Adam Sklar on his production Super Something. Photos: John Watson / The Radavist.
To celebrate the friendship they’ve cultivated over the last decade, The Radavist and Sklar Bikes decided to team up to create a special Radavist-edition Super Something. Maybe you know about Sklar Bikes already, and you’re champing at the bit to get one of these limited-edition Super Somethings for yourself. But how much do you know about the man behind the bikes?
The Radavist x Sklar Super Something Rival AXS build.
Adam Sklar is a one-man operation. He crafts all of his beautiful, custom, handbuilt bikes in Bozeman, Montana. He builds his bikes one at a time, working one-on-one with customers to perfect their dream bike.
With the latest Super Something, he’s now introduced a more attainable production Sklar model that features all of the design elements that have made his custom bikes so desirable — beautiful styling, an ovalized and curved top tube, ample tire clearance, and custom-butted steel tubing.
[button]Shop Sklar[/button]
I asked Adam a few questions to get to know the man who helped bring the latest Radavist edition bikes to life…
TPC: How did you get started framebuilding? How long have you been building bikes?
Adam Sklar: I started building frames in my garage for fun in 2011. I've always enjoyed making things and riding bikes, so I didn't think too much of it when I bought some tools at the hardware store and taught myself how to do it. Only years later after an engineering degree, working in a few machine shops, and learning a whole lot more did I start to do it as a business.
Adam aboard his prototype Rover steel single pivot full suspension.
TPC: What's your favorite thing about building bikes by hand?
AS: My favorite part of building bikes by hand is all the decisions that get made along the way. You have a blueprint where everything needs to go functionally and how you get those connected usually happens in the shop as you go. That is where a lot of fun ideas and innovations come from. It is pretty different from a production bike like the Super Something where every single detail needs to be determined before they go to get made.
TPC: Why do Sklar bikes use that distinctive curved top tube?
AS: I did my first curved top tube early on and it really stuck. I was more interested in making the ovalized profile, but I also like how you can always tell it is a Sklar even without paint.
Adam riding his Scorcher Gravel Fixed Gear.
TPC: You have an entire weekend to get away. What does your dream bike ride look like?
AS: I am lucky to live somewhere with pretty amazing riding in any direction you go. For me, a dream ride involves spending the whole day outside with friends somewhere beautiful and coming home nice and tired.
The Radavist x Sklar Super Something singlespeed coaster brake build.
Only 50 Radavist X Sklar Super Somethings will be produced and they will be available for purchase at TPC starting May 10th. Once they’re all sold they’re gone, so if you want one, don’t wait!
[button]Shop Sklar[/button]
