Interview: Stephen Bilenky of Bilenky Cycle Works – Winner of NAHBS ‘Best Lugged Frame’
by Ted Johnson
Bilenky Bikes | Photo: NAHBS
Bilenky Cycle Works won the award for Best Lugged Frame this year at the North American Handmade Bike Show (NAHBS).
Stephen Bilenky says he’s always studied, admired, and loved the bicycles from Europe. So when he designed his first bike, he didn’t draw on the trends in the US at the time.
I thought [mountain bikes] were too heavy and too specific for dirt roads and didn’t have the proper fittings for fenders, lights, kickstands, locks, things like that. My first custom bike was basically creating a commuter bicycle that was high quality, lightweight, and durable.
bummed we never ran into each other at the festival but you got some great coverage and that was one awesome weekend
roll on -Paul