About Ruckus Bikes
In 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic triggered historic demand for bicycles, as it also crippled the worldwide supply chain.
With industry partners forced to push out delivery dates on bikes not weeks, months and even years. We saw neighbors and friends barred from entry to a hobby that could help improve their physical health, mental outlook and connect them to a larger community.
We also saw an opportunity to offer something that would allow riders to build something unique.
/ˈRƏKƏS/
NOUN.
A disturbance or commotion.
There is a moment, whether riding on a rec path with kids in tow, exploring the dirt roads and gravel in their backyard or taking on singletrack in the mountains of Switzerland when a rider is overtaken by the urge to give a shout.
To raise their voice in joyful celebration.
To embrace the sun on their backs, the wind in their faces, and the blood rushing through their veins.
It is a feeling that transcends age or ability. It is a moment that is simple but profound.
A sound that is loud, perhaps a bit disruptive, and certainly grabs attention.
As owners of Steve the Bike Guy, an independent bicycle shop outside of Boston, Steve and Kristin Brandt witnessed the impact of the supply channel challenges first hand.
Using their background as riders, racers, bike shop owners, mechanics, and community builders, they built Ruckus Bikes with one goal – to help get customers and friends on bicycles.
We also saw an opportunity to provide an alternative option for people looking for a bike. A chance to build something unique that captured our love of bicycles, guided all who rode toward new adventures, and welcomed anyone wanting to get dirty and “make a commotion.”
Before he was a professional bike mechanic, Steve was a an environmental consultant having graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a major in geology and a minor in geography.
Today, he remains fascinated by both the geology and geography of New England (we have drawers of atlases and boxes of rocks to prove it). It is this fascination, paired with our deep love of cycling, which inspires everything from the names of our framesets to the colors we choose, to the cairn that graces each headtube.
According to experts, “heaps of stones” or cairns were likely first used by Scots to “mark trails across grass-covered, hilly landscapes,” while other cultures used rock stacks to mark routes to food or other resources; direct sailors to lighthouses, mark gravesites or pass along messages. Source: Zion National Park
The cairn gracing the head tube of each Ruckus Bike frame is designed to illustrate both the balance bikes can provide (and is required to stay upright), while also serving as a marker along whatever path a rider takes.
Every frameset made by Rucks Bikes will meet the following criteria:
Making a ruckus can be a little rough so our frames are selected to hold up to the abuse. These are bikes we want and do, ride.
We stuck with designs that is easily built and serviced – no proprietary parts to keep you off the roads, trails or whatever.
Our frames are not subtle. We selected colors that capture attention and make their own joyful cacophony. Each is named for the geology of our New England home, with a rock cairn gracing the head tube badge to guide your way.
There is not much we like better than talking about bikes, riding bikes, and how we can get more people to ride bikes. Drop us a line and let’s talk about bikes!
Framesets designed to inspire people to go for a ride and make a happy ruckus!
