Budnitz Bicycles | Blog

JUST DESSERTSJames in Michigan commissioned us to build his...

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 21:02:26 -0400

JUST DESSERTS

James in Michigan commissioned us to build his ultimate “after dinner bicycle”.

Today, we’re shipping his titanium Model No.1 in shimmering Ultramarine Gloss, with a silent belt drive, 14-speed Rohloff hub and titanium fenders.

Perfect bike, perfect life.

View the gallery.

Help us select our next Bicycle of the Week. Two freshly painted titanium frames are ready to be...

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 15:10:52 -0400

Help us select our next Bicycle of the Week. Two freshly painted titanium frames are ready to be...

TITANIUM QUIVER KILLERAaron’s ultra-custom Model Ø ships...

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 15:57:24 -0400

TITANIUM QUIVER KILLER

Aaron’s ultra-custom Model Ø ships today, featuring our 3.5-pound titanium frame, carbon and titanium components, 14-speed Rohloff hub and trail-shredding Schwalbe X-One tires.

Moving to Doha, Qatar means simplifying his collection of bicycles down to one perfect machine.

“For years, I’ve been searching for my own “happy" – somewhere between a mountain and cyclocross bike with commuter capabilities.

It’s official – my new Budnitz is the quiver killer.”

View the gallery.

FORMULA ONEBlinding speed.Vicious acceleration.Corners like a...

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:17:52 -0400

FORMULA ONE

Blinding speed.

Vicious acceleration.

Corners like a dream.

Curves for days.

Impulse Red.

Ships today to Miami Beach.

View the gallery.

Shown: Model No.1 in titanium with Whisky carbon fork. 11-speed Shimano Alfine hub with Di2 electronic shifting and Gates Carbon Drive belt. Slick Kojak tires imported from Schwalbe in Germany. Finished with Budnitz platform pedals, ultralight saddle, titanium riser bar, seat post, stem and badges.

FOREST GREEN Shipping today, a custom Model No.3 in Zelena...

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 13:40:50 -0400

FOREST GREEN

Shipping today, a custom Model No.3 in Zelena Green Gloss – destined for the wooded trails of Portland’s Forest Park. Includes internally geared 11-speed hub, grease-free Gates Carbon Drive and handmade bamboo fenders.

Fast and fun on city sidewalks, gravel roads and weekends among the pines.

View the gallery.

SUMMER IN THE CITY“This bike is my new SUV. Truly...

Wed, 24 May 2017 14:21:24 -0400

SUMMER IN THE CITY

“This bike is my new SUV. Truly unstoppable.”

Derek has big plans for his summer in New York City. All he needs is the perfect bicycle.

Weekday shortcuts to the office through favorite city parks – no more wasted daylight sitting in traffic. Weekends are already booked: Hastings-on-Hudson, Palisades Park and endless Coney Island afternoons.

His Model No.3 hits the streets today, customized with giant all-surface, all-weather tires, 11-speed Shimano hub, integrated lights and bamboo fenders.

Fully equipped for every adventure.

View the gallery.

Shown: Model No.3 in chromoly steel with rare Rosewood Red Pearlescent powdercoat. Includes grease-free Carbon Drive belt and upgraded 11-speed Shimano Alfine hub. Formula R1 hydraulic brakes imported from Italy. Finished with Schwalbe Big One tires, Budnitz bamboo fenders, SON dynamo, integrated lighting and Spurcycle bell.

LAKE HOUSEBen’s retirement is built around two pins he...

Wed, 10 May 2017 13:31:18 -0400

LAKE HOUSE

Ben’s retirement is built around two pins he placed on a map over a decade ago.

Summers at the lake house in Vermont. Winters on Florida’s Longboat Key.

His 11-speed titanium Model No.3 reflects favorite scenery from his two seasonal dream homes. Racing Green Gloss to mirror New England’s forest hues. Creme tires and honey leather trim, inspired by the classic cars that line the street on Sunday rides to the beach.

