2026 Made Bike Show: Mosaic Cycles GT-i55 Chrysalis Artiste Series

If you came by the SILCA booth at the MADE show, chances are you saw this Mosaic Cycles GT-i55 displaying the new Protocol RCG-3 tires in 700 x 55mm. It popped under the natural light of the rustic venue at Portland’s Zidell Yards, but we had to take it outside for a closer look in full sunlight. 

This recently released platform from the Boulder, Colorado brand, a double-butted titanium gravel ripper, was designed specifically around massive 55mm tire clearance. The GT-i55 represents an evolution in Mosaic’s approach to high-performance gravel racing, and a perfect match for fast high-volume tires like the RCG-3. 

Constructed around a custom-drawn 3A/2.5V double-butted titanium tube set, the frame architecture highlights titanium’s lively ride quality. To accommodate 55mm tires without sacrificing a responsive backend, Mosaic re-engineered the chassis using a 3D-printed titanium chainstay yoke paired with an offset seat tube to maintain a compact 430mm chainstay length and clearance for up to a 50T 1X chainring. 

The geometry is tailored for modern gravel racing, featuring an 80mm bottom bracket drop, integrated IS52 routing, and a suspension-corrected front end built to maintain handling characteristics whether paired with Mosaic’s proprietary rigid carbon fork or a short-travel suspension fork.

With Mosaic’s lauded titanium craftsmanship, paired with progressive frame clearance, front suspension, and stunning design, the GT-i55 is meant to offer a mix of compliance, speed, and comfort for riders who want a performance machine that looks damn good. 

This particular show bike is the personal race rig of Aaron Barcheck, Mosaic’s founder and fabricator. Adorned in a striking black-on-black motif from the brand’s in-house Artiste Series (Chrysalis) paint finish, the subtle, marbled finish lets the underlying craftsmanship and fancy componentry do the talking. 

Up front, the chassis pairs a 30mm Cane Creek Invert suspension fork with the high-volume Protocol RCG-3 55mm gravel tires to soften trail chatter without sacrificing steering performance. A Chris King headset and bottom bracket keep things rotating smoothly, and the deep ENVE G-SES 4.5 Pro carbon wheels help to balance aerodynamic efficiency, compliance, and traction.

The drivetrain setup features a cross-disciplinary set of components wth Shimano Dura-Ace hydraulic road levers linked to an XTR Di2 MTB rear derailleur, cassette, and crankset with an Alugear chainring. Overall, it stands as a synthesis of bespoke craftsmanship, capability, and tailor-made comfort for modern gravel racing.