We are just putting the finishing touches on VeloNews magazine coverage of the 2004 Interbike Expo, and I found myself thinking about all the companies and product we didn’t see while out in Las Vegas. Here we are providing plenty of ink to the Treks and Specializeds of the bicycle world, but what about the little guy who couldn’t or wouldn’t cough-up the dough (let alone take a week of vacation from their “real” job) to set-up a booth at the Sands Convention Center?

Certainly there are hundreds of creative minds out there producing quality products that just didn’t make it to Las Vegas.

So, taking a break from scouring high-gloss 2005 catalogs and fussing about trying to navigate my way through interactive DVDs and promotional CDs, I figured I would call two of the “little” guys to find out what they have cooked-up for 2005.

No fancy booths, no celebrity signings, no near-nude Vegas showgirls grabbing your attention -- just a phone call to two guys who are out there busting there butts producing great cycling equipment.

My first call was to Eric Sampson. Located just outside of Denver, Colorado. Sampson has been in the cycling business for eighteen years and the company has its roots in producing components. From Sampson pedals to even a full component group in the 90’s, older riders might recognize the Sampson name. Sampson started producing full bikes in 1992, with the goal of producing an entire bike made up entirely of Sampson components.

That dream was almost realized, but sluggish sales forced Sampson to scale-back in production and stick solely to producing high-end road framesets. It is interesting to note, some of the developments for which Sampson has been given credit: He was among the first to include the use of tapered stays on a titanium bike; to draw and form titanium to specific tube shapes; to combine titanium with other materials in frames and to use carbon forks as standard on all of his models.

Some Sampson component and accessory advances include the round pedal design, oversize bottom brackets, and closed cell polyurethane handlebar tape.

For 2005, Sampson will continue to use his innovative SAS (Sampson Attenuation System) foam throughout the tubesets on all of his frames. This innovative technology is now used by several major manufacturers in 2004, with more expected to jump on the bandwagon in 2005. Sampson injects foam to help reduce the amount of road vibration transmitted to the rider by minimizing road shock a does so without altering the responsiveness of the frame.

“The SAS interrupts the vibration's linear movement, attenuating the shock as it travels from the drop-out up the frame,” Sampson said. “By the time it gets to the rider, it is significantly reduced. An analogy would be throwing a rock into a pond that is still. When the impact or shock occurs, the shock waves travel out from the point of impact in a linear progression. Now, imagine the same pond, but this time it is windy, with lots of waves. Now, when you throw the rock into the pond, the surface chop provides many new routes for the rock's impact wave to travel into, interrupting it's linear flow, so the shock is quickly dispersed among the many waves.”

For 2005, Sampson offers five models, but I think the real gem of the line is the Contrail. Using Columbus’s ultra light Airplane tubing welded into a tight race geometry, Sampson has created a very light, very reasonably priced racer. Whereas the Airplane tubeset can have a reputation for giving a harsh ride, Sampson has mitigated that thanks to the use of his SAS system, giving the bike a ride quite similar to oh-so-forgiving titanium. Shop around in 2005 and you’ll be hard-pressed to find similar value to Sampson’s offerings.

The Sampson ContrailSuper light Columbus Airplane tubing Sleek Columbus Carve S-bend stays Modified compact geometry Reynolds Ouzo Comp Integrated carbon fork Explosive power delivery with special race geometry Under 17 pounds with Dura-Ace or Record Sensational for racing or aggressive riding styles Available in pearl white Frames are available in 50,53,56,59, 62 cm Samson Attenuation System for all day ride smoothness
ProBuild Package for the ContrailUltegra - $2,699 Dura-Ace 10 - 3,399 Centaur 10 - $2,749 Chorus 10 - $3,049 Record 10 - $3,449 w/Ouzo Comp - $1,499

Walker, Texas Framebuilder
Considering all the mass-produced product we’re covering in our Interbike issue, I thought I’d take the time to also highlight one small builder who prides himself on his made-in-the-USA handcrafted frames.

I first heard about Don Walker when his Texas workshop was burglarized in 1995. His small framebuilding operation was stripped almost to the bone. Thieves had carted off anything and everything of value including his tools and back-stock frames. He was forced to close-up shop (what was left of it) and quit the frame building business until he could get back on his feet financially.

Six years later, Walker was back in business with a renewed energy in producing the finest quality steel road, mountain, cyclo-cross, tandem and track bikes possible.

2004 Texas State road, Madison and Pursuit champion, Steen Rose on one of Don Walker’s handcrafted track beaut

For 2005, Walker continues practicing his art. And although he specializes in track and road frames, Walker explained that he can, “produce just about any type of bike for any type of rider.”

So why build one of custom bikes over an off-the-shelf models?

“A bicycle should be like a fine tailored suit made to fit the rider,” Walker said. “Sure, you can purchase a bike off the shelf, but unless you fit their idea of the perfect rider you will never realize your full potential. This is where I can help the racer by selecting from a wide variety of tubing from manufacturers like Reynolds, Columbus and Dedacciai to create a machine that is most efficient for them. I specialize in efficiency. If a rider is looking to go faster, I can help make it happen.”

In a world of “fresh-from-the-mold” overseas-built carbon copy frames, it always refreshing to hear from the “little guy” still intent on producing handcrafted bicycles.

In addtion to promoting his own brand, Walker is also interested in promoting the business of independent frame building. He is planning on holding his own expo (“reasonably priced enough for all to attend”) this upcoming January 15th and 16th in Houston, Texas. Any and all frame builders are welcome. For more info on the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, contact Mr. Walker at Bicycleexpo05@aol.com.