There are certain things that never go out of style. From the unmistakable riffs of the 60s and 70s, to the striking lines of American muscle cars, to the Baum Corretto featured here, they all share a common thread: a seemingly effortless balance of restraint, confidence, and authentic expression.
That balance is increasingly rare in a world defined by constant noise. Many modern bikes lean heavily on claims of the latest-and-greatest, yet often lack the sense of soul and feel we look for in our builds. For us, focusing on that quieter combination has been central to what we’ve done for over 20 years.
This week’s BOTW, and the story behind it, embodies that timeless approach. The client arrived with a 21-year-old Somec, looking for a modern upgrade that would stand the test of time. The solution was clear: the Corretto—Baum’s modern rim brake interpretation of a classic drop.
Visually, it strikes a balance between contemporary refinement and classic lines. Physically, it’s a titanium machine built to deliver another 21 years of riding, evolving with its owner rather than aging out. Longevity is one of the many reasons we love titanium builds.
With the foundation set, the component choices follow the same philosophy as the frame itself: restraint, reliability, and performance that won’t date itself. The cockpit is comprised of ENVE bars, paired with a black Chris King headset and a painted 3T stem to keep things clean and understated.
One of our favorite aspects of this build is Darren Baum's nod to the rim brake. Fitted with Cane Creek’s eeBrake G4, the setup delivers stop-on-a-dime braking power alongside tool-less adjustability, without disrupting the bike’s lines. While disc brakes undoubtably have their place, there's just something alluring about the simplicity to the rim brake. 
This Corretto rolls on Lightweight Meilenstein 24E tubular wheels, a stiff, do-it-all wheel well suited for modern road riding. Aesthetically, the simplicity of Lightweight’s design, paired with subtle white accents, made them a natural choice for a high-end rim brake build.
The saddle is a Selle Italia Flite, finished with Baum’s custom GT2 Tip & Tail paint scheme on an ENVE seatpost. A subtle detail that highlights Baum’s attention to finish and customization. Explore more of Baum’s custom paint options here and start imagining your own build.
The Dura-Ace groupset is the most modern addition to the build, bringing the undeniable convenience and precision of electronic shifting to an otherwise classically minded machine.
This Corretto build is a clear expression of what we value at Above Category. A 21-year relationship with a previous bike, Baum’s timeless design language, and the long-term promise of titanium come together in a build designed to last.
If you're interested in your own titanium machine, drop us a line anytime. We'd love to help bring your dream build to life.
- Chad
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