Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Czech Both Ways: SingleBe Red Commuter

Czech Both Ways: SingleBe Red Commuter

The Czech workshop of SingleBe Bikes are what Tim Paterek would describe as a ‘comprehensive custom builder’, meaning that each bike produced is wholly singular to the customer — from the construction and components to the paint and graphics.

To date, SingleBe have built over 130 steel bikes since their founding in 2011, and it’ll be a sure bet that no two are from the same mold. The boundaries have been pushed out a little further by their latest: a tough, all-weather commuter.

Czech Both Ways: SingleBe Red Commuter

A German customer contracted this build from the SingleBe team, which consists of Tomas Kutin — the founder, Carl, the frame builder, and Roman Novotny, main painter and airbrush specialist.

Czech Both Ways: SingleBe Red Commuter

Even after 130 frames, this was the first to feature an integrated rack system. Because the Gates Carbon Drive drivetrain requires the frame to be split, the rear rack had to be able to as well. An 11-speed Alfine rear hub assures plenty of maintenance-free shifting.

Czech Both Ways: SingleBe Red Commuter

The frame was built with a Dedaccia Zero tube set and Tange sliding dropouts that feature an invisible stay splitter. The seat clamp is integrated also, and the forks were custom-made, with a 15mm 7075 T6 axle.

Czech Both Ways: SingleBe Red Commuter

Roman first applied an orange metallic coat of paint to the new frame, rack, and fork, over which a cherry candy coat was layered, resulting in a semi-transparent finish that glows under the sunlight.

Czech Both Ways: SingleBe Red Commuter

Even with the Curana fenders and rack, the final weight comes in at a very reasonable 11.9kg, without pedals. It’s probably one of the best bikes that could be seen rolling through the straßen. Who knows what the Czech team will come up with next?

SingleBe Bikes Website | Facebook

Czech Both Ways: SingleBe Red Commuter