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You know what was notably missing from the 2022 Enve Builder Round-Up? Bikes made of carbon fiber, titanium, and steel were in plentiful supply, but ones made of aluminum were nowhere to be found.
That’s a shame given aluminum’s enormous potential as a structural material. Perhaps the inexpensive metal just doesn’t carry enough prestige for some, or maybe custom buyers’ tendency to own their bikes for a long time doesn’t mesh well with aluminum’s undeserved reputation for poor long-term durability.
Either way, we wrap up our third and final round of coverage from the 2022 Enve Builder Round-Up with an assortment of lovely steel and titanium machines (follow the links to see parts one and two in this series). And don’t worry, aluminum — we’ll see you at another custom show soon enough.
Chumba Bikes
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 seems like a recipe for one heck of a bikepacking adventure. Photo: Ian Matteson.The sliding dropouts offer easy and precise axle adjustment without the hassles of having to readjust your brake caliper. Photo: Ian Matteson.This painted-to-match 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 getting its production up and running, but that didn’t stop the nascent brand from bringing this elegant-looking example to Enve HQ. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.In terms of frame design, the Bridge Surveyor doesn’t seem to break any new ground, but there’s nothing wrong with going with the tried-and-true. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.Remember how slim head tubes used to be? That’s all gone by the wayside now that brands need additional space to run hoses and wires inside the upper bearing. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.I’m digging this clean and understated logo. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.Bridge has taken the bold step of making its own carbon forks, too. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.The painted-to-match Arundel cages are a nice finishing touch. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.
Horse Cycles
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 include all the latest-and-greatest tech features? No, no, and no. But I bet this thing is still a joy to ride. Photo: Ian Matteson.Check out the subtle curve in the seatstay on this Horse. Photo: Ian Matteson.Yep, 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 amongst the handbuilt crowd. Photo: Ian Matteson.
Scarab Cycles
Scarab Cycles hails from Colombia, a hotbed of top-tier climbers. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.The detail work on this gravel bike is outstanding. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.You definitely won’t want to scratch this bike, although, with all the detail, it’s also likely small imperfections won’t be easy to find. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.Rene Herse tires are popular among the handbuilt 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 from Scarab, but my hunch is you’ll soon see more. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.
Retrotec Cycles
Retrotec bikes have an unmistakably distinct style. Photo: Ian Matteson.Because some people love straight tubes, and others prefer a bit more of a curve. Photo: Ian Matteson.One of the best logos in the bike biz, in my humble opinion. Photo: Ian Matteson.A mix of old and new. Photo: Ian Matteson.The cutting-edge Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset is a stark contrast of modernity against 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 it’s quickly established a solid reputation for gorgeous custom steel frames. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.This sort of lugged construction is increasingly rare these days, particularly with capped seatstays. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.Gorgeous rocker-style dropouts. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.The elegance of a single gear. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.There’s a recurring theme of mechanical simplicity on this SaltAir. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.The stark absence of color is striking. Photo: Ethan Bradshaw.
