It’s nearly here…

The winter bike, not spring!

The frame is ready, (most of) the parts are waiting and it’s raining outside. Here comes the winter bike.

As is the way with all custom builds having a timetable is nothing more than a framework for frustration, so this project was approached with a degree of pragmatism. However, things have rolled along nicely and the frame and mudguards are in the post.

The inspiration for the matching frame and mudguards was the ‘Cal look’ VW’s, old VW’s with colour matched door handles and wheel trims. The geometry was based on the Cervelo R5, with necessary alternations to add mudguards. The colour - a Le Sportif no brainer!

Being able to monitor the progress of the frame through the blog on the Levy Bike Works website helped to understand how the bike was being made, from the raw tubes to the final coat of laquer, and is a service that all frame builders should mimic. Pete’s style is opened and relaxed, none of the dark arts overtones, reassuringly simple descriptions of time rich processes.

The true heart of this frame was set down 24 odd years ago on the trails of the Chilterns, inspired by the golden age of British mountain biking with pioneers such as Tim Gould, Dave Baker and Dave Yates. A friendship built on a shared love of riding and discovery, the foundations of both Le Sportif and Levy Bike Works.

The next stop is Mud Dock Cycleworks and a precision build imbibed with Johnny’s (the mechanic) calm, patience and insistence on detail.

If bikes have vibes, then this is a good one!