We've been on a steady stream of fancy futuristic carbon bikes but make no mistake, it's the metal bikes that we hold closest to our hearts. This week we are are beyond excited to showcase one of the finest custom metal bikes we've built yet—a deep blue titanium Prova Speciale. It's got round tubes and rim brakes which neatly juxtapose against futuristic tech and modern spec in the best possible way. Get ready as we dive in to this pristine Prova Cycles specimen.
But First, the Build
It's always an exciting day when a package from Prova Cycles arrives and we get to put it up in the stand. For us, building the bikes are as invigorating as riding them, especially when the care and attention to detail is as meticulous as they are on a Prova.
The Ti Speciale
The original steel Speciale is what really got us hooked on Prova, with it's classic beauty, advanced construction, and beautiful workmanship. Now having them available in titanium, our admiration has grown even further. This exemplary example showcases all we love in a pristine rim-brake road bike. Prova's signature 3D printed dropouts and lugs, beautifully machined head tube, and hand wrapped carbon seat mast bring state of the art technology to truly timeless lines. Finished in a deep metallic navy blue, it's as tasteful as it gets. The exposed ti rear end and logo windows take it a step further. It takes a lot of work to polish up titanium to this level, and we must say the results are stunning.
The Red AXS
At this point, the merits of Sram Red AXS have been well documented, but it still reigns as one of our favorite groups. On this build a 10-28t cassette is matched with 50/37t rings, tight precise shifts meet a reasonably tall top gear. 172.5 arms met this particular rider's fit.
Enve SES
For maintaining top speed, a moderately deep set of aero wheels were the choice. Enve SES 4.5 get the job done perfectly. Proven aero performance met with a time tested Enve ride quality, this bike simply sings down the tarmac. Tan walled Vittoria Corsa tires keep things glued to the ground. This rider opted for the non-tubeless version for the extra supple casing.
The Details
Of course only the finest appointments finish off this build. Befitting of a bespoke Australian frame, the Fizik saddle has been custom covered by Busyman with perforated kangaroo leather. EE brakes help keep the weight down while providing a nice upgrade in stopping power and aesthetics. The front derailleur is held in place by a custom 3D printed titanium clamp, a nice touch on all Prova Speciale's. Finally, a Ceramicspeed T47 bottom bracket ensures uninhibited smoothness through the crank stroke.
Who says a metal rim brake bike has to be old school? Clearly, this Prova proves otherwise. From start to finish, it was a treat getting to build this sparkling steed up and we can't wait to get the report back from our rider on how it's performing out on the road.
Has a Prova like this been on your wish list? We only get to bring twelve of them into the US each year and our slots are filling out. Drop us a line to get the process started on a Prova of your own. To learn more about the the Prova range, check out the collection page here, and for even more photos, get yourself to the gallery here!
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