Two new builders emerge on Portland’s handmade bike scene

The claim that Portland is the epicenter of handmade bicycles just got a bit easier to make. Two new builders — Belladonna Cycles and Sprout Cycles — have joined Portland’s already healthy list of custom bike makers.

Belladonna Cycles is run by Mark Simmons. Simmons has lived in Portland for ten years and says he’s been building bikes in a shop behind his North Portland home for two years. On his website, he writes, “I’ve always had a love for vintage bikes. Beautiful, italian, simple and classy. So for every frame I build these four elements play a role.”

A Belladonna touring bike. (Photos: Belladonna on Flickr)

The man behind Sprout Cycles is Portland native Edwin Brown. On his website, Brown says he uses a combination of TIG welding and brazing to build steel frames (starting at $800) for, “people who’ve made riding a central fixture of their lives.” Brown also notes that he builds bikes for all occasions — cyclocross, road, track, mountain-biking or commuting.

Edwin Brown (Photos: SproutCycles.com)

It’s great to see new talent coming onto the scene and I look forward to paying both of these builders a visit.