Black is not a colour. At least from a scientific point of view. Complete bike manufacturers apparently see things differently and primarily present racing bikes in dark colours. On the one hand for weight reasons, as the layer of paint over a carbon frameset - the "black gold" - can be applied more thinly, making the bike somewhat lighter overall. On the other hand, for aesthetic reasons, as black is associated with a certain elegance in addition to many other meanings.
Your dream bike with a click
However, some bike manufacturers give their customers the freedom to design their own bikes, and racing bikes and gravel bikes can be customised with just a few clicks. The basic principle: selected models can be customised in colour using an online configurator. In countless combinations in terms of basic design and colour variants. Almost all custom providers offer different decors for frames and forks. The option of a matt or glossy finish is also part of the standard repertoire. In some cases, even spectacular colour gradients can be specified, which are also reflected on the handlebars, stem or seat post in addition to the frame set and turn an ordinary racing bike into a work of art.
Surcharges up to almost 2000 euros
However, the high degree of customisation and the meticulous craftsmanship of the unique bikes, which can usually also be configured with drivetrains, wheels, tyres and saddles, are expensive. Depending on the manufacturer and design, the price of a beginner-friendly carbon racing bike can be added on top for the paintwork. As some brands only customise their top models, the prices for custom racing bikes are often in the five-figure range. Undoubtedly an expensive offer. Unlike a work of art, however, the exclusive one-off is not just hanging on the wall. In addition, there are also specialised companies that paint a racing bike afterwards, sometimes for just a few hundred euros.
Orbea: Colour for Free
The Basque bike manufacturer plays a special role among custom suppliers: In contrast to the competition, Orbea offers a customised paint finish at no extra charge. In the extensive online configurator, the Aero-Bolide Orca Aerothe new Orca lightweight model and the Gravelbike Terra can be painted at the factory in Mallabia in northern Spain on request. The basic colour of the frame can be selected for all models. Details on the fork or the decals on the down tube can also be customised. The MyO platform offers up to 32 colours, with the highlight being so-called "carbon colours", which allow the frame structure to shine through, and colour-customisable wheels from the Oquo own brand. From the brake disc to the axle standard, almost every component can also be configured - in some cases for an additional charge.
Pinarello: Paintwork with attention to detail
The custom programme of the traditional Italian brand is named after Frank Sinatra's worldwide hit "My Way" and can be used for the exclusive Dogma models. F and X apply. There are 7 designs and 23 colours to choose from in the configurator. In addition to the frameset, the cockpit, seat post and wheels are painted or provided with colour-coordinated decals. During the test period, however, the MyWay portal was not available with two different internet browsers. The Italians point out that only a limited number of bikes are customised each year. The exact quantity is unknown. Pinarello also provides no information on prices. Instead, the high-end manufacturer emphasises that only the most experienced painters reach for the spray gun for the custom models.
Ridley: Flexible modular system
The Belgian bike manufacturer offers a complete modular system for almost all models in the road and gravel categories. From the paintwork to the drivetrain to the tyres, you can customise your dream bike in the online configurator. There are 6 designs and up to 96 colours to choose from. Nostalgics will appreciate the so-called Heritage option: This allows you to customise a Falcn RS & Co. in a pretty retro look. Ridley states that the delivery time for a unique item is two months. The designs, which are subject to a surcharge, cost between 100 and 450 euros.
Storck: Customised dispatch bikes
Anyone who has read the TOUR story on the different shop concepts will have noticed that Storck has recently started offering racing bikes with personalised paintwork. The mail-order company is cooperating with the Frankfurt-based customising specialist Made One. There is no online configurator like the competition; instead, you can request an artwork with your desired design and colours. An individual standard design, which according to Storck includes simple shapes and colour gradients, costs 999 euros. Frame designs with unusual patterns are also available for an additional charge.
Trek: On the road like the pros
In the Project One configurator of the US manufacturer Trek, dream bikes can be painted in the design of the World Tour pros. In addition to the racing bikes of Elisa Longo Borghini or Mads Pedersen, the Checkpoint SLR (Gravel) and Speed Concept (TT) to choose from. With 64 colours and 9 design templates, there are virtually no limits to individuality. With the so-called Icon series, an iridescent effect paint finish can be applied to the Madonna or Émonda realise. The frame sets are painted at the US headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin, while final assembly for European customers takes place in Hartmannsdorf. Depending on the design, the price ranges from 600 to 1800 euros. The drive, wheels and tyres can also be configured.
Other custom providers
- 8bar: Racing bikes and gravel bikes made of aluminium, carbon and steel
- Baldiso: Exclusive customised models
- Factor: Competition models with plain colour options
- Müsing: Colourful configurator, also wheels with rim brakes
- Poison: Inexpensive unique items from the gravel, travel and road sectors
- Wilier: Top models with quirky colour combinations
Julian Schultz
Editor
