Mosaic Cycles launch new RS-1 steel road bike with disc or rim brake option

Mosaic Cycles, maker of high-end steel and titanium bicycles frames, has introduced a brand new RS-1 steel road bike that offers “classic steel feel with a modern ride”.

The lovely looking frame is made from oversized and butted Columbus Spirit HSS, with the tubing tailored to the specific demands of each customer. You can have it with rim or disc brakes and there are details expected on a modern frame, including a tapered and integrated head tube, optional internal cable routing - customisable to every groupset on the market - and integrated derailleur mounts.

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Of course, each frame is provided with full custom geometry. Mosaic not only makes each frame in-house, but it also paints them in its Spectrum Paint and Powderworks paint shop, where a world of colour options awaits every lucky customer. Each frame takes six weeks from the time of order, probably a bit more when you factor in shipping times to the UK and Europe.

The RS-1 is positioned in the company’s range as a performance-focused bike, a flagship model that is the pinnacle of their expertise with steel tubing.  Other details of note include a 68mm threaded bottom bracket, 27.2mm seat post, 28mm tyre clearance on the rim brake version and 30mm on the disc brake bike. The rim brake bike uses an Enve Road carbon fork, the disc brake bike a Columbus Futura Disc carbon fork.

“Have a really solid steel road bike in our line-up completes the models we offer,” said Aaron Barcheck, Mosaic Cycles founder and lead frame builder. “We’ve brought our own Mosaic perspective to the steel road bike; all the things you’d want out of a modern bike with the timeless ride qualities of a premium steel frameset.”

The company describes the ride quality as “zesty, lively, connected and intuitive.” A load of marketing BS or an accurate portrayal?  Having ridden many steel bikes over the years and a fair few made with Columbus Spirit HSS, we’ve no reason to doubt their claims. We’d love to find out for ourself and ride one though.

Such elegance and expertise doesn’t come cheap though, the RS-1 costing $6,000 for the frameset.

We reviewed the titanium RT-1 back in 2014 and found it to be a fast, responsive and keen titanium frame that’ll make you rethink your frame material of choice. You can read that review here. 

More info at www.mosaiccycles.com/rs-1