Exhibit runs February 26 to June 28, 2026
Over his 44-year career, Bruce Gordon became one of America’s premier bicycle frame builders. He got his start as a builder in 1974 in Oakland, where he was taught by the dean of American framebuilding, Albert Eisentraut. He would work for Eisentraut for two years, then set out on his own and build frames in Eugene, Oregon. In 1988, he relocated to Petaluma, California.
Gordon’s meticulously crafted, straight and sound frames are works of art tailored to his customers. His designs and materials evolved from alloyed steel to exotics such as titanium and carbon. Touring bikes became his main focus. He produced rugged and light, brazed tubular chrome-moly steel pannier racks, widely considered the best on the market.
Bruce Gordon was passionate about bicycles. He poured his energies into his frames, and received high accolades from customers and great respect among his peers. He had strong opinions on market directions, and shared them freely. Humor was a tool Gordon used to speak hard truths in an industry that, he felt, was moving in a counterproductive direction.
By the time of his death, June 7, 2019 at age 71, he had been working his craft for over 40 years and had long been recognized as one of the country’s most talented frame builders.
This retrospective presents thirteen bicycles spanning Gordon’s career, along with photographs, artifacts, and archival material.
Curated by Joe Breeze and Kilpatrick Will
Museum hours: Thursday to Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM
