Lyrebird Cycles

[Mark Kelly]

It reset itself the other day, I haven't bothered fixing it as it makes no difference to me.

[Mark Kelly]

Lyrebird Cycles is now officially closed. I have a couple of frames to finish by the end of this year and that's it.

[Ras72]

Well damn, that is not what I came here to learn. And learn, I did.
I'll raise a glass to cheers all you've given to the world of cycling and beyond. I've admired work from afar and will forever regret not jumping on board when I had a chance.
Best of luck to you and your future endeavors.

[RichTheRoadie]

As someone who has many hours on more than one of your machines, @Mark Kelly - for which I thank you wholeheartedly for allowing me to experience - I am saddened by this news as I really wish more people could get the chance to decide to choose one of your creations.

I only hope that this decision has come about through to other opportunities and, whilst I'm sure it was a hard decision to come to, that those other opportunities may be worth the decision.

Regardless, good luck in whatever the future holds, Mark.

[Mark Kelly]

No, it's very simple: I'm broke and can't afford to continue. I've been doing this for ten years and the net result is I'm about $100k in the red and that's not counting the opportunity cost of not working full time for that period.

I thought I had six people in the queue mid year but that's all evaporated for various reasons. Those orders would have kept me at the bench for the next year and maybe the global shitshow will lift by then.

My problem is that the bikes are now literally unbelievably good: no-one believes they are worth what I have to charge until they ride one, which of course they can't do.

[RichTheRoadie]

Really sorry to hear that, Mark.

You are more than welcome to invoke the terms of my peppercorn rental so that you have a built one ready to sell - even if just to recoup something from it.

[Colinmclelland]

I too am saddened. I’ll wait to see, but I suspect you’ve now achieved peak awesome in your frames. My family has some nice bikes, but the Lyrebirds are the only ones I expect to rate a mention in my will. Arse, sorry it hasn’t worked as a business.

[Mark Kelly]

Thanks Colin

I was talking to my elder brother today and his opinion was that the whole thing was one internet influencer away from working. .

I had hoped that an upcoming review from Dave Rome might be that tipping point but after the news from CT yesterday that ain't happening.

I'm going to pack things in for now but not sell anything vital. I have a couple of crazy ideas (who knew?) in other fields to pursue so we'll see how things work out.

[RichTheRoadie]

I was talking to my elder brother today and his opinion was that the whole thing was one internet influencer away from working. .

I had hoped that an upcoming review from Dave Rome might be that tipping point but after the news from CT yesterday that ain't happening.

I completely agree. Keep in touch with Dave - it sounds like he and Caley Fritz have plans...

[Mark Kelly]

Thanks Rich.

I hope you are right, it struck me this evening that the reaction since the Outside announcement at CT is best described as grief. We only feel grief if there is a real emotional connection.

[Ras72]

Mark,
As much as it pains me to think you're stepping away from frame building, it comforts me (a little) to know this is simply a business decision. I hope to see you resurface and continue with all your awesomeness.
Head up. Work hard. Take care!

[darkmother]

Be sure to keep us informed of any new projects. Your bikes are really interesting.

[Mark Kelly]

Be sure to keep us informed of any new projects. Your bikes are really interesting.

AutoCAD PDF.jpg

I created this as a display table for my chain cleaner and lubes, it's called "Acetone" ; (remember your organic chemistry ?). The idea came out of the research I did for the tension bike.

The top is myrtle beech, the bonds are titanium tube, the atoms and the tension lines are carbon fibre. The oxygen will be painted red and the hydrogens finished in "white carbon": these correspond to the standard colours for organic modelling.

Since the carbon lines are so thin the top appears to float in space. Even when you notice the tension lines it seems impossible.

When the full scale (900 mm high) table is finished I'll post a pic: it will weigh less than 5 kg but be able to hold my weight.

I have a few other designs that use a similar theme.

[mmcengineer]

Shame really one of the less bullshit guys here i suppose

[claritycycler]

Shame really one of the less bullshit guys here i suppose

VS has "less bullshit guys" (imo hardly any) than any forum on the net, not sure wtf you're talking about.

[mmcengineer]

not sure wtf you're talking about.

lol