The brief

We've known Ian for a long time, and he has many bikes. Many, many bikes. Possibly too many, which is why he'd been culling his collection to make way for something special: a retirement bike.

He wanted a versatile, steel-framed bike which he could ride wherever he wished, for as long as he liked.

He wanted a single-speed, for simplicity and ease of maintenance.

He also wanted it to be fun, something exciting to look at.

We got the spray gear ready.

The bike

Veloci's Roadmance frame was the perfect framework for Ian's build. The chromoly steel would ensure a beautiful ride, and the geometry meant Ian could use it for commuting, bikepacking, off-road exploring, or just goin' where the wind was blowin', as he is wont to do.

Ian couldn't decide on colours, only that he wanted something eye-catching. So he left it to us.

Unleashed, we set about transforming the Roadmance's original black and tan aesthetic.

First, we stripped back the frame and—after some careful mixing to match the particular shade of metallic blue anodising we had in mind—sprayed it to a metallic blue/gloss black fade.

Next, we had decals custom-made in an old gold shade.

Finally, Ian had a Brooks saddle he wanted to run on the new bike, but its saddle rails and springs were red. Red? On this bike? No, this would not do. Instead, we airbrushed the offending areas into blue to match the frame. #SoFussy

It was now time to bolt things on. Components had to be excellent quality, good value for money, and meet the aesthetic we were after.

What else would we go for on the cranks and chainring besides Garbaruk? A gold KMC chain set off their colours beautifully, and also matched the custom decals. (Did we also use two different crank lockring colours? Maaaaybeee...)

For a flat-bar/flat-mount setup, there isn't a huge pool of good-quality hydraulic brake options, but Shimano Cues were ideal, being powerful and well-priced to boot.

A set of Spank Hex Flare wheels gave bump-absorbing reliability, and Schwalbe Big Ben Plus tyres meant that Ian wouldn't have to stress about punctures.

But it wasn't enough. We became mildly unhinged.

• Purple and blue Hope spacers!
• A purple Hope headset and matching seat clamp!
• Blue Spank pedals and grips!
• A purple single speed conversion kit!
• Purple headstem bolts!
• Purple disc rotor bolts!
• And, finally, the crowning touch: a blue Garbaruk top cap with a purple titanium bolt.

Lord help us, we just cannot half-ass a custom build like this.

It's single-speed, steel, and built to be ridden for years to come.

Dying of envy, and want your own custom build? We don't blame you, and that's what we're here for.

Make an Enquiry