Budnitz

Most high-end bicycles are designed exclusively for racing. These bikes are very fast, but are impractical and uncomfortable for more casual use. On the other end of the spectrum, nearly all mass-produced city bicycles are made with low-end components, or are poorly modified versions of race bikes that handle poorly or are uncomfortable and unreliable for daily use. Inexpensive bicycles tend to fall apart after just a few years.

Each of our bicycle models represents years of engeneering and prototyping. We incorporate only top-end components. Many of our frames, forks, stems, and handlebars are handmade out of ultra-lightweight, rust and corrosion-proof titanium, a super-lightweight and extremely strong metal originally developed for the aerospace industry. Frame design, geometry, and every component have been thought out to provide an exceptional ride.

Paul dislikes getting his pants dirty. Instead of traditional greasy bike chains and gears, we offer a high-tech and lightweight carbon belt and internal transmissions. These components require very little maintenance, last a very long time, and (best of all) leave no grease on Paul's clothing.

Budnitz Bicycles also feature integrated cables that run through the bicycle frame. Hiding the cabling looks sleek. It also protects cables from the elements.

Our brake levers, headsets, bottom brackets and single speed hubs are made by small top-end parts makers in the USA, including Chris King, Paul Components, Chris King, and White Industries.

Like the cantilever of a bridge that bends under pressure, a curved tube flexes with the rider and a creates a smooth ride. The split top tube absorbs additional shock because each tube can flex from a different angle as the bicycle turns or encounters a bump in the road. Conversely, the larger diameter down tube optimizes horizontal stiffness, so energy generated from the pedals is translated very efficiently into forward motion.

Traditional bicycle frames are built using straight tubes that are welded together into a series of triangles. While ideal for racing, for less agressive riding this results in a much more stiff, bumpy, and uncomfortable ride.

Our frames, forks, titanium stems, seatposts, and handlebars are handmade and are designed last a lifetime if used under normal conditions. We incorporate only top quality components that are both lighter weight and much stronger than what you'll find on a mass-produced bicycle. They'll last much longer and ride better as a result. From this perspective, our bicycles are a very good deal.

Letʼs do some comparison shopping:

A BMW 528i starts at $55,000 in the USA. A base model Mini Cooper costs about $34,000. Even a Toyota Prius will run close to $33,000. This does not include taxes, insurance, licensing, maintenance, gasoline, repairs, parking tickets, and all the other hidden costs behind owning a car.

Our bicycles start at 5% the cost of a BMW. Our titanium frames will never rust or corrode, and all our bicycles are designed to require very little maintenance. There's no insurance, no parking tickets, and no hidden costs. If you find yourself biking much more because our bikes are so fun to ride, you'll be in better shape, and over time you'll make your investment back in health care savings.

Carbon belts have been used in cars and motorcycles for many years. The belts we use are super-lightweight (under 80g each), very strong, and unlike traditional chains and gears, don't require grease or daily maintenance. They're almost completely silent and won't get your pants dirty. We exclusively use the new Gates GTX Center-Track belt system.

Titanium is the ultimate bicycle frame material, and we use for many of our handmade frames, forks, stems, seat posts, and handlebars. Titanium tubing helps make a comfortable ride because of the unique way it absorbs road shock. Our unpainted frames donʼt easily show scratches or other wear, and minor marks can usually be removed with a little buffing with a Scotch-Brite pad.

You can read an in depth article on the history of titanium bicycles here.

The cro-moly steel that we use for our steel bicycle models is a wonderful material. Strong and light, a good steel frame will last you a very long time. Steel has legendary ride quality.

Our steel frames weigh roughly 1.6-pounds more than our titanium frames. The complete bicycles weigh about 2-pounds more because they use slightly different components. Many people don't notice the weight difference less than the weight of a full water bottle). On the other hand, some people really notice the difference. It's a personal preference. Titanium also offers a slightly softer ride than steel... and again, even our customers who have bought both types of bicycles from us don't always agree about this.

All steel bicycles incorporate our proprietary titanium handlebars, seatposts, and stems.

One thing we can say is that in comparison to mass-produced aluminum frames, which tend to have very hard rides and don't flex at all, both our steel and titanium bicycles will feel very comfortable, responsive, and compliant on the road.

Bicycle shock absorbers were developed in the 1980ʻs, at about the same time that mass bike brands began to move away from steel and into aluminum frames. Aluminum frames are inexpensive and lightweight (which is why mass bike makers like to use them), but they tend to be rigid, overly stiff, and very uncomfortable to ride.

Shock absorbers were then added to an aluminum framed bicycles to try to make up some of the difference. The problem is, the shock eats up a lot of the rider's energy by bouncing when you don't want it to, and really effects handling. City bicycles with shocks feel sluggish and wobbly.

There are legitimate uses for shock absorbers -- specifically for downhill mountain bicycling. But generally speaking, good frame design and proper componentry can make a bicycle that is much more comfortable than even an expensive bicycle with shocks, and that handles beautifully as well. .

