Christine's FiftyOne Sika

This week, we're excited to feature Christine's FiftyOne Sika.

Christine is one of our favorite clients, her sense of humor is fantastic and she has impeccable taste in colors. This project marks our third collaboration together. After acquiring a custom titanium bike and a stock gravel bike, she wanted a versatile bike that could do it all—a tall order for someone who prioritizes handling, stability, fit and aesthetics.

Thanks to the new generation of all-road bikes available through our partners, we had several options for Christine to consider. As with all our projects, we analyzed the choices, but ultimately, we let the fit and comfort of the bike guide our decision between brands.

In the case of the FiftyOne Sika, the fit was perfect for Christine's expectations. The frame can accommodate tires up to 40c, making it a great option for having two sets of wheels—one set for road riding and another for gravel. However, there was one challenge: Christine felt the original color was a bit "masculine." We agreed with her, so we presented a few options to personalize the bike, including the limited edition Giro d'Italia ENVE pink wheels with custom-painted hubs. We also contacted Ron Jones at Pro Bike Design for assistance in matching the paint on the CeramicSpeed OSPW, ensuring a complete package with the hubs.

Lastly, we reached out to our friend Mick in Australia, the founder and master behind "Busyman" Leather Works. We asked him to personalize Christine's handlebar tape and saddle with some pink accents on kangaroo leather. His craftsmanship is exceptional. Since Christine spends a considerable amount of time riding in the Colorado mountains, we requested Mick to etch a representation of the Colorado mountains on the saddle. The result is stunning.

We are extremely happy for Christine and her new bike, which, as you can see, offers the versatility of two bikes in one thanks to the frame and the two sets of wheels. We can't wait to see her smiling as she rides her new bike!