Keith's 26" Subtle Blue Tourer

Keith had been riding his Chas Roberts 26” Tourer for years and came to us looking for a new bike to replace it with. He knew that 26” wheels were the perfect size for him and the most durable of components were what he required. So using his existing bike as a platform we designed him a classic bike with a modern twist.

The bike is intended for light touring, day rides and a spot of commuting, this lead us to choose Reynolds 853 tube set, an apt choice for a balance of weight and comfort on those longer rides and whilst carrying a full load. Paired with Chris King R45 hubs and Compass Nache Pass tyres this bike will soak up endless English potholes whilst remaining responsive and quick off the mark. We matched Shimano Dura Ace bar end shifters with TRP levers and cantilever callipers too ensure this bike would be reliable for years to come and serviceable no matter the location.

Subtlety was key with a bit of orange flair, the frame, fork, stem and fenders are painted in house with a smooth gradient royal blue from front to rear matching across all components and drawing them together into a complete unit. This colour scheme is completed with Mango Chris King hubs and a headset. At the rear a signature Hartley brutalist seat cluster brings the seat stays higher and wider around the seat tube allowing for a much wider tyre clearance than standard whilst retaining a clean aesthetic. 

Frame and forks: - Bespoke steel road frame.  1 1/8 head tube.

Tubing: - Reynolds 853.

Wheelset: - Velocity Cliffhanger 26" Rims with Chris King R45 Hubs.

Groupset and finishing kit: - Shimano Ultegra 6800 with indexed bar end shifters, TRP brake levers and cantilever calipers, Headset and Bottom Bracket Chris King, Bars Deda Zero100, Stem and Seatpost Thomson, Saddle Brooks, Bar Tape Michaux Club.

Paint: - Custom paint work in a deep metalic blue subtle fade from front to rear with clear 2K lacquer. Name etc. all in paint, no decals. 

Details: - Solid silver details hand cut headbadge brazed onto frame, mirror polished top tube detals in solid silver.

All Hartley Cycles custom frame builds and bespoke bicycles are handmade in London with great care and attention by frame builder Caren Hartley.