RUEDI'S BASTION

We have a very special BOTW to end the year with, our very own Ruedi’s new Bastion Cross Road. The idea for the build itself came whilst Ruedi was riding the Enve Grodeo race, something we’ll expand on later in this article.

What’s clear to see is the incredible hard work that goes into creating such a one-off masterpiece, which is why we partnered with our friends at Miller to show the Bastion off in a stunning environment. Photographed by James Cooper, we took Ruedi’s new machine to the Pagani showroom, home of the Huayra – arguable one of the best cars in the world. What better place to show off one of the best bikes in world!

There are many parallels between these two ‘one of a kind’ projects; the very pinnacle of engineering, craftsmanship and hand building. Both the Pagani Huayra and Bastion Cross Road demonstrate the ultimate in the evolution of technology, using 3D printing and high-end carbon engineering to produce highly customised, limited edition works of art.

Paired with SRAM’s industry leading AXS groupset and Lightweight’s exceptional Pfadfinder wheels, the Bastion Cross Road is not just beautiful, but perfectly equipped for the job intended. Ruedi had a real need for a bike that could perform in the toughest of conditions and be perfectly suited to his riding style and body geometry, this build is the culmination of those aspirations. Equal parts art and design, function and form. The very height of a personalised cycling solution.

We'd like Ruedi to pick up the story behind the inspiration in his own words —

After heading out to Utah last year to participate in the Enve Grodeo race, it became very clear that I needed a new, more gravel specific full custom bike since the single-track trails in Utah presented such a major challenge.

The Seven Evergreen Pro that I was riding that day has been a very loyal friend for many years and allowed me to venture far off paved roads. At the time I purchased it, the frame was at the forefront of gravel bike design and built to fit a 38mm all-round tire. For the demanding terrain of the Enve Grodeo I maxed out the bike's limits and mounted a 42mm knobby tire, resulting in toe overlap. That day I was forced to dismount the bike on many tight uphill turns which was, regrettably, the cause for some unwanted traffic jams! Pushing my bike uphill in the Rockies, my new full gravel bike project was born.

There are very few companies that have a carbon, full custom gravel frame in their build line up. Picking a Cross Road from Australian frame builder Bastion wasn’t a difficult decision, especially after they confirmed that toe clearance would not be an issue, based on my fit data.

I am, of course, incredibly familiar with Bastion, we have sold several of their magnificent road frames thanks to their status at the pinnacle of bike design and engineering. Not only was my bike built with their 3D printed titanium lugs, but I have one of the first ever fully integrated 3D printed gravel headsets and flared carbon-titanium handlebars.

My overall design was inspired by my Swiss heritage and moments in life that put a smile on my face, namely rum, and whisky! I was able to integrate my family crest in the seat tube topper and added a Swiss cow on the chain stays, all part of the custom 3D titanium printing process. A warm glowing brown tone with a fade reflects my favorite pastime of fine drinks — every so often I carry some along on a cold winter ride. Cheers!