We’re hand delivering it today.

View the gallery.

Shown: Model No.3 in titanium with Racing Green Gloss powdercoat. Upgraded with Di2 electronic 11-speed Shimano hub, Brooks honey leather saddle and matching grips. Grease-free Carbon Drive belt by Gates. Finished with mechanical disk brakes, 2-inch Schwalbe Big Apple tires, and Budnitz titanium riser bar, stem, seat post and bottle cage.

CREATING A MONSTER Our newest owner Milan sums up his favorite...

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 13:52:19 -0400

CREATING A MONSTER

Our newest owner Milan sums up his favorite places to ride in four words: “all of the above.”

His ultra-custom Budnitz is our first-ever monster cross Model No.3.

Carbon ENVE drop bars add comfort for longer rides. A bulletproof Rohloff transmission, 29-inch wheels and knobby Racing Ralph tires tear up fields, gravel and single track.

“I don’t have a problem paying for quality. This bike meets all my requirements: high performance, beautiful aesthetics and minimal maintenance.”

Ships today to Vancouver.

View the gallery.

Shown: Budnitz Model No.3 in chromoly steel with black matte powdercoat, Gates Carbon Drive belt and 14-speed Rohloff Speedhub. SRAM mechanical disc brakes with Avid levers. Customized for cross with ENVE carbon drop bars and 2.25-inch knobby Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires.

Budnitz global ambassador Toby Grubb is a Partner and Creative...

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 21:38:09 -0400

Budnitz global ambassador Toby Grubb is a Partner and Creative Director at This, a design boutique in Portland, Oregon.

We joined him for a recent afternoon ride around the city on his titanium Model No.3.

“The few things I own are typically all black or raw metal,” Toby remarks. “I literally peel the labels off shampoo bottles in my shower to reduce visual clutter.“

Neon colored bikes with busy branding fill every corner rack.

"The way I see it, each purchase we make in life is a vote cast for our future world,” he says. “Eliminate excess and reward good design – that is why I truly love this bicycle.”

View the gallery.

EMERALD CITYNext week, Mark and his wife are moving from...

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 12:42:27 -0500

EMERALD CITY

Next week, Mark and his wife are moving from Southern California to Seattle.

“When we shared plans to go north, my brother-in-law sent me some pictures of your bicycles,” Mark explains. “Washington weather is much more varied. Internal gearing, belt drive, and disk brakes make a lot of sense.”

His titanium Model No.1 is inspired by the lush scenery of his new 20-mile daily commute: Zelena Green Pearlescent with integrated lights and sleek all-weather fenders.

“It’s everything I want in a bicycle. Beautiful too!”

View the gallery.

Shown: Titanium Model No.1 with Budnitz Ti half crown fork, riser bar, seat post, stem and fenders. Upgraded with a 14-speed German Rohloff Speedhub, SON Dynamo and integrated lighting. Finished with a Zelena Green Gloss Pearlescent powdercoat.

FUTURE PRIMITIVEThe Budnitz One of One initiative pairs talented...

Wed, 08 Feb 2017 13:10:20 -0500

FUTURE PRIMITIVE

The Budnitz One of One initiative pairs talented artists with our iconic frames to create beautiful bicycles that are truly one-of-a-kind.

This bold Model No.1, meticulously hand painted by San Francisco’s Zio Ziegler, is among the most striking designs to date.

Most of these collaborations are auctioned for charity. Zio’s is among a select few that we keep on display for visitors to our Vermont studio.

View the gallery.

Shown: Budnitz Model No.1 in chromoly steel, hand painted by American artist Zio Ziegler. Well known for his intricate signature style in both painting and sculpture, Zio is also a cycling fanatic. He can often be found bombing singletrack trails outside of Mill Valley, CA on his very own custom Budnitz.

In five brief years, Budnitz bicycle owners have...

