Nothing Fancy, Just Great Bikes: Introducing Basic Cycle Co.'s Road Frame
Discover Basic Cycle Co.'s USA-made steel rim brake road frames. Learn about their simple design philosophy, standard parts compatibility, modern tire clearance & timeless appeal.
In an era dominated by complex internal cable routing, electronic shifting, and disc brakes, the elegant simplicity of a traditional rim brake road bike can feel like a breath of fresh air. For riders yearning for that blend of classic aesthetics, modern performance, and straightforward maintenance, a new voice has emerged from Tacoma, Washington: Basic Cycle Co. Their philosophy is clear and resonates in their unofficial motto: "Nothing fancy, nothing new, a basic bike for me and you."
Founded out of a desire for a bike that balances timeless beauty with practical features – one that avoids chasing fleeting industry trends – Basic Cycle Co. is dedicated to the mechanical rim brake road bike. As the founder noted in a blog post titled "Why Basic?" (April 10, 2025), the inspiration came partly from conversations during local group rides, revealing a shared desire for something simpler, consistent, and beautiful, suitable for riders of varying experience levels. "I want bikes to be beautiful and timeless, with a touch of modern features, but as simple as possible when it comes to parts and servicing," the founder explained.
Crafted in the USA, Designed for Versatility
Basic Cycle Co. frames are proudly built in the USA, utilizing a combination of high-quality Columbus Life (oversized front triangle and chainstays) and Zona (seat stays) steel tubing. This choice reflects the founder's preference for materials with proven ride quality – "light, stiff in all the right places," as they put it. Paired with a Whisky Parts Co. RD+ carbon fork, the frameset is engineered for performance and durability.
A key design decision was the use of mid-reach (47-57mm) rim brakes. This deliberate choice allows for significant tire clearance: up to 35c slicks, or 28c tires when utilizing the thoughtfully integrated fender eyelets (which include a stealth bolt on the seat tube for cleaner mounting). This versatility transforms the bike from a pure road machine into something capable of exploring varied surfaces, truly ready for any "road" a rider might encounter, paved or otherwise. The founder’s own prototype endured over 1,700 miles on mixed terrain, proving the concept's capability.
Standards, Not Trends: Compatibility and Rider Choice
Basic Cycle Co. champions compatibility and ease of maintenance by adhering to well-established industry standards. Each frame features:
- A BSA threaded bottom bracket
- A standard 1-1/8” headtube
- A 27.2mm seat post diameter
- External mechanical cable stops
- A 132.5mm rear hub spacing
This commitment to standard parts simplifies sourcing components, servicing the bike, and allows riders immense freedom. Basic Cycle Co. explicitly encourages mixing old and new components, enabling cyclists to integrate cherished vintage parts alongside modern touches to create a truly personalized build. "My hope is people will build their bikes with a mix of new and used parts that are still awesome, and still function great," stated the founder. The 132.5mm rear spacing is particularly clever, accommodating a wide range of classic and contemporary road, cyclocross, or even vintage mountain bike hubs.
Inspired Design, Practical Geometry
The aesthetic inspiration draws from iconic brands known for their classic lines and ride quality, with Speedvagen's rim brake builds and All-City's trend-bucking designs (specifically the Mr. Pink, which spurred the creation of the Whisky RD+ fork) cited as influences.
The geometry aims for broad appeal, referencing classic 73-degree-ish angles with slightly longer 415mm chainstays to accommodate larger tires. Attention was paid to sloped top tube angles for aesthetics and ensuring adequate seat post exposure for comfort-enhancing flex. The goal was a frame that works equally well for casual riders and those seeking a more aggressive position, achievable through stem choice variations. For the first batch, sizes are available in 49, 52, 55, and 58cm, with the 55 and 58cm sizes including a handy third bottle mount under the down tube.
Availability and Options
Basic Cycle Co. road framesets are available now, painted to order with a current lead time of 3-5 weeks. A $1000 non-refundable deposit secures an order.
- Continental Black Cerakote frame with raw carbon Whisky RD+ fork: $1999 (total price)
- Meissen Blue Paint frame with matching painted Whisky RD+ fork: $2350 (total price)
- Metallic Maroon Paint frame with matching painted Whisky RD+ fork: $2350 (total price)
Each purchase includes a free license plate frame, a quirky nod to the brand's personality.
Conclusion
Basic Cycle Co. offers a compelling proposition for cyclists who value timeless design, robust USA-made quality, rider-friendly serviceability, and the simple joy of mechanical rim brakes. By thoughtfully integrating modern features like generous tire clearance with classic standards, they've created a versatile and beautiful platform ready for countless miles of enjoyment, whether it's a coffee run or an all-day adventure. It’s a return to basics, executed with passion and purpose.
