Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Hampsten Cycles Gran Paradiso

Hampsten Cycles Gran Paradiso

The 2012 Giro d’Italia will be the 95th edition of the Italian Grand Tour and it’s about this time of year that Andy Hampsten reminisces about his shining performances in the event over his career. His first appearance in the Giro was in 1985 when he won the 20th stage, the first chapter of one of America’s finest pro cyclists, the highlight of which would surely be his overall Giro victory in 1988. He has since started Hampsten Cycles with his brother Steve, where he lends his experience to fitting, sourcing and building dream bikes — including their Gran Paradiso.

The Gran Paradiso is offered by the Hampsten brothers as their top road racing machine in either steel or titanium. The ti model is called Titanio, and the Columbus Life frame is named, appropriately, La Dolce Vita — Life is Good. This Gran Paradiso La Dolce Vita is the personal ride of Steve Hampsten, who’ll be “riding the hell out it for the rest of this season”. The main triangle is welded in-house from Columbus Life, with Columbus MAX chain stays and Spirit seat stays. The bottom bracket utilizes the new BB30 system, while the head tube is the new D-11 standard. An Enve 1.0 fork steers straight and true, guiding a pair of Mad Fiber wheels down the tarmac. The indomitable SRAM Red components bring the build to life, setting off that wonderful shade of Mini Cooper Lightning Blue.

Hampsten Cycles offer the whole package: Not only do they offer world class steel and titanium road weapons, their Tournesol randonneur is the real deal. If you’re considering the ultimate cycling holiday, their Travelissimo sports S&S Couplers and comes with it’s own Samsonite case — perfect for the flight to Italy where Andy manages Cinghiale Cycling Tours and can tailor your personal tour to your specification. Wining, dining and cycling around Italy with a legend of American cycling? Andiamo!

Hampsten Cycles Gran Paradiso
Hampsten Cycles Gran Paradiso
Hampsten Cycles Gran Paradiso
Hampsten Cycles Gran Paradiso
Hampsten Cycles Gran Paradiso
Hampsten Cycles Gran Paradiso