Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale

Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale

The 2013 North American Handmade Bicycle Show has wound down, much to the relief of everyone involved who dedicated their time and energy to making it a success. Marty Walsh of Geekhouse Bikes will look forward to getting home, but I daresay he’ll be busy when he does. His Hopedale is now a highly sought-after example of the versatility the market wants from a modern bicycle.

Marty’s lineup this year includes some interesting directions that prove the advantage smaller builders have over the major corporations: an ability to adapt more quickly to market forces. The Geekhouse Hopedale has previously existed as a pure road frame, but has been reconfigured this year to keep going when the asphalt stops — answering the rider’s demand for more from their investment.

And why not. Why should our riding be dictated by whether we’re atop a roadie, ‘cross bike or even an MTB? Frames like the Hopedale enable us to explore further afield, to take the fork that leads to a gravel path or fire road. In the same way that MTB manufacturers were forced to introduce a ‘freeride’ model to their range, expect to see more ‘real-world’ bikes on — and off — your local roads this year.

Head to the Geekhouse Bikes website for more information on this year’s Hopedale, their other contemporary and colorful frames and more fine photography of them by Heather McGrath.

Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale
Geekhouse Bikes Hopedale