RT-Zero Explores the Future of Mosaic Performance through Design-First R&D
Mosaic Cycles unveils the RT-Zero, a new concept road platform born from the brand’s most ambitious R&D initiative to date. Rather than follow trends or commercial pressure, the RT-Zero (known internally as Zero Ops project) was designed from the ground up as a proving ground for advanced titanium construction, performance-oriented integration, and aesthetic refinement. It’s a bold step forward that sets the stage for future evolution across the Mosaic product lineup.
“With the RT-Zero, we wanted to experiment with new ideas and new product designs that could eventually lead to improved performance characteristics in our existing product line,” said Aaron Barcheck, Founder and Lead Designer at Mosaic Cycles. “So, this Zero Ops project, as we’re calling it, is a great way to bring new ideas to one of our existing frame models, the RT-1, while at the same time pushing our own design boundaries without having to immediately focus on the commercial viability of the product.”
Engineered Without Constraint
Central to the RT-Zero is a fully integrated carbon seatmast with custom D-shaped profile. This system not only delivers a beautiful aesthetic and clean integration but increases tunability, allowing Mosaic to customize the bike’s ride characteristics more than ever before. The design also shaves weight over the standard setup and altogether delivers a bike with enhanced aesthetics, lower weight, and improved performance.
Mosaic also opted for precision CNC machining over the increasingly common use of 3D printing, establishing in-house control over quality while preserving its proven fabrication techniques.
“I really wanted to do this project without 3D printing and instead stick to using more traditional bike making methods,” Barcheck explains. “That means all the pieces that allow the carbon mast to join with the titanium frame–even if they look like they were 3D printed–were made using CNC’ing, machining, and tig welding.”
Key frame elements of the RT-Zero include the carbon seatmast as well as a one-piece titanium CNC drop out that will integrate with the entire flat mount assembly into a traditional thru-axle 142 dropout. Mosaic is doing a new IS52/IS2 oversized headtube junction while also adopting the T47 BB standard for improved stiffness and serviceability. Plus, the RT-Zero will have fully internal routing, which is something we’ll likely to see trickle down to the Mosaic RT-1 next year.
Trickle Down Technology in the Making
While the RT-Zero will be produced in limited qualities – just 25 framesets are planned for the initial project – the ultimate aim of Mosaic’s Zero Ops is not exclusivity, but progress. Innovations seen in this halo project are expected to influence the company’s core road models, like the RT-1, in the near future.
“This is the most premium product Mosaic has made to date,” says Barcheck. “And maybe we only sell 25 of these ever. But selling $11,000 framesets is not the primary end goal. We’re not planning to become that company. We do these types of projects and the R&D that comes with them as a means to improve our other bikes. What all will make sense to bring from the RT-Zero to the RT-1 remains to be seen, but it’s safe to assume it will continue to drive aesthetic enhancements and increased tunability and performance.”
Mosaic RT-Zero Key Features
- Carbon Seatmast with Mosaic Carbon Topper: D-shaped carbon seatmast for unmatched tunability and better weight savings.
- Titanium Plug and Collar Setup: Custom machined joint system enhances performance while preserving Mosaic’s hand built DNA.
- Precision CNC Componentry: From the IS52/IS2 headtube junction to one-piece titanium dropouts, each element is milled in-house with proven metal-working techniques.
- Ultra-Butted Titanium Tubing: Mosaic’s signature double-butted tubes advance to an even thinner wall, reducing weight without sacrificing the snappy ride quality Mosaic is celebrated for.
- Clean, Purposeful Routing: Fully internal cable and brake routing meets a T47, 68 mm bottom bracket shell to optimize stiffness and serviceability.
- Artful Finishes: The minimal-paint RT-Zero finish layout highlights the natural titanium hue, treated with precision anodizing and hand-polished topper accents.
Availability and Ordering
Pre-orders open on August 22, 2025, at the MADE Bicycle Show (Booth B14) and through Mosaic’s premier partner shops. The pre-order window closes mid-October, with delivery slated for early 2026.
Pricing
Frameset pricing will be set at $11,000 USD and will include the frame, fork, Enve one piece bar/stem, carbon seat mast and Mosaic Carbon Topper and RT-Zero finishwork.
Complete bikes will be offered with component brand partners for wheels, accessories, and a full groupset. Based on component selection, complete RT-Zero bikes will be available in the range of $20,000-$24,000 USD.
Learn more at the Mosaic Cycles Website
About Mosaic Cycles
Mosaic Cycles builds handmade titanium bicycles in Boulder, CO. Excellence in precision fabrication and efficient business practices balance Mosaic as an industry leader, creating meaningful cycling moments and enduring products. Mosaic partners with select bicycle shops around the world to help share the experience of riding a titanium bicycle.