Featured Bike: K.Bedford Gravel Machine

K-BedfordGravelBike2016-1From the website of K.Bedford Customs – “K.Bedford Customs is the pinnacle of my 30 year career designing and building some of the most iconic bicycles of the modern era.”

K-BedfordGravelBike2016-8“Each K Bedford frame is hand-built by me and my small team of like-minded and equally experienced craftsmen in our upstate New York facility. Into each frame I pour my years of experience with one singular goal: to realize your vision of the ultimate bike.”

K-BedfordGravelBike2016-7“I worked for Serotta for 21 years as a frame builder, head of production and then later as chief frame designer. In my tenure at Serotta, I designed and built tens of thousands of bicycles, including many of the legendary American race bikes for the 7-11 and Coors Light teams, but more importantly, thousands of bicycles for passionate cyclists, many of which are still on the road.”

K-BedfordGravelBike2016-2In 2008 I left Serotta. It was time to once again to build fine frames under my own name and thus K Bedford was born.”

K-BedfordGravelBike2016-4This particular K.Bedford is owned by Smiley – if you live in any of the Mid Atlantic States of the USA – Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and D.C., and ever ordered a custom geometry Serotta when that company was in business, Smiley is likely the gentleman you dealt with.

K-BedfordGravelBike2016-5Nowadays, Smiley specializes in bike fits and is working in direct partnership with K.Bedford Customs. You can visit his website and portfolio at this LINK.

K-BedfordGravelBike2016-3Smiley is new to the world of gravel cycling and as such, is learning all about the nuances associated with this genre. Bigger gears aren’t always better – since these photos were taken, Smiley has substituted the 50 tooth chainring for a 46. However, with his eye to the future and more technically challenging and hilly courses, a 42 tooth chainring may find itself on his lovely K.Bedford gravel machine.

Smiley's bike doesn't sit around in studios - it gets ridden.
Smiley’s bike doesn’t sit around in studios – it gets ridden.

Smiley of BikeFitbySmiley’s K.Bedford Customs Gravel Machine

K-BedfordGravelBike2016-9Frame: K.Bedford Customs in Alumin(i)um – we don’t know the exact tubing spec.
Fork: Parlee All Carton tapered, 1 1/8″ to 1 1/4″.
Headset: Cane Creek.
Seatpost: Zipp Service Course.
Saddle: Brooks.
Wheelset: Velocity Aileron Disc.
Tyres: Clement LAS 700c x 33mm.
Handlebars: Zipp Service Course.
Stem: Zipp Service Course.
Shifters: SRAM Force 1 x 11-speed mechanical.
Derailleur: Rear only, SRAM Force 11-speed long-cage.
Crankset: SRAM Force 1 x 11 fitted with 46 tooth chainring.
Bottom Bracket: SRAM Force PFBB 30.
Pedals: Time.
Cassette: SRAM 12-36 11-speed.
Brakes: Avid BB7 SL mechanical calipers.
Bottle Cages: Zipp Alumina.

K.Bedford Customs WebsiteFacebook Page

Photos provided by Lisa Kruppa Photography.

2 Comments

  1. Avatar Tim G

    Sweet bike, you have impeccable taste in pedals.

  2. Avatar Simon

    Goodness gracious, that is a thing of beauty!!!

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