EYEWATER BICYCLES
Solid, Efficient, Fast and Comfortable.
It is not very often that Velosmith adds a new bike brand to our offerings. For us to do so, it needs to truly stand out. We always take our time to understand a brand, evaluate the offerings, and of course, subject a brand’s products to long-term testing.
Eyewater is based in Seattle, Washington and is the creation of bike industry veteran Corey Lowe. If the name sounds familiar, it may be because he won “Best New Frame Builder” at the 2018 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS).
Corey’s experience in frame building is comprehensive, developing road bike programs for Cannondale, Specialized, Cervelo, Parlee Cycles and Allied to name a few. At Cannondale, Specialized and Cervelo, Corey was tasked with developing the bikes for the UCI Pro Tour. Those designs have gone on to win some of the biggest prizes in professional road cycling.
Despite all of Corey’s experience with molded carbon fiber frames, Eyewater frames are filament wound carbon fiber utilizing a tube to tube construction method. This method allows a frame to be highly customizable, extremely durable and deliver a ride more comfortable and more solid in ride feel than the typical molded carbon frame. Traits usually found in a titanium frame.
Our Eyewater evaluation began last season and following many miles on our Eyewater demo, its most stand out characteristic is without a doubt - the ride. It is incredibly fast, solid and comfortable. Traits ideal for a road, gravel or all-road bicycle.
BUILT IN SEATTLE, WA, U.S.A.
In our early discussions with Eyewater, it was clear they were out to redefine the custom carbon space. Using tube-to-tube fabrication methods and developing tooling that would give them wide-ranging options for customization, Eyewater can build a frame for a rider of any size with very few limitations.
At first glance, the Eyewater’s tube-to-tube construction and carbon wrapped junctions appear familiar. There is a strong resemblance to a Parlee Z-Zero.
But as you dig into the details an Eyewater stands out in some very defining ways.
Bottom Bracket Standard
The Eyewater utilizes a T47, threaded bottom bracket. This oversized, threaded standard has become the go-to for many builders over the past five years. It provides a robust connection point for oversized tubing. The threaded cups deliver a quiet, low maintenance experience.
3D Printed Dropouts
Produced by Silca, Eyewater utilizes a 3D printed titanium drop out. This approach allows Eyewater the freedom to match the perfect drop out geometry to any frame configuration. Each set of drop outs is produced specifically for a frame. In addition to the geometry elements, a 3D printed dropout allows for drivetrain considerations (Shimano Di2 cable ports) or options such as integrated fender mounts.
Integrated Cable Routing
Every Eyewater is built to match the rider’s preferences. This can include integrated cable routing. A common feature in our recent Eyewater builds has been utilization of the Enve In-Route system. The Enve In-Route fork options allow for a wide range of tire sizes. Perfect for gravel, road or an all-road platform. The In-Route stem and handlebar deliver a clean aesthetic, routing hydraulic cables through the bar and stem.