Signature Cycles welcomes Mosaic Bespoke Bicycles

There is something special about the hand-made bike industry. It is dynamic, innovative, and expanding. Every year we see the rise and fall of dozens of small builders each trying to establish themselves as a legitimate brand. Like every small business, natural talent and drive are just a small, albeit necessary, part of a successful company. One of my favorite quotes come from Professional Triathlete Sergio Marques: “An overnight sensation usually takes about 10 years”. No where is this more relevant than in the cycling industry. Today, Signature Cycles welcomes Mosaic Cycles as the newest addition to our remarkable lineup of brands. While their biggest breakthrough came in 2013 when Mosaic won the NAHBS “Best Cyclocross Bicycle” category for their stunning XT-1d Titanium Cyclocross bike, I can assure you their seemingly overnight success took years of experience and  growth. We spoke with the team of the Boulder, CO based company to get a better understanding on who they are and what they bring to our lineup.

Who is Mosaic?

Mosaic Cycles is a bespoke titanium and steel bicycle manufacturer based out of Boulder, CO. It is comprised of a committed group of individuals who all share a passion for cycling and the hand built process. 

How did your business come to be? What was the industry not offering that needed to be addressed?

Mosaic is currently rounding out its fifth year in business. Aaron Barcheck started Mosaic Cycles after graduating from the University of CU with a BA in Integrative Physiology.  Even in its earliest state, as a one-man company that occupied half of a rented garage space, Mosaic Cycles was founded on the belief that a bike should fit its rider and perform at its highest potential, while maintaining its mechanical integrity and aesthetic beautiful. A Mosaic bicycle is made to be a forever bicycle, one that reflects the unique needs and desires of its individual rider.

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Since its early beginnings, Mosaic has morphed into something much more than “one-man show.” Kevin Batchelor joined Mosaic almost three years ago and represents sales/new business development. He also has a knack for photography. Jack Barcheck (Aaron’s brother) followed Aaron’s lead and has worked as a frame builder at Mosaic for a year now. Jacob Nie recently joined the Mosaic team as a frame finisher. Pete Smith is a part-time finisher who spends his time away from Mosaic brewing his own specialty embrocation and chamois butter under the Mad Alchemy logo.

In five years, Mosaic Cycles has developed a reputation for excellence in titanium and steel manufacturing on an international level. Most formally, Mosaic Cycles’ XT-1 model won “Best Cyclocross Bicycle” in 2013 at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. Aaron’s welds continue to garner attention as being among the best in the business.

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Aaron Barcheck, hounder of Mosaic Cycles

Who is the “ideal” Mosaic client?

The ideal Mosaic client is the discerning rider who has an affinity for quality, service, and excellence.  Mosaic Cycles really cares about providing the best possible experience, and our clients tend to be individuals who deeply appreciate attention to detail. A Mosaic client is committed to the process: for instance, a bike fit is a must when purchasing a Mosaic. Road and cyclocross are the bread and butter of what Mosaic does, but we still occasionally manufacture hard tail mountain bikes, travel bikes, and specialty projects. 

 

Each bike is made by hand in Boulder, CO.

Tell us about your most interesting bike build/client?

I think our most interesting bike build/client is the one that we build an enduring relationship. Over the years, many of our customers have come back to us to work with us for their next project (N+1 is the correct number of bikes after all). They may have started with a road bike, but they enjoyed the experience so much, they want us to build them a CX bike or a mountain bike. We’ve even had customers ask us to build the exact same bike we already built so they can keep one at each of their houses!

 

A beautiful XT-1 featuring internal brake and Di2 Routing as well as an integrated seat mast

What do you hope your clients here on the East coast will appreciate most about working with a CO builder?

Mosaic Cycles is fresh; we’re on the cutting edge of the industry. We offer a sleek style in finish and frame design (including innovative internal routing techniques, integrated seat mast, polished and shadowed logos, and custom paint options).  We make beautiful, functional, fun bicycles that will last. We know this because we test our products ourselves on the unforgiving terrain of the rocky mountains, the flat roads of the front range, and on the cross courses every weekend of the season. We are continually improving our products based on our own experiences with the materials, the designs, and finishes: our product line is a continuous evolution of innovation. 

If nothing else, they’ll appreciate that each of our bikes is made by hand by people who love what they do. 

 

A Mosaic Steel TT-1 Travel bike in gold

Whatever else you want to add…. dog photos…. favorite part of your shop?

I’m pretty sure everyone at the shop would say that their favorite new addition is the espresso machine:

Mosaic’s newest addition