2010 NAHBS Interview: Rody Walter of Groovy Cycleworks

Posted on February 26, 2010 by .
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Rody Walter of Groovy Cycleworks; photo by Ed Ip

Rody Walter of Groovy Cycleworks talked with Heather Higgins of Cyclelicio.us today about their Hawaiian-themed commuter bike with off-road capabilities on display at the Shimano North American Handmade Bike Show in Richmond, Virginia. The customer wanted a commuter bike she could also take off road. The criteria were an upright position, off-road capability, and fairly low maintenance. It was important that the bike be simple to maintain so they used a Rohloff Speedhub (integrated 14-speed) and to avoid grease stains a belt drive made by Gates Corporation in cooperation with Carbon Drive Components.

Rohloff Speedhub and Gates Carbon Belt Drive System; photo by Ed Ip


To create the Hawaiian look, they painted white and pink Hibiscus flowers on the royal blue frame and designed the wood fenders to emulate surf boards. Via frequent blog updates documenting the build in progress, the customer has seen the bike come to life online and is thrilled with how it looks. The front wheel is a Phil Wood; a cartridge bearing hub set which is service-friendly and long-lived. The rims are Mavic 29″ and the handle bars are a “dirt drop bar” style. Thank you Rody!



See also:

  1. NAHBS 2010 Day 1 Wrap Up
  2. 2010 NAHBS Interview: John Fabel of Sylvan Cycles
  3. 2010 NAHBS Interview: Ted Wojcik of Ted Wojcik Custom Bicycles
  4. NAHBS Interview Backlog


  • Craig Ryab

    You picked one of the best! Thanks!

  • http://www.cyclelicio.us/ Cyclelicious

    Check it out: That bike was built for Rody's wife!

  • http://blog.carbondrivesystems.com/?p=138 Carbon Drive + Handmade Bikes=Sexy – Carbon Drive Systems Blog

    [...] Check out this post from Cycleicio.us about the Groovy bike, a Hawaiian-themed 14-speed internally geared town bike with off-road capabilities. The Boo 29er combines bamboo with Carbon Drive for a nature-meets-technology mashup. Photo: http://www.MountainFlyer.com The down-low look at Boo's drivetrain. Photo: Justin Steiner, http://www.DirtRag.com Igleheart built this belt drive beauty. Photo credit: Justin Steiner, http://www.DirtRag.com Calfee's tandem Dragonfly with Carbon Drive won the prize for best carbon fiber bike. Weighing just 23 lbs, “It’s built to be light and high performance, yet comfortable,” Calfee says. [...]