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MARK STEMMY
FOUNDER, OPTIMIZED CYCLING SOLUTIONS
Mark Stemmy is the founder of Optimized Cycling Solutions (OCS), a company in Napa, CA, specializing in handbuilt bicycles and racing wheels. His approach has been called “techno-holistic” using modern technology to help his clients ride with better performance, comfort, speed and reliability. In particular, the emphasis he observed in Formula 1 on optimization and a solutions-based approach helps set the tone for the expectations at Optimized Cycling Solutions (OCS) to this very day.
The name of the company also serves as a mission statement derived from Mark being a long time fan of Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsports, which emphasizes a solutions based approach to optimizing a race car. Mark has employed this approach over the last 31 years since building his first bicycle wheel, developing a unique style which also combines his 15 years experience in the Silicon Industry, as well as his lifelong passion for photography.
Why did he build that first wheel back in 1982? Because at 6’4” he was much larger than most cyclists and bicycle design, materials, and structures were far more fragile. Mark realized then that every rider required a specific approach, based on their individual body type, riding style and injury history.
Mark spent 10 years in the bike industry in a variety of roles, including mechanic, sales, manager, business owner, factory rep, NORBA club founder/president, and occasional road racer, among others. At that time, the bicycle industry did not present a clear career path, nor the earning potential necessary to buy a home and start a family.
Mark wished to expand his professional development and ended up spending 15 years at Intel Corp as an Engineering Technician, specializing in failure analysis and process optimization with an emphasis on documenting complex issues and driving them to resolution.
OCS has recently partnered with FRM, a bespoke bicycle frame and component manufacturer in Italy, whose factory is located in Emilia Romagna region, otherwise known as the Motor Valley, home to most of the Italian marques that sparked his passion so many years ago.



