- KOBE’S LUGGED STEEL MODERN CLASSIC -

If there is one thing I really like when it comes to inspiration for paint, it’s retro football kits. They always had so many cool design features which could often be a bit garish, almost like the designers of the time were really keen to try something a bit unusual. These days, everything seems to be a bit too considered and safe which for me can result in some pretty bland ideas. Although the 1986-88 Tottenham Hotspur away kit isn’t too out there, it still has some of that 80’s flair about it but could easily hold its own today, almost like it balanced out the scale for flair and timelessness. As a rule, that’s how I like to approach the bikes I build.

Before this bike, Kobe had only ever really ridden a single speed which he used for commuting and recreational purposes around London. He had really caught the cycling bug and wanted something which had a similar vibe to the bike he had been riding, but something more practical which he could ride further afield and head into the hills on group rides.

Built from Columbus Spirit for Lugs, I can guarantee this bike will have a gorgeous ride characteristic. It isn’t the stiffest, but this isn’t what a bike like this is built for. It will have an incredibly absorbent, smooth and planted feel, perfect for the many rough roads we face in the UK. It is built with a completely neutral steering geometry to give perfect feedback to the Kobe and will leave him feeling confident whether riding through traffic or cruising down a winding descent.

Kobe’s bike rolls on Royce hubs, expertly hand built into Pacenti Brevet rims. These wheels with their shallow box section rims will only add to the absorbent feel of this bike.

We used a Campagnolo Chorus groupset for a great balance of quality, weight and aesthetics. Campagnolo feels like it’s the only realistic option for mechanical rim brake builds these days as the other major manufacturers slowly wither away their analogue options.

Once again, a Nitto cockpit finishes this bike with elegance and great ergonomics.