The Luna was conceived as a model to compete with the bigger brands. The amazing Luna, built by Calfee at our headquarters in California, retails for less than frames made offshore in China and Taiwan. Still, it shares the workmanship, hand crafting and ride quality of our more expensive frames; 85% of the performance for 50% of the cost.

Like our flagship Dragonfly, Luna’s lugs are compression molded with metal dies. These lugs and pre-mitered tubes are easily bonded together because they are so compatible. The carbon fibers are carefully oriented to put strength exactly where it’s needed while minimizing weight. Gussets are integrally formed with the fabrication of the joints, eliminating the inherent weakness of the tube and lug joint found in many other manufacturers designs. We save some time, and you expense, by not scalloping the lugs as we do with the Dragonfly. Luna lugs wrap uniformly around the circumference of each tube. Luna frames, though inexpensive, are very light; 2.8 pound for a 54cm road frame.

Luna leverages a purposeful blend of standard modulus 33 msi carbon fiber with some intermediate modulus 42 msi fiber to achieve our famous ride quality. These seamless, tension filament wound tubes have been optimized to transfer power without transferring vibration through the pedals, saddle and handlebars. Luna frames are as laterally stiff as the Tetra and are nearly as comfortable. What the thicker walled carbon fiber tubes give up in absorption, they make up for in durability as they resist compressive and impact forces better than our Tetra and Dragonfly tube sets.

Owing to this durability, Luna is ideal for off road and travel applications. The Luna Cross (CX) is one of the lightest, most durable and most versatile carbon cross frames on the market. Our CX model weighs three pounds in a 54cm and features top tube cable routing, a PressFit 30 carbon bottom bracket shell, titanium dropouts and mechanical or hydraulic disc brake compatibility.

We finished this Calfee Dragonfly with gloss clear coat, painted logos, BarStem, eecycles brakes and some Campagnolo components a little while back.  The owner, Jeff is a local racer who wanted a very special bike; much different from the balance of frames in the Pro 1-2 field these days.  Although these guys receive free carbon frames to ride each year, some demand a more personalized and optimized carbon product and are willing, if not happy, to pay for it.

The Tetra tube set and single, road frame was originally designed in 1987 and has been thoughtfully refined to its current incarnation over the last 25 years. As the oldest continuously produced model of carbon fiber bicycle frame in the world, it has evolved to a state of perfection and value unmatched by any other frame.  This bicycle features our raw, nude carbon frame finish as well as our Dura Ace Di2 Internal Battery and Wiring System.  Notice the PF30 BB shell from ENVE Composites and the outstanding bottom bracket from Enduro Bearings; they’ve a great product for our PF30 customers.

Calfee Dragonfly Tandem with an extremely intricate paint scheme. We’re very proud of our capacity to completely personalize each and every bicycle we sell. This tandem is a stirring example of what is possible. Where many, if not most, manufacturers have rigid boundaries around customization of component specification and bicycle finish, we do not. We are uniquely prepared to manifest your dream bike.  Explore our Dragonfly tandems here.

Calfee Design offers an elegant solution for the impressive Shimano Dura Ace and Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting systems.  This proprietary internal battery and wiring system is available on all Calfee models and also as a retrofit on most frames.  Click here for a product summary including technical specifications.  Many NAHBS frame builders will be showing bikes with our internal battery and wiring system.  In fact, a number have already posted their 2012 show bikes, with our system, on these very pages.

The innovation starts with a custom battery system housed inside the seatpost.  We machine an aluminum sleeve that is bonded to the inside of the seatpost and serves to anchor our removable battery.  A circlip acts as a stop and retains the battery in the aluminum sleeve.  Remove the circlip and the battery is freed.  Our battery can be fit in seatposts of any size as we fabricate composite shims to take up any space between the aluminum sleeve that retains the battery and the inner wall of the seatpost.  We are also able to fit our battery in aero posts; in some cases, we will use foam instead of our aluminum housing to secure the battery in the post.  Importantly, you need only remove your seatpost from your frame to charge your battery.  You needn’t remove the battery itself from inside the seatpost; we offer this feature as a thoughtful design detail.

Our Dura Ace Di2 system now includes a charger that eliminates the need to remove the seat post to charge our battery; simply unplug either the front or rear derailleur and plug our charger into the internal wiring harness.

The Calfee solution is 8% lighter and significantly longer lasting than Shimano’s product.  In fact, field testing reveals that our battery will last between 2500 and 10,000 miles, depending on temperature and how often the front derailleur is made to move the chain between rings.  At a minimum, that is 2 to 3 times longer lasting than the Shimano battery.  Conveniently, Shimano’s inline battery life indicator displays our battery’s status.  You may charge our battery as often as you like; you needn’t discharge it completely before returning it to the charger that we provide.  You will do no damage to our battery either way.  Our battery can be completely depleted and recharged hundreds of times before its ability to hold a complete charge begins to slowly diminish.  Continue reading here.

