Bicycle Can Cage
At Wheel Brothers, we are always trying to keep our cycling community well informed on everything from upcoming events to local bike shops. When we came across Geoffrey Franklin of Walnut Design Studio, we did not think that we would be doing our job without sharing his handmade cycling gear with you. Geoffrey’s gear is unique, and his passion for cycling is evident in the quality and thoughtfulness of his work.
We asked Geoffrey a few questions about his work and cycling and this is what he had to say:
How long have you been making biking gear?
We opened the doors of Walnut Studiolo in 2009. We launched our products on Etsy.com.
What inspired you to start making gear for bikes?
A few years ago I had a seven-mile bike commute to work. It provided me plenty of time to think about what I was carrying and how I could improve things. When I couldn’t find what I wanted in the marketplace, I started making my own things.
Have you ever had any road cyclist use your gear?
My father-in-law is a road cyclist. He just installed the braided wraps on his bike, and fell in love with them. He wrote me an email afterwards and said, “no great hand strain, great cushioning, great gripping power. I am a believer.”
What is the most fun experience you’ve had?
The pace of riding a bike often allows people to enjoy the small things in life. Just catching a few sun rays in the morning can be bliss. But the thing I look forward to the most is a group ride organized by my friends. We do a different multi-day tour ever year. Two years ago we rode from Eugene, Or. to Crater Lake, taking the most scenic route the entire way. If I close my eyes, I can feel it like it was yesterday
We love the beer holder! Where can we get one?
Riding to the park to drink a beer in the sun is an awesome way to spend some time. You can find all my bike gear at: http://walnutstudiolo.etsy.com
What is your favorite piece out of all of your biking accessories and why?
My favorite piece of bike gear changes fairly frequently. Right now my favorite is the braided handlebar wraps. I have these wraps on three of my bikes because I was always choosing to ride my Surly when it was the only bike with the braided wraps.
If one of our cyclists were to visit Oregon, is there anywhere you recommend for great cycling?
One of my favorite rides is “Reach the Beach”, a century (100 miles) from Portland to Pacific City. There’s a brewery on the beach when you get there, Pelican Brewery. I have done it numerous times as a group ride, but it is even better solo during the week when you have the roads almost to yourself. Another great area is called the “Fruit Loop”. If you’re looking to ride out in the country, there are countless apple, cherry and pear orchards around Hood River, Or.
Is there anything about your business philosophy or products that you would like our readers to know about?
I am dedicated to making the highest quality gear. It starts by using the best materials and doing everything by hand so no detail is missed. I am also happy to provide cyclists with gear they can’t find anywhere else, and collaborating with clients to bring to life almost any project they can think of.
