I knew of our loss of Brian some time ago, but did not find this page until today. I met Brian many years ago in connection with a repair to and restoration of my 1962 Masi Special's frame and followed his work on custom frames. Of course he did an impeccable job and even had the original decals.  It was very sad and unexpected news and I will remember him whenever I see the bike; I'm too old to ride its racer boy gearing up any serious hills, of which there are many in Pasadena, so I do have a much newer Trek. No battery yet. ; - )

Mitch Marich
CAPT USNR (Ret)

I met Brian when I was 17 years old at the Paramount Criterium in Paramount California. He was there with a Wizard. It was one of the nicest frames I had ever seen. I knew he would do well. I was hoping one day to own a Wizard but I never was able to put my hands on one. No one would part with theirs. When he announced he was going to build a limited number of Wizards I was late to the party and missed out again.

He did as expected, he was an artist with a torch and tubes. I was sad to hear of his passing at such an early age.  

Brian painted two bikes of mine, so his memory will live on with my bikes.  He was a very cool guy and a talented frame builder and painter.  I'll miss him dearly.  RIP

I had several lunches and dinners with Brian years ago at classic rendezvous events. Fun engaging conversations. - he was a unique artist and craftsmen in the world of custom bikes; a real California spirit and an expert from a bygone era of hand made, functional beauty  ...  I will always remember him fondly.  Greg Arnold NYC

I've had the pleasure and privilege of owning 3 separate bikes from Brian over the years.  I'm sorry he was never able to make the Wizard continuation frame I ordered a few years ago.  I've always viewed Brian as the ultimate frame maker and vastly enjoyed every visit I was able to make to his shop.  His insights into frame building were always educational.  I'll miss him.

I was so sad when I heard of Brian' untimely death and now every time I ride my Raleigh Pro I will make every ride in memory of Brian as it turned out so beautiful thanks to his guidance and workmanship ,,, he will truly be missed by family and friends  God Bless !!

My present riding bike during the ongoing years -- has been of a Frame re-built & re-painted by Brian. Repaired from a sideswipe on the road.
With the passing of the Master Frame Craftsman  -- whom repaired it: as for Me to keep the frame, paint, and most of all Brian's signature. 
 To preserve the Frame as a MONUMENT of Brian:
I have chosen to have the components transferred from the Frame-set that Brian repaired/re-painted,  to a similar frame.

I'm very saddened over the passing of Brian.  I've admired his work for many years.  Unfortunately, we never met in person, but we did speak on the phone.  Brian was a great person with awesome talent as a master frame builder/painter, and his work is full of beauty & grace.  Such a huge loss for his family, friends, and the worldwide cycling community.  My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.  Brian will be missed.
God bless you all,

Brian's craftsmanship spoke volumes with each masterpiece he created. With his passing his work and accomplishments are now legendary.

Brian will be missed not only for his contributions to the art of frame building and creating his own masterpieces, but simply putting paint to an old steed of mine that he not only built way back in 1978, but also repainted her again a few years ago. The bike has a deep emotional connection to me and Brian knew that when he repainted her. May the wind be at your back Brian and say hi to Zappa for us! 
God's speed RBB..

The greater the sorrow the less tongue it hath

Joe & Cathi Corvi
See moonday.com/Lance
Have pictures of #1, #3 and his favorite
featured in Conniseur Magizine

Brian was my friend and a great artist. He will be truly missed.  God Speed, Brian..........

Brian & I both had the 'old-school' Mindset. How it applied to each of our normal ways of thought/lives. I always liked to re-think --  of how that was applied to the unmatched quality of Brian's workmanship.

Brian was such a true craftsman, his contributions to cycling and frame building/painting are going to be his legacy. Godspeed Brian

I have admired Brian's work for years & was hoping to meet him one day just to say, "Thank You for all you have done for the art of bicycle frame making"

Brian had repaired 1 of my bikeframes; never gotten a chance to finish re-touching the other 2 that he had around.
I will miss chatting with Brian, in his garage; my older years when Brian having his cat. That later passed away.  My times of seeing Brian in the older years of several bike shops where Brian knew the owner of. One of those bike shops in which Brian frequently came for a cup of coffee & chat.

The entire world-wide cycling community is missing you Brian.  I only met you a few times, but always admired your work and ethic.  I built up a few bikes you painted, all exceptional.

Brian, I will miss you dearly. It has been almost 23 years since I telephoned you from NYC and asked for your help with a broken track frame. You helped me out and gave me time on the phone. And I am so happy to have moved to California and to have met you in person and spent time with you in the shop, with Moose and all the other company who usually gathered on a Friday afternoon, discussing bikes and trading stories. My visit with my father last October was most memorable... but the last time, alas.  None of this say this coming.  You were a good friend and the best framebuilder I will ever know. Rest in peace Brian. 
Andrew Long

OBITUARY

Brian Baylis

March 11, 1953 – February 20, 2016

Funeraria del Angel Chula Vista

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Viewing