bill Davidson and Bob Freeman have been building frames together as Davidson Bicycles in Seattle for over 35 years, where they’re also partners in one of Seattle’s cycling institutions: Elliot Bay Bicycles. This is a Davidson ‘Classic’ frame and has been fitted with a considered selection of gear, which results in a bike that is at once full of heritage and reliable.

S&S couplers enable compact travel and the Paul Components ‘Racer’ calipers hearken back to the style of Mafac brakes. Stronglight cranks and the TA Specialites chain rings will power the drivetrain, along with Phil Wood bottom bracket and hubs. The paint is a real feature, with subtle white highlights, and a vintage Brooks saddle has been sourced to sit astride the Nitto post. Have a look at the spare spoke holder on one chain stay and a slap protector on the other. It’s details like this that you can only achieve from a custom frame builder.

You can contact Davidson Bicycles through their website, where you can also browse their gallery of past builds, and further read about their history. Massive thanks to Bob Freeman for the photography.

Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur
Davidson Randonneur