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I think it’s pretty clear from your attention to the detail, and the choice of lugged steel, that what you’re looking for is superb craftsmanship. Only those who really know their bikes will have any idea of the likely cost. It doesn’t shout ‘look at me’ or ‘£££’ like a full on aero bike with a gold paint job, say. Not that it should matter in any way, but it sounds to me as if you’re making a very thought through choice for good reasons. Other people may have different aesthetic tastes, but the world would be very boring if we all liked the same things.
Ps - I would have a Stelbel Antenore tomorrow if they were taking orders (and if in some magic world could actually afford it!)
RecoveryRide
Was thinking about that gold supercar and the speedvagan this morning.
I don't like either... but not because they're too lairy; I think the car is trying to look like it's literally made of gold, and the bike seems be saying it's made by Ferarri, who make expensive cars that are in many ways the antithesis of everything I like about cycling. Both are equating wealth and status with desirability, which irks me... whereas I think the rainbow paint reminds me more of holograms and space ships, which are just kinda fun, and (imo) less ostentatious. Slapping the semiotics of bullion and supercars onto a bicycle is a very different story to being reminded of flying saucers.
I'm interested in owning something that is lovingly hand-crafted by someone who gets a creative buzz out of their work, and I chose Saffron specifically (as opposed to Talbot / Brian Rourke / Steve Goff / Dave Yates / etc) because they specialise in stainless, were up for making a bilam heatube, and have insane attention to detail. I also wanted the frame to be made locally and they're just a short ride down the south circular from me, so win win.
I am aware that owning a Saffron with a flashy paint job (and / or build) is not a million miles away from buying a gold supercar, but I hope it's understood that I'm after a beautiful, handmade bicycle, and not a status symbol.
And if it happens to look like a magic sparkly rainbow on wheels, so much the better : )