this “downright devilish”.
(File photo)
One of things I love about Portland is the constant array of interesting bikes I see around town. As an incorrigible bike geek, it’s impossible for me to walk by a rack without doing a quick once-over to see what gems I might find.
The other night, I left a meeting and spied something wonderful locked to a rusty old pole at Jefferson High School in North Portland. It was a striking, twin-tubed, red beauty. Upon further inspection I realized it was an Ahearne, built just down the road by none other than local builder Joseph Ahearne.
Since Joseph was also in the meeting, I’d say there’s a good chance this is his personal rig (I know, I’m brilliant).
I love Joseph’s work because he always manages to do something artistic and unexpected with his frames. He knows how to push aesthetic boundaries while at the same time maintaining clean, pleasing lines. It’s a tough balance that not all framebuilders can pull off.
Enough writing. Check out these photos, and for more Ahearne goodness, check the links below the slideshow:
Created with Paul’s flickrSLiDR.
More info:
- Check out all my Joseph Ahearne photos.
- Read, “In the shop with Joseph Ahearne” for an up-close look at Mr. Ahearne.
- Browse my extensive coverage of Portland-based bike builders.
Thanks for reading.
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As an incorrigible bike geek, it’s impossible for me to walk by a rack without doing a quick once-over to see what gems I might find.
I\’ve always been leery of this kind of behavior: sure, I\’d love to gawk, but I\’m deathly afraid someone might think I\’m examining how I might steal their bike.
OTOH, I don\’t know how I could\’ve avoided geeking out over this thing. Vague mixte influence…curvature of the upper rear-triangle, track ends instead of dropouts…a real knockout for sure!
OTOOH, I\’d really advise Joseph or whomever the owner may be to do a better job locking it up. The frame would probably be just fine, but it sure would suck to come out of a meeting to find a wheel or two missing and have to carry the thing a fair distance. And those hubs look pretty dang new to boot.
Looks cool. I like the detail shots and all, but I\’d love to see some full side shots of some of these bikes. It\’s nice to be able to have a better idea of what it looks like..
gotta get me one of them front racks