We use wider tires on all of our bicycles than on conventional race bicycles. Lab studies have shown that a wider tire at lower pressure actually rolls faster than a narrow tire under normal street conditions, especially at speeds under 25 miles per hour. If a slightly soft and wide tire hits a bump in the road it will deform and continue to roll forward. A hard narrow tire bounces upwards or even backwards, hindering forward momentum (this also makes the ride much less comfortable!).

Because we only sell hand-built bicycles direct to our customers, we do not have showrooms or shops in other cities where you can ride a Budnitz Bicycle. That said, you can read many reivews of our bicycles online, both from bicycle review blogs and by our customers. They're amazing bicyles. Please contact us if you'd like to speak with one of our current bicycle owners who have offered to serve as reference for future customers.

We do have a thank-you policy for customers who come and test ride our bicycles here in Vermont. If you buy one of our bicycles after your visit we will reimburse up to $300 towards your travel costs. You can also ride your bicycle during your visit, and we will box it up and ship it to you when you are ready to go home. A good excuse to take a vacation in our beautiful state!

We've sized many, many customers to our bicycles, and we're very, very good at it. If you don't like your bicycle for any reason, return it in new condition within 21 days and we'll give you your money back, minus shipping costs.

In addition, we also offer six different sized stems and two different style seatposts that we can use to fine-tune your fit. We exchange parts for free, and we will do this happily until you're completely comfortable.

Cary, No.1 Titanium, Pebble Beach
"I have 20 bikes, 19 of which I built, sans welding & wheel building after obtaining the frame sets. The No.1 is my No.21, and I have to say, from the point of an experienced rider and builder, that the Budnitz is hands down the Ferrari of bikes. It is truly otherworldly and has the machine aesthetics of a fighter jet.

I was able to pump-slalom the bike right out of the gate, something I can only comfortably do on my Bontragers, but on the dirt. And it's eerily silent, a non-Ferrari, but cool bike trait. Of course, I couldn't hear it anyway as we rode along the coast because the wind was gusting up to 50mph and the only thing I could hear was my jacket slapping my arms."

Randy, No.1 Titanium, Denver
"I pulled up to the sole bike rack at the local grocery store, and just as I was locking up my extraordinary and beautiful No. 1, it happened…a gentleman driving his Land Rover pulled up as close as he could, rolled down his window, and asked, 'Is that a Budnitz Bicycle?' Damn near floored me!

We spent the next 15-20 talking about the bike.  All I could convey is the genuine love I have for it - form, function, feel, flight, fondness, etc., the most incredible bike in the world!"

Hon, No.2 Titanium, Sydney
"This is just the most perfect bicycle. It's pretty much the only bike I ride now."

Akio, No.2 Titanium, Osaka
"Thank you for sending such a wonderful bike. We like it very much. Everybody stops to talk about it. Actually, my father keeps taking it from me! So I think I must by another one someday."

David, Titanium No.1, Hayward
"The bike is perfect and then more! Originally bought it to train in the winter making use of 10 speed internal drive and carbon belt, fenders, and for cruising rides with my wife in Carmel and Lake Tahoe.

But what I received was much more! It turns heads from other riders. It is  smooth, fast, and very comfortable. The flawless titanium welds with the cool metro design is like non-other on the road! The belt drive and internal 10 speed rear hub is quiet and rips the climbs.

I am extremely satisfied and enjoying it every moment; exceeds all expectations."

Ariana, No.2 Titanium, London
"Very comfortable, very quiet, quite lovely to look at. A perfect fit as well. The best bike I've ever owned... We're taking it to the Lake District this summer, very excited to ride around the countryside and turn heads!"

Sigmund, No.1 Titanium, Atlanta
"I received my bike a few days ago and I love it. . Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and I hope you enjoy the holidays.  You made the most beautiful bike I have ever seen."

Victor, No.1 Titanium, Corvallis
So I put some toe-clips and a "Concor Light" saddle on the bike and took it for a 30 mile club ride today. It performed great! It's a perfect fit for me, just the way it is. Love the disc brakes and the belt drive. The 60/22 gearing is just right for my style of riding. I can stay with the regular bikes on the flats and power past them on the hills. The bike is so quiet and smooth, and as an artist, I just love the simple elegance it projects. A pleasure to ride and a joy to behold. Can't ask for more than that. Nice work Budnitz!

Jason, No.2, Boulder
"Wow. Just back from a ride.  It's so much better than any bike. Ever."

Add your new bicycle to your homeowners or renter's insurance policy. If you don't have insurance go get some. It is very inexpensive.

If your bicycle is stolen -- ever -- we will give you a 20% discount on your replacement bicycle, which you can use towards the deductible on your insurance. In most cases you will get your replacement bicycle at no cost.

Our theft replacement policy remains in effect for as long as you own and love your Paul Budnitz Bicycle -- which we hope will be forever.