Calfee Dragonfly Adventure featuring; S&S Machine couplers, Calfee Di2 Internal Battery and Wiring System, Calfee-ENVE fork modified with disc tabs, rack eyelets, and custom fender mounts (carbon with titanium eyelets) on seat stay and fork optimized for dual-disc brakes. This is the first Dragonfly we’ve coupled (we’ve sold a number since!) and the first Adventure to utilize our new disc brake/fender mounting convention.  More information here.

Our classic frame; an original optimized for perfection over 24 years.

The Tetra tube set and single, road frame was originally designed in 1987 and has been thoughtfully refined to its current incarnation over the last 24 years. As the oldest continuously produced model of carbon fiber bicycle frame in the world, it has evolved to a state of perfection and value unmatched by any other frame.

Even bicycle enthusiasts and industry insiders are surprised to learn that Tetra was invented back in 1987 and only four years later was being ridden by Greg LeMond and his Team Z teammates in the world’s most important cycling event, the Tour de France. Greg wore the leader’s Yellow Jersey aboard our Tetra, then less than five years old. Today, nearly 20 years later, Tetra tubing and bicycle frames have been continually optimized; sharpened by improvements in raw materials, manufacturing processes and advantageous frame options.

With the Tetra frames, we saturate carbon fabric with epoxy, then laminate it at 210 p.s.i. and fuse it to pre-mitered carbon tubes using metal dies. Molded in one layup, the resulting joints have long tapered transitions from one tube to the next, following the stresses evenly. This manufacturing process seamlessly marries our tension filament wound carbon tubing resulting in a frame without molded lugs. Fatigue life for these fiber reinforced joints is appreciably longer than that of adhesive bonds and, coupled with the tubing itself, is grounds for the Tetra’s 25 year warranty.  Read more here.  Frame and Bike Pricing.

We just received this bicycle back from the good folks at ENVE who showed it in their booth at Euro Bike.  While we’ve been building this road frame for years, we are only now formalizing its station in our model range. This frame is a high-tech take on a frame that has traditionally been built out of steel or, more recently, titanium. This frame may be described as a Randonneur; a bicycle built for performance through comfort. Our definition of “comfort”, at least in this instance, is “avoiding those things that make a rider go slow”. Consider how wide-tire clearance, full-wrap fenders, integrated lighting systems, optional luggage, enhanced stability and improved vibration dampening, among other features, might enhance “comfort” and then “performance”.

We are very excited to introduce the Calfee Adventure. Click here to view geometry, features and some feedback.  We debuted this model in Austin, TX at NAHBS the weekend of Friday, February 25′th, 2010.  Both the cycling press and cyclists themselves were thrilled with our execution; enjoy this coverage from James Huang, technical editor with Cyclingnews.com, as well as this October 2011 review in Mountain Flyer Magazine, featuring our Bamboo Adventure.  Monday after the show, we met for a ride with a group from Bicycles Outback in Waco, TX.  We “enjoyed” a 110 mile ride on beautiful, rolling gravel roads.  This video captures the Calfee Adventure in its intended environment.

Importantly, if you select our dual disc brake frame option (vs. 57mm reach rim calipers), you can select either a custom Wound Up fork, our modified ENVE 2 fork or our modified Co-Motion fork; our fork modification features the addition of disc brake tabs to a stock carbon fork, adding only 63 grams (413 gram fork weight).  We had our ENVE disc brake fork tested by ACT and it passed the EN 14781: 4.9.7.3 – disc brake fatigue test.  It is now for sale for $650 (only $250 more than a stock ENVE 2 fork).  This ENVE fork is perfect for tires up to 700 x 28; if you’d like to run wider tires, select the Comotion or Wound Up forks which accommodate most 35c tires.

There are many good reasons to choose Calfee Bamboo for your next bicycle frame. Calfee Bamboo bicycle frames are very stiff, transferring power efficiently; are durable, resisting damage from stress and impacts; are comfortable, surpassing aluminum, steel, titanium and most carbon frames in smoothness.  Consider this October, 2011 review of our Bamboo Adventure in Mountain Flyer Magazine.  Our bamboo tubes mitered together and bound by plant based, epoxy soaked hemp fiber create a frame whose most notable characteristic, beyond beauty, is this incredible vibration dampening.  Enjoy this very thorough and well written article about our bamboo product.  As well, please consider this recent feedback from a new Calfee Bamboo Pro owner.

