Taking his love of bicycles, coupled with his desire to build and problem-solve, Joseph Ahearne became a custom bike framer in Portland, Oregon. He uses bike design as a form of creative expression as well as a method of promoting environmental awareness.

Each of his bikes goes beyond the expectations of the rider. To make a truly extemporary design requires continuous testing, making sure the best possible materials are chosen. The materials serve as complementary to the bike’s design and can also be recycled, reused or repurposed.

Creating storage on the front of the cycle, Ahearne created bicycle racks using both silver and black Dibond panels. Dibond is an aluminum composite material (ACM) comprised of two pre-painted sheets of aluminum with a solid polyethylene core. Aluminum is an ideal material for outdoor applications, whether that is architectural, signage, furniture or unique applications such as bike accessories.

Ahearne explains to 3A Graphic Display that the reason he chose Dibond for the racks of his bicycles is because it is, “…light, strong and weather proof.” Additionally, he explains that the material is “…durable and easy to work with.”