Even in the face of major obstacles, Ezra Caldwell has been unable to keep away from the jig and out of the kitchen. His latest build, a well-heeled, single speed dark horse, is another example of Ezra’s love for creating bikes that are perfectly suited to riding around his beloved New York City. Each of them are burly, stylish, strong and sophisticated.
You can find out what TF5 stands for on Ezra’s blog, Teaching Cancer to Cry, which has existed as an electronic journal documenting his battle with the disease. TF5 is a fillet-brazed frame, similar in tone to the ‘Nose Bikes’ that have been keeping him busy. The cockpit consists of a pair of custom handlebars with wooden extensions, leading to a gentle curve that finishes at the rear wheel. The dropout design is Ezra’s own, originally to streamline ‘interior mount’ disc brakes on his ‘Nose Bikes’. Two drive side dropouts have been used, as the customer requested a front brake only. A custom seat clamp and top cap reflect the brass accents.