Every custom bike starts with a question. Not “what groupset?” or “what wheels?” The real question is: What do you want this bike to feel like? This Mosaic was the answer to that question.
Q: OK, not officially a new model as Mosaic has sold through the first limited run of RT-Zeros, but, What makes this bike so special?
A: Being brutally honest here, but when Mosaic launched this new model I was pretty ho-hum. Maybe not the best thing to say about one of our best selling marques, but it was my initial reaction. I didn’t think it was bad by any means, but adding a carbon down tube, T47 bottom bracket shell and machined dropouts are things that other manufacturers have also been doing. So while yeah, it looked nice, I didn’t think it warranted all the excitement being thrown at it.
We pre-sold a few out of the first limited batch of 30 that Mosaic built. I didn’t think about it again until we got the first frame in-house. And then, I’m sure you can see where this is going, I was like, “damn, that is a cool looking bike, I definitely should have ordered more of those."
You asked what makes it special though. I think what makes the RT-Zero special is that while it’s in theory doing what has been done many times over, it looks different doing it. It’s really hard to put my finger on it but Mosaic has a distinct look. Even though nothing on a standard Mosaic is very outside the box, I could still pick it out of a crowd if it didn’t have a Mosaic logo on it anywhere.
The RT-Zero has a few features that add to that. The D shaped seat tube is different. The machined dropouts (that I hated the look of in the promotional materials) look fantastic in person and are making me question my observation skills. The head tube is different for Mosaic and looks great. The top tube, seat tube and seat stay junction are very industrial looking, compared to Prova for example, but work very well with the rest of the bike. Finally, I really like the simple stock finish. This has me yearning for a raw titanium bike again.
Q: Why Mosaic?
A: Mosaic occupies a special place in the Above Category world.
We’ve been working with Mosaic since the beginning. We’ve seen every iteration of every model made from 2009 until now. Their frames are built one at a time in Boulder, Colorado, where I was lucky enough to call home for a few years. Like I said about Mosaic's aesthetic, the same applies to the ride feel. Built right, it rides like the smoothest race bike you can get. Super smooth like a titanium bike should be, but also has a nice kick to it when you want, and I’ve never owned a Mosaic that was anything but great handling.
Q: What do Lightweight wheels bring to the build?
A: Feeling.
But equally important to me, character.
There are very few components that fundamentally change how a bike feels beneath you. Wheels are one of them, and Lightweight has spent decades building some of the most distinctive riding wheels available. We’ve been riding them for over 20 years now, from the standard gen 1 with its distinctive carbon/kevlar spokes to the very latest model, the Meilenstein ART.
I won’t say that these are the fastest, or the lightest but they are the one wheel that when I put on my bike, the sensation is immediately noticeable. If you don’t believe me when I say that, come try a pair yourself.
When clients ask us where they should invest in a dream build, wheels are almost always part of that conversation because they’re one of the few upgrades you notice every single ride.
And paired with this Mosaic, they are a perfect match with the smooth nature of the frame.
Q: Couldn’t you just buy something similar off the showroom floor?
A: Similar? Maybe. Somewhere. Actually, doubtful.
But the same? No. What you’re looking at here isn’t a collection of premium parts. It’s a collection of decisions.
A stock bike can get you close. A custom bike lets you decide what matters.
Maybe that’s handling on fast descents.
Maybe it’s comfort on six-hour rides.
Maybe it’s fitting larger tires without compromising aesthetics.
Maybe it’s creating something that nobody else in the world owns.
The right answer depends on the rider.
Q: What’s the Above Category role in a build like this?
A: If we are talking to a cyclist for the first time we spend a lot of time talking before we ever talk about parts.
The best custom builds start with understanding how someone rides, where they ride, what they value, and what they’ve learned from previous bikes. The frame, components, wheels, and finishing details come afterward. Anyone can sell a frame or bike.
Our job is helping clients arrive at the right bike.
Q: Who is this bike for?
A: Well, this one is for Luuk. For anyone else though, it’s for the rider who’s stopped asking what’s popular and started asking what’s right for them. Someone who:
Appreciates craftsmanship.
Values experience over trends.
Wants a bike that feels personal.
That’s the difference between buying a bike and commissioning one.
Q: Any last thoughts about the rest of the build?
A: Besides the frame and wheels this build is pretty straightforward. Complete SRAM Red group with every bolt that can be, being replaced with a titanium version. Ceramicspeed bottom bracket, ENVE fork and bar/stem, Selle Italia SLR saddle, Silca titanium cages and Pirelli tires finish it all off.
Thinking About Your Own Build?
Since 2006, we’ve been helping riders create dream bikes built around the way they actually ride. Whether you’re interested in Mosaic, Lightweight, or simply exploring what’s possible through a custom build, we’d love to start the conversation.
The best custom bikes don’t begin with a spec sheet.
They begin with a rider.
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