The wall of Helio Ascari‘s apartment wall is filled with framed black and white detail photographs of constructeur-style touring bicycles. An ex-fashion model whose face graced the pages of numerous magazines, these days he is a bearded brute of a man and an artist of the bicycle.
Today, Helio collaborates with Portland local and Fat City/Indy Fab veteran, Gary Mathis, to create one-off bicycles with an astounding level of hand-finishing. Both were studying at the United Bicycle Institute when they met and realised a common appreciation for outstanding craftsmanship.
The Royale is to bicycles what the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is to automobiles. Pure exorbitant rolling speed, built with only the rider and the the ride in mind. Titanium handlebars with brazed-on accents, wood highlights and brass levers. Hand-carved shifters, matching Honjo fenders and pump.
No wonder Ralph Lauren wanted one for his collection. For more details, contact Ascari Bicycles through their website.
