Despite a tumultuous recent history, the Slovak Republic is now a high-income advanced economy with one of the fastest growth rates in the European Union. Perhaps that history contributes to their preference of restoration over refuse. In any case, Marek Parajka of Arko Bici has plenty of projects to keep him busy.
Marek lives in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava and has been restoring bicycles under the banner of Arko Bici for over a year, while his other sideline, Steel Roadies — specialising in, well, steel roadies — has been in operation since 2009. The latest Arko Bici is based on an old mountain bike frame whose owner did not want to discard.
The frame was stripped, repainted and rebuilt with an assortment of Campagnolo components from various gruppos, such as C-Record, Olympus and Centaur. A custom pair of handlebars were made and painted to match the frame, along with the rear rack. Monte Grappa bags were matched with a Brooks saddle — final touches to a bike that’s now more beautiful than the original.
See more on the Arko Bici website.
