Vessel Bike Project’s Ultra-Customizable High-Pivot Frames

In this episode of Bikes & Big Ideas, host David Golay sits down with Jack Harrell, founder of the Vessel Bike Project, to explore his ultra-customizable, high-pivot steel full-suspension mountain bikes. Jack shares his journey from a personal project during the pandemic to building highly adjustable frames with tailored kinematics, geometry, and drivetrain options. He emphasizes his focus on optimizing anti-rise, leverage ratio, and suspension performance through extensive experimentation and data acquisition. The conversation dives into how adjustability—such as floating brake arms, modular bottom brackets, and multiple shock mounting holes—allows riders to fine-tune their bike’s behavior for different riding styles and terrain. Jack also discusses his philosophy on stiffness, compliance, and the importance of balancing dynamic geometry with rider preferences. Despite being a small-scale builder, he offers a compelling value proposition with a frame price around $3,200–$3,300, plus full build options. The episode concludes with practical insights into suspension setup, highlighting common mistakes like overly slow rebound and improper sag balance. Key takeaways include: 1) Custom kinematics like anti-rise and leverage ratio can be adjusted to match rider skill and terrain; 2) Modular design (bottom bracket, chainstay, shock holes) enables fine-tuning of geometry and performance; 3) Data acquisition helps diagnose suspension issues beyond basic metrics like sag; 4) Steel construction offers durability and compliance without sacrificing stiffness; 5) Riders should prioritize rebound speed and balance between front and rear suspension travel. Jack’s approach reflects a deep commitment to eliminating mechanical limitations so riders can perform at their best—no excuses.