PHIL'S SCARAB SANTA ROSA

This week we’re featuring the Scarab Santa Rosa, delivered directly from Colombia with love to our one of out best clients, Phil.

We’re fortunate enough to have built a few bikes for Phil over the years, a long lasting relationship that has lasted throughout the years. More recently, Phil has also joined us on some excursions to various countries, cycling on wonderful roads in Mallorca, Girona and to Tuscany last year. A great friend of Signature, Phil has a great sense of humor, and is always there to help if needed.

Scarab have always been known for their colourful, joyful paint finishes. We recently covered the release of the Campesina, a paint scheme dotted with illustrations of small houses, doors and domestic scenes, inspired by small, colourful houses commonly seen in the Colombian Andes, a comforting accompaniment to many a mountain climb. Phil was inspired by this release, and wanted to create a colourful, Colombian bike of his own.

Whilst riding with us in Tuscany earlier this year on his Specialized Crux, Phil realised that while he loved the weight and style of the bike, the more cyclocross oriented bike was a little too stiff for this type of longer, multi day gravel tour. What he needed was a smooth-riding steel frame, with the clearance for a 40c tire running at 35psi.

Scarab cycles are handmade outside of Medellin, in Antioquia in Colombia. A proud, independent manufacturer, they combine the best components with local materials to create excellent steel-framed bikes. Deeply Colombian, their bike truly represent the tradition, tenacity and joy of Colombian culture.

Phil wanted something unique for his Santa Rosa. We worked together with him and Scarab to create a this custom finish, based on a white pearl base and using the decorative panels found on their limited-edition “Chivas” models. The inspiration for this pattern comes from colorful busses found in rural areas of Colombia, with vibrant stencil work found in many areas of Colombian culture. Every detail of the finish is handmade, with hand painting made by the same artist who paints busses.

As well as using local materials where possible, Scarab often works with local artisans to create their unique bikes.

Aside from the excellent framework, the bike uses a Columbus Futura all roads carbon fork, allowing for the necessary tire clearance and adding smoothness to the ride. Using some components from his previous bike, Phil updated the crank to a new Rotor Aldhu carbon crank with 50x34 chainrings, as well as a new Campagnolo carbon wheelset with Pirelli Cinturatu H 35c tires. The bike is a true all-road machine.

Our thanks go to Phil for working with us on another stunning custom project. We look forward to the Scarab’s many years on and off road.

To learn more about Scarab, and experience the joy and energy of Colombia first hand, check out our recently announced Colombia trip departing in April, featuring a visit to the Scarab factory.