Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Donhou Cycles Road / Tourer

Donhou Cycles Road / Tourer

Britons have always had an aptitude for excellence, and Tom Donhou is a perfect example of that national trait. So soon after barrelling down a disused airstrip with an attempt on the British land speed record on a motor-paced pushie, he’s back behind the torch building the bike that fulfils every roadie’s dream of a multi-day tourer.

The latest frame borne from Tom’s London-based workshop could be described as the ultimate gran truismo: a rapid racer with a luggage rack. The Donhou Cycles stand at the 2012 Bespoked Bristol show exhibited his Rapha Continental bike, which attracted the interest of Steve, who saw within it his own dream machine—albeit with a couple of personal tweaks.

A custom rack was to be added, allowing self-supported touring, a wish which Tom happily obliged. The frame was built from Reynolds 853 Pro Team tubing, with Tom’s proprietary dropouts. The slats on the rack are carbon fibre, matching the Wound Up fork. A SRAM Force group set was added, along with Avid BB7 SL brake callipers, finished with Chris King and Thomson components.

Steve is a chocoholic, and the all-paint color was designed to reflect the choc that he and his girlfriend enjoyed when they first met. See more of Tom’s builds on his website.

Donhou Cycles Road / Tourer
Donhou Cycles Road / Tourer
Donhou Cycles Road / Tourer
Donhou Cycles Road / Tourer
Donhou Cycles Road / Tourer