Hampsten Gran Paradiso - Columbus Spirit steel

[bikewithnoname]

Lovely bit of steel you have there!

[xjbaylor]

No need to apologize for not being a WW build. Part of building a WW bike (in my opinion) is building a bike thoughtfully and intentionally. This bike clearly meets that criteria. Absolutely amazing build, possibly the best I have seen on the intrawebs.

[KB]

very nice build, like it a lot. I have a frame in Columbus Spirit and in fact have just ordered another one, and with the Enve 1.0. If it rides as good as it looks ...

[steampunk]

If I am allowed one minor point of critique on this glorious ride, I'd say the stem looks very beefy compared to the frame.
But really loving the attention to detail!

Of course that's fine...I agree finding a svelte stem is a bit hard. Modern stems are quite chunky, and most don't give you a nice clean transition with the headset spacers (a pet peeve).

I have a frame in Columbus Spirit and in fact have just ordered another one, and with the Enve 1.0. If it rides as good as it looks ...

Yes it does!

[Powerful Pete]

I love it. Great bike!

[howler]

thanks for the extra details + side-shot steampunk! Really looks fantastic and a great weight for a steel frame.

re the side-shot, agree that your angled ones look better, just like the standard side-on for purposes of equal comparison.

enjoy!

[shinyboy]

If I am allowed one minor point of critique on this glorious ride, I'd say the stem looks very beefy compared to the frame.
But really loving the attention to detail!

Of course that's fine...I agree finding a svelte stem is a bit hard. Modern stems are quite chunky, and most don't give you a nice clean transition with the headset spacers (a pet peeve).

If your happy with the stem, fine, if not, maybe try a Cinelli Graphis XL.
It's less chunky and the transition from headset spacers is very clean - it's also light enough and plenty stiff.
Maybe even get Steve to paint one to match the frame - that's something I, personally, always like to see on handbuilt frames.

Great bike by the way!

[Timo]

Another option is the Thomson X2

[trustbran]

Very nice bike and very clean looking!

How do you like the Chris King R45's?

Mahalo, Brandon

[cmh]

Beautiful...awesome color combo...

[steampunk]

I'm good with the stem as is, I like how the Zipp beyond black finish matches the King Sotto Voce finish.

And the R45 hubs live up to the hype, clearly well built and finished, and rear engagement feels instant.

[jghall]

Gorgeous. Actually think the stem matches well with the seat post and goes well.

[Rush]

Brilliant build and is making me think of getting coloured hubs.

[Tallboy]

I love this build, perfect for me

Bit of an odd question but what is used for the underlay on the saddle to give it colour? Is it more leather, material or maybe painted? I'm thinking I might do a DIY job but can't work out how best to to get the colour

[steampunk]

but what is used for the underlay on the saddle to give it colour?

Thanks! It is definitely a leather strip, but whether it is dyed or painted I'm not sure.