The 2026 MADE bike show wrapped up its four-year run at Portland’s Zidell Yards on Sunday, setting the stage for a move to the Oregon Convention Center for 2027, according to event director Billy Sinkford. Against this backdrop of industry transition, independent framebuilders debuted experimental wheel sizes, custom touring rigs, and accessible production models, signaling shifting priorities across custom cycling.
Bantam Bicycle Works Debuts Rigid 32er and Big Jim Singlespeed
Portland-based Bantam Bicycle Works showcased two distinct mountain bikes at the 2026 show, highlighting owner Bob Kamzelski’s two decades of fabrication experience. According to Kamzelski, the custom rigid 32-inch mountain bike was built for a 6’4″ repeat customer seeking a lighter, faster setup for short bikepacking trips. The fully fillet-brazed frame features custom-bent chainstays and seatstays, an offset forward seat tube for 32-inch wheel clearance, and a long 200mm travel dropper post. The build utilizes a Ritchey fork, Teravail Cannonball 32 x 2.2″ tires, Astral Outback 32-inch wheels, and a frame bag crafted from a recycled chicken feed bag by Lords Luggage.
Alongside the 32er, Kamzelski brought his stock-sized singlespeed mountain bike named the Big Jim, priced at $1,850 for the frame and fork. Fabricated from Columbus steel, the Big Jim is designed around 27.5-inch wheels, rim brakes, and 2.4-inch tire clearance, featuring laser-cut horizontal dropouts.
Neuhaus Metalworks Tests 750d Wheels for the Masses
While Novato, California-based Neuhaus Metalworks did not have a dedicated booth at the 2026 event, founder Nick Neuhaus and engineer Daniel Yang collaborated with Enduro Bearings to display a bike built around the alternative 750d (30.5-inch) wheel size. According to Daniel Yang, 750d wheels offer a more realistic alternative for the masses compared to 32-inch builds, which can prove too large for many riders. The setup allows Neuhaus to maintain standard gravel bike geometry rather than shifting toward drop-bar mountain bikes. The prototype utilizes semi-deep carbon rims developed in partnership with European brand Merit and WTB Nano Raptor tires.
Wilde Bicycle Co. Preps Sub-$2,000 Moon Bug and Retro Pleezer
Minneapolis-based Wilde Bicycle Co. used the 2026 show to preview an upcoming budget-friendly production model alongside a high-end custom build. According to owner Jeffrey Frane, the upcoming aluminum and steel “Moon Bug” aims for a sub-$2,000 complete price tag—targeting roughly $1,800 with a Shimano Cues 10-speed drivetrain—with a planned launch for next summer. The commuter-friendly frame includes rack, fender, hidden kickstand, and three-pack fork mounts. Wilde also introduced the Manticore aluminum handlebar, designed to offer off-road compliance, scheduled for a fall release.
For high-end buyers, Wilde launched The Pleezer, a vintage-inspired mountain bike modeled after the Breezer Series #1 silhouette. Built for co-founder Andy Tesch, the $5,800 fillet-brazed frame features a twin-tube design, boost hub spacing, disc brakes, and a 1-inch threaded headset with custom bullmoose bars.
Moots Previews Unreleased Routt and 32-Inch Prototypes
Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based Moots exhibited an unreleased version of its Routt gravel bike alongside two 32-inch prototypes. According to the article, the updated Routt increases tire clearance to handle 45mm to 57mm (2.2″) rubber, utilizing a 3D-printed drive-side chainstay yoke and a D-shaped steerer for internal cable routing. The brand’s two 32-inch prototypes—a drop-bar gravel model named the Scrambler 32 and a 32-inch hardtail mountain bike—feature custom purple anodization and UDH dropouts. Moots plans to log extensive mileage on both prototypes before deciding on a commercial release.
Ron’s Bikes Debuts Ultradynamico Comté Carbon Rims
Connecticut-based Ron’s Bikes and Ultradynamico featured a red ALUMAX II frame built by Frank the Welder from Dedacciai 7005 aluminum. The build served as a platform to debut the Comté, Ultradynamico’s first carbon fiber rim designed for both rim and disc brakes. According to Ronnie Romance, the low-profile, box-section rim is 25mm wide internally, weighs roughly 400 grams, and is engineered to absorb trail chatter unlike stiffer aerodynamic carbon options. The brand also previewed a low-profile hip pack featuring UltraStretch fabric and internal velcro dividers, developed over a three-year period.
Mica Cycles and White Industries Highlight Component Updates
Mica Cycles attended the show to present a universal front rack prototype designed to mount to outward-facing fork leg mounts with adjustable width brackets. Meanwhile, Petaluma, California-based White Industries displayed its limited-edition “desert sage” Cerakote colorway across its component lineup, alongside new MET Hubs engineered specifically for Brompton folding bicycles.
Did you know? The 2026 MADE bike show marked the final installment of the event at Portland’s Zidell Yards. The show will relocate to the indoor Oregon Convention Center for 2027.
Stinner Frameworks Previews Shorter-Travel Tunnel 120
Stinner Frameworks displayed a prototype of the upcoming Tunnel 120 hardtail mountain bike, scheduled for a spring 2027 launch. According to founder Aaron Stinner, the new model adapts the rowdy geometry of the original 140mm-fork Tunnel for a 120mm travel fork, making the platform more applicable for bikepacking and more efficient riding. The prototype clears 29 x 2.5-inch tires and will be offered in steel and titanium configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the MADE bike show take place in 2027?
According to event director Billy Sinkford, the MADE bike show will relocate to the Oregon Convention Center in Portland for its 2027 event.
What is the projected price for the Wilde Moon Bug?
According to Wilde Bicycle Co. owner Jeffrey Frane, the brand is aiming for a sub-$2,000 complete price tag, targeting roughly $1,800 with a Shimano Cues 10-speed drivetrain.
What tire clearance does the updated Moots Routt offer?
According to Moots, the updated Routt gravel bike has been redesigned around 45mm to 57mm (2.2-inch) tires.
Who manufactures Ultradynamico’s new Comté rims?
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