Portland framebuilder recognized in ‘Original Six’ campaign

Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles.
(Photos © J. Maus)

A new promotional campaign launched by North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) founder Don Walker recognizes the “Original Six” group of frame builders that have exhibited every year since the show began in 2005.

Among the Original Six is Southeast Portland-based builder Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles.

The NAHBS show was a pioneering effort that helped create a category and bring awareness to handmade bicycles in America.

In a statement about the new campaign, founder Don Walker said the “Original Six” idea came to him “as a way to honor and thank the original six guys who will have been at NAHBS since day one,” and added that, “The NAHBS wouldn’t be what it is today without the support and shared vision of these fine craftsmen.”

A Vanilla on display at the
2007 NAHBS in San Jose.

White, and five other builders — including Medford-based Mike DeSalvo, the legendary Richard Sachs, and carbon pioneer Craig Calfee — first exhibited at the first NAHBS in Houston Texas in 2005. This year, the show takes place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

To promote the “Original Six”, Walker will create a collectible set of six postcards and a poster featuring the frame builders.

— For more on the fifth annual NAHBS, visit HandmadeBicycleShow.com.
— For more on the “Original Six” campaign, view the official press release.