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 13:53:30 -0500

Richard's Model No.1 Honey Edition – London, United Kingdom

In five brief years, Budnitz bicycle owners have traversed thousands of miles in more than 50 countries.

They’ve conquered the thin air of the Bavarian Alps on an FTB, and piloted No.1 through Tokyo’s bustling streets. Our rugged Model No.3 deserves a passport of its very own.

Our new Owner Chronicles series documents their adventures.

Share yours: #MyBudnitz

Introducing Model E – our first electric bicycle

Sat, 03 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0400

Our goal has always been to create bicycles that combine the beauty of a classic car with the...

BAHRAIN BOUND It’s not every day that we receive a phone call...

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:31:14 -0400

BAHRAIN BOUND

It’s not every day that we receive a phone call from Bahrain.

In early August, it was Ali on the line, from the capital city of Manama. He had seen a photo of Model No.1 on a favorite bike blog and needed to know more.

His Cannondale SuperX was fun to ride on hard-packed sand, but he wanted straight-ahead speed for the pavement of his preferred 10-mile highway loop.

Together, we configured a beauty.

Our 3.5-pound titanium frame in Racing Yellow Gloss, ultralight Flat Bar and 11-speed Alfine with electronic shifting. Formula hydraulic brakes add nimble handling for the city’s notoriously tricky traffic.

Boxed up and shipped this morning. Scheduled to arrive just in time for his Saturday morning ride.

View more in the gallery.

Shown: Budnitz Model No.1 in titanium with bright Racing Yellow Gloss powdercoat. Grease-free Gates Belt Drive and internally-geared 11-speed Shimano Alfine Di2 transmission. Marathon Supreme tires by Schwalbe. Hydraulic brakes by Formula. Finished with Budnitz Titanium flat bar, stem, seat post and badges – and a Spurcycle Raw Bell.

GO FURTHER, FASTERI founded Budnitz Bicycles five years ago in...

Fri, 20 May 2016 13:06:52 -0400

GO FURTHER, FASTER

I founded Budnitz Bicycles five years ago in New York City because no one was building the beautiful, high performance bicycles for daily riding that I myself wanted to own.

Since then our company has grown. Budnitz owners in over 40 countries use our handbuilt bicycles for everything from short weekend rides to touring across borders.

Over the years we’ve received many requests for a beautifully engineered bicycle built specifically for more aggressive riding and long distance commuting.

So today I’m excited to announce the new Budnitz Model Ø. This bicycle took over two years to engineer, and possesses Budnitz’ hallmark characteristics of epic performance combined with clean aesthetics in perfect balance.

Model Ø is the ultimate commuter, specifically built for going further, faster. It is also our first offering with drop bars. If you’re looking for a more upright ride, please don’t buy this bicycle (one of our other models is best for you)! But if you have a longer daily commute, have a thirst for speed, or just love drop bars, you will find the handmade titanium frame, carbon fork, silent belt drive, and other features built into Model Ø life-changing.

As with all our bicycles, Model Ø comes with a 100-mile no-questions-asked trial and 100-year guarantee on frames and other Budnitz bespoke components.

Quantities are very limited, order now.

TITANIUM DREAM MACHINELike most of our Owners, Oliver first...

Fri, 06 May 2016 15:02:25 -0400

TITANIUM DREAM MACHINE

Like most of our Owners, Oliver first dreamed about his Budnitz Bicycle from afar.

From his home in Munich, he reached out for our one-on-one design consultation. Oliver soon discovered that Model No.1 in titanium with a 14-speed Rohloff Speedhub was an ideal configuration for his favorite rides.

When a business trip brought him close to our Vermont studio, he paid us a visit and took his future bicycle for a spin along shores of Lake Champlain. It was a perfect match.

“I ride to work, 3-4 miles in the city every day, rain or shine. My Model No.1 starts a lot of conversations as I wheel it into the office.

