What We’re Building & Why: The Story Behind Vintage Wise Vehicles | Super Bike Edition
We’re on a mission to reimagine classic bikes as modern super bikes. Our goal? To upcycle high-quality vintage frames with advanced components and cutting-edge technology, empowering bold adventurers to achieve the “impossible.” Once proven in extreme conditions, we can then build adaptable kits to transform any bike into a practical, sustainable powerhouse—whether it’s for parents towing kids to school and soccer games, pet lovers bringing their fur babies along for the ride, commuters reducing road congestion, or campers heading deep into the wilderness.
Tackling the Great Divide: Where It All Started
The idea began with a simple question: what if we could make the ultimate bike rig to achieve the impossible? When we set out to ride 2,700 miles Great Divide with our dogs, work essentials, AND a 30-day timeline, we thought a regular bike setup might work. Spoiler: it didn’t. Between the distance, steep climbs, and weight of two humans, four dogs, and gear, we realized we needed something special to make this vision a reality. We’re building this bike not just for fun but to create real freedom—the freedom to live, work, and explore without limitations.
Turning Vintage into Custom High-Performance Machines
Our approach is grounded in sustainability and style. Instead of creating more waste with new bikes, we’re restoring classic frames to fit like a glove to you and your touchpoints—starting with a custom 1990s Caletti CX steel frame for him and a 2010s Dean 26" Titanium hardtail frame for her—and enhancing them with the best modern components. Imagine vintage cool like a McLaren: Chris King hubs, FusionFiber rims, 3T handlebar and Cane Creek Electric Wings cranks and eeSilk stem that are practically indestructible.
Custom-Engineered Adventure Trailer
Riding solo is one thing, but bringing gear, pets, or kids along for the journey is another level. After testing the Burley Coho XC, we’re designing a custom bike trailer to serve as a mobile adventure hub—equipped with solar charging and powerful battery storage, so range anxiety is a thing of the past. No more worrying about where to recharge; you’ll be able to go further, carry more, and stay powered up.
Serious Assist with Human-Powered Focus
Riding with heavy loads or up steep hills can be exhausting. That’s why we’re adding a 750W CYC Photon motor to help make things a little easier—but only in Class 1 mode (no throttle, max 20 mph). We believe in assisting riders, not replacing the human-powered experience.
Built-In Satellite Connectivity
With Starlink satellite access, staying connected isn’t a luxury; it’s a feature. This bike’s built-in connectivity keeps you online, even in remote areas. No more “off the grid” excuses—now you can work, communicate, or navigate wherever your adventure takes you.
Wise Edge AI for a Smarter Ride
All that load is scary to handle - so we're prototyping an Edge AI Bike Computer that uses advanced sensors & actuators in the motor and on the bike and trailer to make a proactive companion that adapts to your needs and the environment. With wise energy management, suspension adjustments, and data-driven insights, this bike won’t just keep up with you—it’ll help you be your best on any terrain.
Who We Are
We’re not just entrepreneurs with big ideas—we’re adventurers who’ve lived the lifestyle we’re building for. For two years, we lived on the road in a VW GTI with a rooftop tent, boondocking our way across the West Coast. We camped in remote spots, urban areas, and everywhere in between, learning what it takes to thrive in any condition. This project isn’t about parachuting in with a "know-it-all" approach; it’s about designing a bike grounded in real experience, tested by real challenges.
Source: Our Google Maps Timeline from 2021-2023
As tech innovators, we’re passionate about more than just new products. Our mission is to bring technology into the things we use every day, making life better and solving real problems. This bike project isn’t about disruption for its own sake—it’s about rethinking what’s possible by merging cutting-edge tech with the rugged spirit of the outdoors.
Our Methodology: Vision Meets Reality
While we set out with a big vision, we’re constantly adapting to the reality of what works. Every design decision has to stand up to real-world tests. Rough trails, weight distribution, battery limitations—we tackle each challenge head-on, knowing that reality and advice from people more wise than us, will shape the final product.
We start with what we have, buy the bare minimum (but selecting the highest quality products available today), stress-testing existing gear and pushing it to the limits before refining our ideas. We start locally and advance to progressively harder challenges as we and our gear adapt.
We started with our existing bikes (a 90s Ibis steel frame mtb & 2010's bianchi road bike) and bought an existing Burley Coho XC trailer and have been doing local trips to get our dogs used to riding in the trailers. We've learned a ton just from that - even just the 45 pounds of trailer/dogs is heavy as heck and even the smallest hills suck. Also we didn't anticipate the dogs needing training (we figured it'd be like sticking their heads out the window of a car, which they love). That's why we know we'll need some motor assist unless we only want to do flats.
We also learned that even the Burley which is rated for 70 lbs and supposedly an off-road trailer won't make it - it's already falling apart after maybe 100 or so miles on mostly road conditions. That's why we're also thinking of engineering our own trailer, but we also were recommended by our frame welder to check out Frances Bikes out in Santa Cruz that designed a pretty rad trailer system for bikepackers. We reached out to the owner Josh.
This iterative approach combines imagination with practicality. We obsess over the details, test components under harsh conditions, and refine every feature until it’s as rugged, reliable, and of course cool as possible. Our goal isn’t just to build a one-off bike—it’s to create a model that anyone can depend on for the freedom to work, explore, and live on the go.
Where We’re Headed
The real test begins with our first overnighter next week, followed by a cross-California ride from San Francisco to San Diego and back after Thanksgiving. Each journey will help us identify weaknesses, learn from real-world conditions, and continue refining the design. Eventually, we’ll take on the Great Divide itself—a grueling, 3,000-mile bikepacking route across the Rockies. We’re putting this bike to the test, mile by mile, and documenting every challenge to show you what it’s really capable of.
Join the Micro-Mobility Journey
We’re looking for veterans who really know their stuff to come along for the ride. If you’re a gearhead, a biking enthusiast, or just someone who’s passionate about pushing the limits, we’d love to connect. This is an open invitation to join us on this journey, see what really happens, and give constructive feedback. Together, let’s redefine what’s possible in adventure biking & the future of micro-mobility.
Comments