Spectrum cycles nearing the end of the road

[Tom Kellogg]

RELEASE 03/01/2019:

After a combined 80 years of building frames and bicycles, Tom Kellogg and Jeff Duser of Spectrum Cycles have decided to close up shop. Orders for new bicycles will be taken until July 31st of this year, and once those builds are complete, Tom Kellogg and Jeff Duser are stepping away from their passion of making beautiful bicycles. Not one more Spectrum Cycles frame will be built.

Tom began building bicycles in 1976. Not only is that a lot of experience and a lot of frames, but it is also a lot of time at the bench. We are proud of what we have accomplished over the last four decades and appreciate the countless years of joy that our work has provided for thousands of cyclists. We are honored that so many people have put their trust in us, given us an opportunity to work for them and to make a living doing what we love.

It is nearly time for us to walk away from our work. And that is the plan: to walk away from the bench without regret. We won't sell the business. When we hang up the torch, put down our last file and shoot our last coat of clear, we're done.

There is now only one chance left to get a new Spectrum frame. We are taking orders for custom steel and titanium frames for the next five months. We will then close our order book and take as long as we need to complete those orders. We are not limiting the number of orders, but we will not accept any order after July. Don't wait. Time flies. Trust us on that.

We also have a limited number of '70s frame kits available for builds if you are interested in real mid-'70s steel frames built by folks who cut their teeth in that era. Our modern steel frames are higher-performance bicycles, but the old ones sure do look nice and feel wonderful. No one makes them at our level anymore.

As wonderful as many other modern titanium frames are, Tom has a longer legacy in modern titanium frames than anyone currently building with the material. He has been involved in every one of the modern era's titanium frame advancements and he knows how to make the material sing.

If you want one of our bicycles, this is your last chance. Hit our website and after looking things over, download the order form for the last frame we will ever build for you.

Spectrum Cycles | The Perfect Bike Does Not Exist Until We Build it for You.
610-398-1986

[AngryScientist]

Wow Tom, congratulations!

The Merlin i got way back when with your name on the chainstay is what really made me understand what a well designed bike was all about, and was my introduction to great bicycles, it remains the gold standard for how a bike should ride and handle.

The number of smiles you guys have put on people's faces over the years must be the best part of the job. Enjoy you're "retirement" and whatever the next adventure brings Tom!

[Lionel]

Congrats Tom. Awesome career. My Spectrum is a truly wonderful bike.

[oldpotatoe]

wow, first Ritchie and now Tom...the bike biz is a-changin'

[OtayBW]

Yours were always one of the ones of real interest to me...but alas....!
Good luck! I'm sure you must be tired after 80 years! Wait.....

[weisan]

I currently have three Merlins and one Spectrum titanium, all designed by Tom.

Does that make me a fan?

You bet!

Run...folks, don't walk.

No fear.

[Lionel]

In all seriousness, I cannot think of what could be improved on my Spectrum Super Ti. I doubt building a better Ti bike is possible (I had a few ). If you are looking at a Ti frame buy I'd get in line asap NOW.

[nobuseri]

Congrats for a job well done. Props!

[Bob Ross]

I don't begrudge anyone taking that well-deserved step into hard-earned retirement, and I am thrilled for Tom and Jeff. But this news still makes me sad

...mostly because it means I'll never get a custom Spectrum now.

Bravo gents, and good luck in the next chapters of your lives. Thanks for all the beautiful bikes.

[Blue Jays]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

"...mostly because it means I'll never get a custom Spectrum now. :-( ..."

Why? You can place a deposit and put your name in the queue up to July 31, 2019.

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by Blue Jays

Why? You can place a deposit and put your name in the queue up to July 31, 2019.

Because other than to satisfy a perverse desire for pure extravagant vanity/hoarding there's no way I can justify ordering a new bike this year...or, frankly, any time in the next ~10 years.

[NHAero]

Congrats to both of you - what a long run of the best in cycling! Every one of your products I've seen is stunning. A good friend nearby has a Cyrene - I've never seen anything else like it.

[MattTuck]

Congrats.

[johnniecakes]

I have ridden many derbies with Tom and there are few better guys. Congratulations on prospering through a long career in a tough business

[djg]

Tom, I just want to say thank you for building me a great bike (with a beautiful paint job too). You’re the tops — glad you are winding down on your own terms.