Each of our bamboo frames requires over 40 hours of labor to build. Following an interview with the frame’s new owner, we hand select a bamboo tube set that will deliver characteristics consistent with the riders expectations and requirements. Every frame is made to order and every frame is unique. All bamboo bicycles are available in stock or custom geometries.  Read more here.  Frame and Bike Pricing.

Frame and Bike Pricing.  The Dragonfly tube set was designed to build the lightest possible single and tandem bicycle frames without sacrificing stiffness, durability and ride quality.  Please read this review of our Dragonfly published in the June 2011 issue of Road Bike Action.  We use high modulus carbon fiber (66msi) in all the tubes as well as the lug areas. Previously, a frame built with all high modulus fiber would be too brittle. We incorporated Boron fiber into the three main tubes to add some toughness and compressive stiffness. Boron is an attractive reinforcement because the resulting composite combines superior tensile, compressive and flexural strengths, high modulus, and low density in one system. Combined with the super high tensile stiffness of the carbon, the result is a frame material with the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio on the market.

This Dragonfly features a stirring paint scheme; we sprayed translucent blue-pearl on all frame components finished in a traditional carbon weave (lugs, bottle bosses, brake bridge, cable guides) and translucent rootbeer (actually a tangerine) on the tubes.  This paint job retails for $660.

This Dragonfly features a host of product from our tubing supplier, ENVE Composites, including the bar, stem, fork, seat post and wheels.  Other highlights include our full-carbon BarStem and our Di2 Internal Battery and Wiring System.

The good folks at Mountain Flyer Magazine have been asking us for a Bamboo bike to ride and review for years. We’ve been waiting for something special. When we manifest our new Adventure Model, we knew this was the bike for them!  Click here to view geometry, features and some feedback.  Jordan at Mountain Flyer spent months aboard our Bamboo Adventure. See what he has to say; “On gravel and dirt roads, the Bamboo Adventure excelled. Dampening characteristics, based on the varied tube thickness of the bamboo stalks, kept the bike smooth and stable on bumpy Forest Service roads. Wider 28c tires made the Bamboo Adventure a versatile all-around bike that is still snappy and responsive enough to take on the local group ride.”  Enjoy the complete article here.  Our Adventure geometry is an option on all of our carbon-tubed models (Luna, Tetra and Dragonfly) as well as our bamboo.  Visit this page on our site for more information.

Owing to the inherent beauty of our carbon lugs and tubes, we aren’t often asked to finish frames in opaque colors.  Clients usually opt for a nude/raw carbon or a translucent finish.  That said, when we are asked to do as much, we wonder why we don’t do it more often!

Calfee Dragonfly lugs are pressure molded from high modulus fabric formed around metal mandrels. These lugs and pre-mitered tubes are easily bonded together because they are so compatible. The carbon fibers are carefully oriented to put strength exactly where it’s needed while minimizing weight. Gussets are integrally formed with the fabrication of the joints, eliminating the inherent weakness of the tube and lug joint found in many other manufacturers designs. They are then meticulously carved to the optimum shape, taking into consideration the weight and intended use by the rider. They happen to look good because of their form-follows-function aesthetic.

First introduced in 2003, Calfee becomes the world’s first, and to this day only, bicycle manufacturer to couple carbon frames. Made by S and S Machine, these clever devices allow you to break apart the bike and pack into a suitcase for easier and much less expensive travel.  Couplers are a frame option on all Calfee carbon frames; singles, tandems even triples convertible to tandems.  S and S Machine couplers can be retrofit on all Calfee single frames.

While we’ve been building this road frame for years, we are only now formalizing its station in our model range.  Click here to view geometry, features and some feedback.  This frame is a high-tech take on a frame that has traditionally been built out of steel or, more recently, titanium.  This video captures the Calfee Adventure in its intended environment.  This frame may be described as a Randonneur; a bicycle built for performance through comfort. Our definition of “comfort”, at least in this instance, is “avoiding those things that make a rider go slow”. Consider how wide-tire clearance, full-wrap fenders, integrated lighting systems, optional luggage, enhanced stability and improved vibration dampening, among other features, might enhance “comfort” and then “performance”.

Along these lines, Jan Heine (Bicycle Quarterly) recently reviewed our Adventure and wrote, “As more and more research finds that wider tires offer not only better comfort and safety, but also better performance, (BQ) I consider the Calfee “Adventure” the racing bike of the future. It combines the clearance for wide tires and fenders with the light weight and performance of the best modern racing bikes. For racing, weekend rides or supported events, the Calfee’s exhilarating speed is on par with the best bikes I have ridden. Perhaps even more important, the bike felt good at all speeds and effort levels. With its quality construction and assembly, the Calfee was a bike that always felt on your side, ready to bring out the best in the rider.”

