Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Ira Ryan Strada

Ira Ryan Strada

By guest writer Ira Ryan of Ira Ryan Cycles. Sometimes it is the small things that draw your attention. The gentle bend of a fork that reminds you of your favorite Italian race bike or the way the wheels are perfectly balanced in space between the slender tubes. This is one of those bikes for me. It breathes class in all the right places. Built for the 2011 NAHBS show in Austin, Texas, this bicycle was an exercise in being Italian from the tubing up. Complete with Columbus Spirit for Lugs, Campy Record 11 speed and Deda parts, this bike is at home climbing Croce d’Aune (without the frozen fingertips) or having an afternoon espresso. Mixing traditional materials with the most modern parts made from carbon fiber, produces the best of both worlds. A bike that handles and shifts beautifully.

Bikes should be sexy. Bicycles should have curves and some taper to their form. It should glide and feel smooth. It doesn’t hurt that a bicycle leaning against a wall looks as fast as this one either. Built in January 2011 and marking my 110th build since I started in 2005, this bicycle contains everything I remember about my trip to Italy in 2009 with Daniel Sharp and Rachel to watch the Giro.

Coincidentally, Dan Sharp is also the photographer who shot these pictures. Since I handed the bike over to Matt, he has logged a lot of time in the saddle and raves about the ride of his new bike.

Ira Ryan Strada
Ira Ryan Strada
Ira Ryan Strada
Ira Ryan Strada
Ira Ryan Strada
Ira Ryan Strada