After constructing chopper motorcycles, Rich Phillips has now branched into hand made bicycles, and will have a New Builder Table at this year’s North American Handmade Bicycle Show. His choppers are spectacular, and this 29er mountain bike is also a work of art. He is also a master leather craftsman, tooling custom seats for choppers—building the pans and upholstering them himself.
Rich hand-bent the 4130 straight gauge tubes by hand, and bored and machined the stainless steel tips. After filing the silver brazed 4130 and stainless, Rich filed and polished the lugs to a mirror finish, and then powder coated the frame with purple. The 1929 buffalo head nickels on the top tube and the fork crowns are an interesting touch, and the bars that Rich created, Brooks saddle and the wooden rims emphasize the retro style. The real highlight, however, are Rich’s custom tooled leather grips. A Chris King headset, White Industries drive train and Avid disc brakes round out the build.
Thanks to Rich for the images, you can see more on his flickr stream, and view more of his leather handiwork on his blog.
