The Rider: 

First, tell us about yourself & how you started cycling. What keeps you going?

I fell in love with cycling as a kid. For most of us, the bicycle was a sense of our first true freedom: going beyond your block under your power and in control of your gurney. I have used a bike in the same way my whole life. I have never ridden fast, but it's always been my way of escaping, exploring, and resetting.

Seattle is a major city with a lot going for it. Cycling-wise, surrounded by mountains and many iconic natural wonders, how does that shape your cycling experience in the region?

It has helped us explore outside of the traditional bicycle shop. I believe bicycles need to express the owner's personality. It will accentuate the connection between the rider and the ride, adding to their experience. With the number of other bicycle shops in the area, we can focus on customer bicycles as other stores concentrate on different parts of the cycling experience.

Cycling has impacted you to the degree that you’re trying to extend that impact to the community through Cascades Bicycle Studio. Tell us about CBS and its mission!

Cascade Bicycles Studio lives by three cardinal rules—Passion, Service, & Culture. Everyone here is Passionate about all forms of cycling, racing, camping, and commuting. If it has two wheels, we are about it. We strive to provide the highest level of service you can expect from any bicycle shop. All of our mechanics are UCI-certified pro mechanics; we are up to date with all training from the manufacturers, even if it is different from what we normally see in the Studio. Pulse a three-person test rite QC process to ensure we solve the problem. Culture (or community), we provide a place for people to gather and immerse themselves in all forms of cycling. We have a thriving riding community if you are ever in the shop. From dirt to road, flat pedals to clipless, kit or no kit. We are always down to ride. We have a gathering place in the studio where people can watch racing or wait for their group to gather.

The Bike: 

Now tell us about the bikes; what's the story?

I was turning 30 years old and wanted to treat myself to something special. The idea for the bicycle was one of my first “good” bicycles. A Voodoo Wazoo for the early otts at the time, I built the frame up with Ultegra ten speed, Pro fork, stem, seatpost, and bar with DA wheels. This was something like 18 lbs, and I could ride this thing everywhere, even gravel before it was a thing. It was the bicycle that got away.

I chose Pegoretti for their ability to still make rim brake frames out of steel, and I have had a MARCELO in the past and really love the ride quality. They also offer Ciavete “the OG surprise me paint job,” and I wanted to see if they could bring an experience to life for me.

As for the paint inspiration, I had just moved from Texas and decided to ride the Bon Jon Pass. Being a flat lander and never in good shape, I cracked big time. As I ascended, I started to smell lavender. At this point, I thought I was going crazy. I said to myself is this a sign of a heart attack? Am I having a stroke? Is this how it all ends? As I crested the top, I could see the forest with lavender fields spotting the hillside all the way to the water below. That memory has stuck with me, and the paint job you see today was a complete surprise when I opened the box.

Frame, Fork, Rider seeks to find more about the connection between the rider and their bike(s). What makes that connection for you? 

This bicycle is the perfect intersection of durability, capability, and aesthetics that makes me look at it and want to ride it.

Full Build Specs:

Frame:   Pegoretti Duende Cross Custom

Fork:   Pegoretti custom fork 

Shifters:  Campagnolo SR 12

Brakes/Levers:   Campagnolo SR 12

Rear Derailleur:  Campagnolo SR 12

Crankset:   Rene herse 

Chain Ring: 46/30

Cassette:   Campagnolo SR 12 11/34

Chain:   Campagnolo SR 12

Headset:   Chris King Silver

Bottom Bracket:  SKF 

Stem:  Deda super zero

Handlebar:   Deda Gera 

Seatpost:   Enve 

Seat Clamp:  Salsa 

Saddle:   Beast road saddle

Pedals:   Speedplay sysr

Hoops:   Campagnolo Montreal 32h

Hubs:  Recorded TI 

Tires:   Rene Herse Steilacoom 38c

Bar tape:  Arundel Cork