Kogswell is the brainchild of Matthew Grimm; the company came to fruition in 2001.  Biking.com states that,

Kogswell does not manufacture custom bicycle frames for each customer but they do however actively collect design ideas from a special group of clients called the KOG or Kogswell Owners Group.  Frame sizes, wheel sizes, and other detailed specifications are discussed within the group prior to the actual manufacturing of new models.”

Cycloculture, a respected blog interviewed Matthew Grimm which can be read here.  Perhaps most compelling about the Kogswell is the creator, Matthew Grimm’s philosophy:

Hang on to your dreams and let your heart lead your head.”

According to Wikipedia, the Kogswell P/R mkII is “the second-generation P/R frame, produced in 2007-2008. These differ from the first batch in that they are made with smaller-diameter and thinner-walled tubing for improved riding characteristics and lighter weight, have three water-bottle mounts (one added under the downtube), redesigned rear drop-outs, a repositioned rear brake cable stop, a pump peg behind the seat tube, and are powdercoated black in color. In addition to the 650b models, frames designed around 26-inch and 700C wheel sizes are also available in certain sizes.”

The September, 2010 issue of “Bicycle Times” featured a cover photo of a Kogswell P/R mkII. The associated article states that the bicycle

has road geometry. Nice steep head and seat tube angles make for a quicker, livelier-feeling ride. Geometrically-speaking, this frame is very similar to the near-mythical-in-status Bridgestone XO-1, which really was a great commuter, rough-stuffer, and general all-around.”

This was one heck of a tough project, especially because of the chain hitting the frame (resolved with a few washers on the rear axel) and the stripped stem bolt / star nut (resolved by lots of drilling and refitting a new star nut / stem bolt).  The Bike Doctor from the Continental Bike Shop was as always, cool headed and thoughtful in each element – Randy is a professional who cares about the quality and longevity of his work. He doesn’t take short cuts and makes the time to make sure each element of creating a bicycle is done exactly right.

Thanks for all your help Randy the ‘Bike Doctor’!

It was also a treat hanging out with my baby brother at the bike shop for the 3 or 4 hours building this bike up. We got to spend some quality time working on something together which he’ll appreciate and enjoy for years to come. It was SO COOL to see him fender the bicycle almost entirely himself — this kid has grown up and gotten a brain which actually works. Seeing him work thoughtfully and methodically was a “wow” moment for me. I’m proud of him and glad he’s my brother … despite this he’ll always be my baby.

What’s next for the Kogswell? Maybe some porteuring (there’s a beautiful Pass & Stow Rack at home), maybe some randonneuring (there’s also a set of 48cm Nitto Noodles at home) … but maybe some fun rides to the local watering hole first. Oh, and it needs a head tube badge. If you have a Kogswell head tube badge which needs a home make sure to get in touch!