Sarah wanted a bike that reminded her of her childhood bike - the vehicle that gave her her first real taste of freedom and which let everyone who saw it know that bikes are FUN. Purple and pink, this bike isn’t about blending in with the trees, it’s about speaking out that bikes are extensions of ourselves and the person we are and hope to be.

Sarah went with a singlespeed build for simplicity (she’s never not going to be lazy about bike maintenance) and for the experience of trying something new. She painted the frame herself, but left the brazing visible because, “this bike is functional art” and she “wanted the craftsmanship to be visible”.

After a year with the bike, Sarah’s favorite thing is how it handles. “As a 5’3” woman, I truly haven’t ridden a bike that has fit me. Many bikes have worked well enough, but this bike handles so well (I can navigate rocks and roots without feeling like I’m losing stability). I also love how I am less likely to clip my pedal going over features. Lastly, I can STAND UP OVER THE SEAT. My shorts dont snag on the seat when I lean back on descents, and when I want to put my feet down, I can! I’m used to riding behind men and seeing them navigate all of these things with much more ease. Now with this bike, I’m realizing that I’ve just been riding bikes that were not sized appropriately for my body. It’s so refreshing to feel like this machine is an extension of myself. If you’re a smaller woman, I recommend a custom bike. It’s a game changer.”