You know what was particularly missing from the 2022 Enve Builder Round-Up? Bikes made of carbon fiber, titanium and steel abounded, but those made of aluminum were nowhere to be found.
That’s a shame, given the enormous potential of aluminum as a construction material. Maybe the cheap metal just doesn’t have enough prestige for some, or maybe buyers’ tendency to own their bikes for a long time doesn’t sit well with aluminum’s undeserved reputation for poor long-term durability.
Anyway, we’re closing our third and final round of coverage of the 2022 Enve Builder Round-Up with an assortment of fine steel and titanium machines (follow the links to see parts) a and two in this series). And don’t worry, aluminum – we’ll see you soon enough at another custom show.
Chumba Cycling
chumba is a Texas based brand that offers just about everything but seems to specialize in bikepacking and adventure rigs like this one. Photo: Ian Matteson.Fast-rolling Vittoria Mezcal mountain bike tires and a RockShox SID suspension fork seem like a recipe for a fantastic bikepacking adventure. Photo: Ian Matteson.The sliding dropouts provide easy and accurate axle adjustment without the hassle of readjusting your caliper. Photo: Ian Matteson.This painted stem – so good. Photo: Ian Matteson.Clean lines, good times. Photo: Ian Matteson.Beautiful. Photo: Ian Matteson.
Bridge Bike Works
Bridge Bike Works is still in the process of ramping up production, but that hasn’t stopped the emerging brand from bringing this elegant-looking specimen to Enve’s headquarters. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.In terms of frame design, the Bridge Surveyor doesn’t seem to break new ground, but there’s nothing wrong with going with the tried and true. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.Remember how thin the head tubes were? That’s all a thing of the past now that brands need extra space to run hoses and wires into the top bearing. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.I dig this clean and understated logo. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.Bridge has taken the bold step of making its own carbon forks as well. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.The matching Arundel cages are a nice finishing touch. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.
Horse bikes
It’s hard to argue with a good all-road bike like this one from Horse† Photo: Ian Matteson.Is it aero? Is it light? Does it contain all the latest and greatest technical features? No, no and no. But I bet this thing is still a joy to drive. Photo: Ian Matteson.Check out the subtle curve in the seatstays on this horse. Photo: Ian Matteson.Yes, works for me. Photo: Ian Matteson.The seat tube is decorated with a drawing of mountain lupine flowers. Photo: Ian Matteson.White Industries cranks are popular among the hand built crowd. Photo: Ian Matteson.
Scarab Cycles
Scarab Cycles comes from Colombia, a hotbed of top climbers. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.The detail work on this gravel bike is excellent. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.You certainly won’t want to scratch this bike, although, with all the details, it’s also likely that minor imperfections won’t be easy to find. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.Rene Herse tires are popular among the hand built crowd for their buttery ride quality. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.I don’t know if this hose guide is fully guided, but I can dream. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.You may not have seen much of Scarab, but I have a feeling you’ll be seeing more soon. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.
Retrotec Cycles
retrotec bicycles have an unmistakably distinct style. Photo: Ian Matteson.Because some people like straight pipes, and others prefer a little more curves. Photo: Ian Matteson.One of the best logos in the cycling world, in my humble opinion. Photo: Ian Matteson.A mix of old and new. Photo: Ian Matteson.The advanced Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset is a stark contrast of modernity with the classic lines of the frame. Photo: Ian Matteson.yum. Photo: Ian Matteson.
SaltAir Cycles
SaltAir Cycles has only been around for a few years, but has quickly built a solid reputation for beautiful custom steel frames. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.This kind of lugged construction is increasingly rare these days, especially with capped seat stays. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.Beautiful rocker style dropouts. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.The elegance of a single gear. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.There is a recurring theme of mechanical simplicity on this SaltAir. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.The stark absence of color is striking. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.
