Cycling is so integrated into Dutch society that it’s actually possible to feel unlike a ‘cyclist’ by riding a bike there. For a nation that’s so enamored with the bicycle, the Netherlands has a surprisingly small number of custom frame builders. They do exist, however, and embody a national character in the same way a particular region will produce a singularly flavored wine.
This svelte road bike was built by Elian Veltman, whose blood is infused with cycling more than most of his Dutch kin, regardless of the fact they all ride everyday. His great-grandfather owned and managed a bike shop, and Elian was working in one during his teens. During his studies in Automotive Engineering, Elian began building single speed and fixed gear frames, and now has a dedicated space in which he continues to hone his skills.
Joachim Baan, editor of the Dutch style blog, Another Something, contracted Elian to build a dedicated road bike and this triple-triangle, Ishiwata-tubed frame is the result. Lepper is the world’s oldest independent saddle maker, who no longer make this particular shape. Elian saw the molds and negotiated with Lepper to produce a small run of new saddles using the old molds, one of which you see mounted on Joachim’s bike.
Coincidentally, it is almost a year to the day since we featured another of Elian’s bikes, his 02 Commuter. Combined with this road bike for Another Something, his pared-back, lineal frames and minimalist photography demonstrate his Dutch design style. Check out his website here.
