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Naked Truth | Sam’s Obsession | Go Sam Go | Press and Video
The Naked Truth
Sam at NAHBS. Photo by Tina Buescher
Sam Whittingham, founder, designer and builder for custom bicycle fabrication company, Naked Bicycles and Design, has been building custom frames one by one with love, logic and elbow grease for over a decade now.
“I have a definite style which I cannot help but bring to each and every bicycle, but I am greatly influenced by the needs and desires of each customer.”
Bike making is in our blood. You could say this company really started 30 years ago as Sam ripped apart his first coaster hub to make it “skid better”. Or maybe it was when he duct-taped a broom stick to his “girls bike” to make it a “boys bike”.
Sam worked in bike shops and learned to weld, draft, machine and paint long before he put together his first frame.
Sam spent years racing and perfecting bike fit and riding analysis for various disciplines. This is definitely one of the things that sets naked bikes apart; Making each bike fit just right. The first Naked frame was built for Sam’s good friend Neil Carson nearly 12 years ago. And that bike is still being ridden daily. These first few bikes were made late at night in the dungeon of Fairfield Bicycle Shop in Victoria, BC. Later, we moved into a little garage in Victoria and started building bikes under the name of Forte! This lasted for a number of years before we realized that things were really taking off and we needed more space.
After a brief stint on Gabriola Island, we have now settled permanently on Quadra Island. This was a return to my home town and we changed the name one last time to naked. The name reflects our desire to build bikes un-adulterated by hype and the latest fads.
Andrea at NAHBS. Photo by Tina Buescher
The real power behind the throne is, of course, Annie. A bike nut for many years from racing to extreme commuting. Before embarking full time with Naked, she was renown for her ridiculous daily commute which involved 3 hours riding, one ferry and 5000 feet of climbing EACH way. And where was she going? To her job as a hiking guide and naturalist with the Strathcona Wilderness Institute.
Garnet launches
Our latest labour acquisition is super-slave, Garnet Kehn. Also known as “Gromit”, he brings some serious skills; with a file and on the bike. Most importantly “Garnish” supplies a fresh music collection. See “Granny’s” blacksmithing handy-work on the Shimano Show bike featured in the Gallery. Keep a lookout for “Gravel’s” sick riding skills on the biggest, gnarliest riding stunt on a trail near you.
Thanks to Tina Buescher, for the great photos of Sam and Andrea