I have a mechanical watch and an art collection that I adore. I think of my Budnitz in just the same way.

It was the titanium, belt drive and Rohloff, combined in such an elegant way… that’s what did it for me.”

Work with us to design your dream Budnitz this Spring and take advantage of our 100-Mile Trial.

It’s love at first ride, guaranteed.

Build Your Budnitz

Shown: Budnitz Model No.1 in Titanium with Gates Carbon Drive belt and Budnitz high polish singlespeed hub. Marathon Supreme 35c tires by Schwalbe in Germany. Finished with a Budnitz Titanium Beer Wrench.

ROAD RACER TO CITY SCORCHER We work with every client to find...

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 10:52:47 -0400

ROAD RACER TO CITY SCORCHER

We work with every client to find their perfect Budnitz Bicycle.

For Michael, a former Cat. 4 racer in California, it was the Scorcher.

Aggressive geometry and an inverted riser bar provide a comfortably aerodynamic racing bike feel. Knobby Racing Ralph tires mean it’s as much fun ripping cross country as it is on the open road.

Here’s his story:

“I like a nice bike – I have a Merlin road bike and a Seven Duo mountain bike. I wanted a bike that would let me hop on and go for a ride, even if it is short. A belt drive would let me ride to the store in jeans if I wanted, without having to get in my cycling regalia.
Eventually, I came across Budnitz.
No doubt I could buy a bike for a fraction of the price - but would it look so nice? Definitely not.
Would it ride so nice? Well I doubt it.”

Build Your Budnitz Today

THE NEW STEEL When I founded Budnitz Bicycles my vision was to...

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:32:42 -0400

THE NEW STEEL

When I founded Budnitz Bicycles my vision was to create the perfect bicycle for everyday use. I was so obsessive that I got myself kicked out of about half the bike shops in New York City, mostly for riding all the bikes on the floor without buying anything.

Over the past four years Budnitz Bicycles has earned a reputation for building the best engineered and most beautiful city bicycles in the world. Magazines including Bicycle routinely award us “Best City Bicycle”, and half of our customers are repeat customers. This company offers a no-questions-asked return policy, yet we’ve had almost zero returns.

Nevertheless, I’m always bothered that so many people lust after our bicycles but just can’t afford one. So about a year ago I challenged my engineering team to design a perfect city bicycle that costs about the same as a good laptop computer.

Today I’m proud to announce our updated line of cro-moly steel Budnitz Bicycles that start at just $2250.

These new models embody everything that makes our premium titanium line so brilliant: beautiful lines, obsessive engineering, custom components, and a fast, comfortable ride — at a price that’ll set you back less than a cup of coffee a day.

We don’t have many in stock. If you want one, please order yours soon.

- Paul

Paul Budnitz
Founder
Budnitz Bicycles

Belt Drive Bike Benefits

Sat, 12 Mar 2016 20:08:13 -0500

When we set out to design the world’s best city bicycles we knew that maximizing speed,...

FROM SUMMIT TO SUNSET When you build a virtually indestructible...

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 13:55:45 -0500

FROM SUMMIT TO SUNSET

When you build a virtually indestructible titanium fat bike, winter field testing can quickly turn epic.

Case in point: our January trek to Mt. Mansfield – 4,400 vertical feet of snowy Vermont wilderness.

After a climb to the peak and a pause to appreciate the view, we let gravity take care of the rest.

The white-knuckle descent transformed breathtaking vistas to a blur. On a bike like this, you pedal hard and lean in to the corners. In place of fear, you find yourself grinning as 4.8-inch tires carve through endless miles of powder.

A crackling fire at journey’s end made the adventure complete.

From summit to sunset – not an ounce of daylight wasted.

View the full gallery now.

Special thanks to our partners at Stowe Mountain Lodge for the snowy switchbacks and our friends Michael & Birdseye, for sharing the award-winning Cantilever House as our warm destination.