There are many similarities that can be drawn between bicycles and art, and sculpture in particular. They are three-dimensional objects that can be admired for their form and message, created by aesthetes for the enjoyment and stimulation of the viewer — and rider. There are few better qualified to make those comparisons than Jake Rusby, an accomplished sculptor-turned-frame builder.
Jake opened Rusby Cycles for business at the Bespoked Bristol show in 2013 after taking a hiatus from his work in fine art sculpture. The two disciplines have successfully been combined in his new venture, where he makes highly refined frames that invite as much contemplation as his sculptures.
Rusby Cycles operates out of a nondescript workshop in between Morleys Fried Chicken and the Cost Cutter in East Dulwich, London, but his creations are anything but ordinary, using carefully selected tubes — fillet brazed and incorporating details like bi-lam joints and polished sections.
This is a fixed commuter and training bike designed around the same geometry as the customers road bike. While Jake prefers to work with the Reynolds tubing of his homeland, this frame has an Italian influence: built with Columbus Life tubes, with polished Xcr chainstays and a Columbus Minimal fork.
The paint and stripes are finished with a maglia rosa color scheme, contrasted by mirror polished chainstays and head badge. The H Plus Son rims are also polished to match and are covered with Challenge tyres, continuing the Italian theme.
Campagnolo’s Record Pista components were a considered choice, not to mention the vintage Record seat post, Athena skeleton front brake and a San Marco Rolls saddle. Jake custom-made the integrated stem and bars — a fitting crown for the Giro d’Italia- inspired paint scheme.
Contact Jake through the Rusby Cycles website, and follow along via Jake’s Instagram feed.
