James Huang is the technical editor at Cyclingnews.com and BikeRadar.com

My favorite thing at this year’s NAHBS wasn’t a bike, or a frame, or even a paintjob – but rather the fillet brazed seat cluster on a bare frame by David Kirk of Kirk Frameworks.  In my mind, that seemingly insignificant nugget epitomizes all that NAHBS is supposed to be: the ideal pairing of form and function, a beautiful tribute to an ageless style of construction, and the embodiment of that endless search of utter perfection in a craft.  It’s just one small example of what sets these bikes apart from ones coming out of a factory and why an increasing number of discerning cyclists are opting to go with a custom builder.

In fact, it’s almost a shame to cover up such workmanship with paint but it’s satisfying nonetheless just to know that it’s there.  After now wrapping up my sixth straight NAHBS, you can be certain I’ll be back for number seven.