[Rhonda Mazza]
Vanilla Bicycles, a small Portland-based framebuilder is supplying bikes to some of the best cyclocross racers in the country. In the current standings of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross Rhonda Mazza (shown in photo) is currently ranked 6th in the Elite Women’s field and Shannon Skerritt is ranked 7th in the Men’s Elite field.
Another Vanilla rider, Molly Cameron is riding very strong in her first year as a pro and is currently ranked 32nd in the Elite Men’s field (read Molly’s great race reports on her blog!).
These riders are up against teams from the largest bike companies in the world like Kona and Giant.
A former bike messenger and relative newcomer to the custom framebuilding world, Sacha White has carved out a reputation as one of the best. His eye for aesthetic detail and finish, combined with technical precision and an appreciation for classic lines has won his bikes many fans and races [Disclaimer: I’m biased because Sacha is a friend and a client.].
At last year’s Handmade Builders Show – a gathering of the best small framebuilders in the country – Sacha took home two awards including “Best in Show”.
Yet despite a worldwide following and a 2 year waiting list, Sacha is still one of the most relaxed, cool people you’ll ever meet.
For more Vanilla lovin’ check out these photos from the open house he had this summer during Pedalpalooza. You can also see all my Vanilla photos here.