Northern Frameworks 650b MTB

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Minnesota’s custom bicycle scene has a shining star in Alex Cook, whose journey began on the New Builders Table at NAHBS 2013 under the A-Train Cycles banner. After brazing frames for nearly a decade, Cook established Northern Frameworks, now crafting precision bicycles for Minneapolis’ renowned Angry Catfish bike shop. This trail-blazing frame builder exemplifies how traditional craftsmanship can merge with modern mountain biking demands to create something truly special.

From Minnesota Workshop to Trail-Ready Frameworks

The evolution of Northern Frameworks represents a quintessential American craftsmanship story. Operating for approximately three years, this boutique brand emerged from Cook’s decade of experience brazing frames as A-Train Cycles. The transition from independent builder to creating frameworks for a legendary local bike shop demonstrates the power of community in cycling culture. Each frame that leaves the workshop carries both technical expertise and Minnesota riding heritage, forged through countless hours of design refinement and hands-on fabrication. The frameworks produced here showcase meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of riding dynamics that only comes from years of experience in the saddle and at the torch.

“Maxxis Minion DHF-  Ultimate grip with Dual Compound, EXO protection and tubeless-ready design. 100 sold last month! The trail-dominating tire trusted by riders everywhere.” LEARN MORE ➡️

Engineering Excellence: The Anatomy of a Custom Shredder

This particular 650b mountain bike wasn’t commissioned by a specific rider but built as a showpiece—a testament to Northern Frameworks’ engineering prowess. The TIG-welded frame features precise geometry with a slack 67.25-degree head tube angle for stability on technical descents, while maintaining responsiveness through a 625mm effective top tube. The relatively short 425mm chain stays provide nimble handling characteristics while still accommodating substantial 27×2.8″ rubber, creating the perfect balance between technical maneuverability and trail-crushing capability. These geometry choices reflect contemporary mountain bike design frameworks while incorporating Cook’s unique vision of the ideal trail bike. The clearance built into the frame design allows riders to run either more traditional 27.5″ tires or experiment with the growing plus-size trend without compromising frame integrity.

Component Symphony: Where Tradition Meets Technology

Northern Frameworks harmoniously blends old-school craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology in their component selection. This build showcases SRAM’s AXS Eagle wireless shifting system—representing the pinnacle of modern drivetrain technology—paired with the timeless reliability of White Industries’ M30 crankset. The Derby carbon rims offer both strength and weight advantages for technical riding, while Shimano XT brakes provide dependable stopping power in varied conditions. Fox Factory 120mm forks deliver plush suspension for rocky terrain, complemented by a Transfer dropper post for on-the-fly saddle height adjustments when terrain varies. This integration of premium components within custom frameworks demonstrates a holistic approach to bicycle design where each element is selected not merely for brand prestige but for how it contributes to the overall riding experience. The wireless shifting system particularly complements the clean lines of the frame by eliminating cable routing complexities.

Aesthetic Allure: Beyond Function to Artistry

While Northern Frameworks’ portfolio spans custom cyclocross machines, refined road bikes, and even titanium balance bikes, this particular creation draws attention through its striking ombre paint scheme. Like a carefully tied fishing fly, it lures the eye and imagination simultaneously. The gradient finish showcases the artistic dimension of frame building that transcends pure engineering. Each framework becomes a canvas where technical necessities like weld quality become part of the visual narrative. This artistic approach transforms what could be merely a performance tool into something that inspires pride of ownership. The careful paint application highlights the frame’s contours and emphasizes joint work that might otherwise go unnoticed, creating visual drama that complements the bike’s performance capabilities.

“Orange Seal Endurance Formula- Long-lasting tubeless sealant that stops punctures instantly and stays liquid longer. 1K sold last month! The ultimate protection for serious riders.” LEARN MORE ➡️

Minnesota Riding Heritage: Frameworks for Local Terrain

The Minneapolis mountain biking scene has grown significantly over the past decade, with trail networks expanding throughout the region. Northern Frameworks designs specifically with these local conditions in mind, creating bikes that excel on the area’s mix of flowing singletrack and technical sections. This 650b creation embodies the versatility needed for Midwest riding conditions while maintaining the capability to perform anywhere. The frameworks developed in Cook’s workshop reflect an understanding that Minnesota riders need machines that handle seasonal transitions from dry summer hardpack to wet autumn trails. Local knowledge translates directly into design decisions, from tire clearance to geometry angles, ensuring these bikes perform optimally in their native habitat before being shipped elsewhere.

Artisanal Production in a Mass-Market World

In an era dominated by overseas carbon production and corporate bicycle design, Northern represents the resilience of American frame building traditions. Small-batch production allows for meticulous quality control and customer interaction impossible at larger scales. Each framework represents dozens of hours of hands-on craftsmanship, from material selection to final alignment checks. This investment of time creates bicycles with personalities and riding characteristics distinct from mass-produced alternatives. The consistency between design intent and final execution remains possible only through this intimate production process. Builders like Cook preserve techniques while innovatively applying them to modern riding styles and component standards, ensuring the frameworks tradition continues evolving rather than becoming merely historical.

The Future Trail: Where Northern Frameworks Is Heading

As mountain bike technology continues evolving, Northern Frameworks is positioned to incorporate innovations while maintaining their craft-centered approach. Current trends toward mixed wheel sizes, electronic integration, and variable geometry could all find expression in future frameworks from this Minnesota workshop. The stability of their relationship with Angry Catfish provides both creative freedom and market connection, allowing for experimental designs backed by real-world rider feedback. As this 650b creation demonstrates, Northern Frameworks balances forward-looking design with proven traditions. The continued refinement of their process promises increasingly dialed riding experiences for customers seeking something beyond mainstream offerings—bicycles that tell stories through both their appearance and performance.

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