Keep an eye on our site and our facebook page for geometry tables, pictures and further specifics; we’ll have them live shortly. You can get a very good estimation for pricing by choosing your frame model (Bamboo, Dragonfly, Tetra or Luna), selecting the appropriate Adventure Frame Options package (disc brake or 57mm reach caliper brake) and any further frame options you’d enjoy from our Price List.

Please visit our website for more information about the Calfee Adventure frames and complete bicycles.

Our 21 pound Dragonfly tandem is a game changer.  Our 6.5 pound full-carbon tandem frame is not weight restricted and has been enjoyed and tested by the world’s strongest racers and touring cyclists alike.  Leveraging carbon components including our BarStem and custom carbon cranks optimized for single side drive (featuring a Gates Carbon Belt) as well as SRAM Red/XX wide-range 2 x 10 gearing, we’ve a tandem platform ready for any adventure.  In addition to their lightweight, our tandems are durable and very comfortable.

Our classic frame; an original optimized for perfection over 23 years.

Even bicycle enthusiasts and industry insiders are surprised to learn that Tetra was invented back in 1987 and only four years later was being ridden by Greg LeMond and his Team Z teammates in the world’s most important cycling event, the Tour de France. Greg wore the leader’s Yellow Jersey aboard our Tetra, then less than five years old. Today, nearly 20 years later, Tetra tubing and bicycle frames have been continually optimized; sharpened by improvements in raw materials, manufacturing processes and advantageous frame options.

With the Tetra frames, we saturate carbon fabric with epoxy, then laminate it at 210 p.s.i. and fuse it to pre-mitered carbon tubes using metal dies. Molded in one layup, the resulting joints have long tapered transitions from one tube to the next, following the stresses evenly. This manufacturing process seamlessly marries our tension filament wound carbon tubing resulting in a frame without molded lugs. Fatigue life for these fiber reinforced joints is appreciably longer than that of adhesive bonds and, coupled with the tubing itself, is grounds for the Tetra’s 25 year warranty.

The Tetra tubes were designed to have the optimum stiffness to weight ratio and also have a thick enough wall to be impact tolerant. The 42 and 55 msi modulus fiber is strong and very stiff but not too brittle. Given this durability, we’re happy to offer our Tetra tubing in off-road and travel frame configurations. This video shows a Tetra with our “Adventure” frame options (35mm tire clearance, 57mm reach brake calipers) perfectly at home on the gravel roads of Central Texas.

The precise orientation of the Tetra’s 51 million fibers delivers the best combination of stiffness and comfort for everyday riding. While these frames are unbelievably stiff through the drive train and are very light (2.4 pounds for a 54cm single and 6.8 pounds for a Medium/Small tandem), they are especially easy on the saddle and handlebars. These qualities conspire to make Tetra the choice of traveling tandem teams, privateer racers, endurance road riders and gravel-road randonees.

Our lightest and most technically advanced frame.  The Dragonfly tube set was designed to build the lightest possible single and tandem bicycle frames without sacrificing stiffness, durability and ride quality.  Please read this review of our Dragonfly published in the June 2011 issue of Road Bike Action.  We use high modulus carbon fiber (66msi) in all the tubes as well as the lug areas. Previously, a frame built with all high modulus fiber would be too brittle. We incorporated Boron fiber into the three main tubes to add some toughness and compressive stiffness. Boron is an attractive reinforcement because the resulting composite combines superior tensile, compressive and flexural strengths, high modulus, and low density in one system. Combined with the super high tensile stiffness of the carbon, the result is a frame material with the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio on the market.

The use of boron fiber has come of age with its use in our high performance bicycle frames. Bicycle weights have dropped from 18 pounds back in the 1980s to 14 pounds or less in 2010. Much of this weight savings comes with the use of carbon fiber composites. As bicycle companies compete in the arms race to make even lighter, stiffer bikes, safety and durability are pushed to the limit. High modulus (55 Msi and greater) carbon fiber is being used to make stiff yet thin walled tubing. These tubes can be vulnerable to damage from a variety of real world sources. When slightly damaged from a pebble thrown up by a passing car, or an unfortunate event during a group ride or race, a thin walled tube can rapidly degrade to an unsafe condition. Our very popular Calfee Carbon Repair business is evidence of this common failure. Using boron filaments in the tube laminate mitigates this problem by significantly enhancing the tubes structural performance.

Read more about our Dragonfly frames HERE.