GIOS Compact Pro Neo-Retro Build

Modern race bikes are fast. There is no escaping that obvious fact. The ones we see on telly, bustling along at plainly ridiculous speeds, have been designed with that the sole objective in mind. Take the latest S-Works Venge for example. The bike ridden by Peter Sagan to win his latest Green jersey was designed first by a computer algorithm, then tweaked by countless hours and iterations of tube shapes in the wind tunnel. All resulting in a very ‘slippery’ bike, one that having read Specialized’s press release almost pedals itself.

Don’t get me wrong, who can blame them? It makes complete sense when racing for your livelihood, 7 seconds over 40km is a massive advantage. Equally, 200 grams less might get Egan Bernal up to the stage finish at the summit of the Col de la Loze with a fractional margin big enough for him to clinch his second Tour title.

How many of us mere mortals though, can truthfully say that such a trivial advantage would affect our ride enjoyment? Without the sponsorship forced equipment used by the Pros, we can make a choice. A more refined choice. One which exudes class, that harks back to a fondly remembered past but still offers the feel of a brand-new bike. That choice is a neo-retro bike.

The frame chosen for this build was a 1997 Gios Compact Pro, the frame used by the Kelme team that year. Gios are synonymous with Italian cycling and similar to their compatriots Bianchi, they have their own iconic colour. Gios blue, unlike Bianchi celeste, is a dignified colour. An electric blue that, when it is coupled with the matching retro-style chrome fork, catches then holds the eye in a mesmerising way. The colour originates when the Italian brand was first ridden by the famous Brooklyn team in the 70s. This model of the frame comes with easily adjustable rear dropouts to alter the feel of the bike in a novel and convenient way. Currently set up with the rear wheel tucked up close to the bottom bracket, making the bike feel its most responsive and agile self, but the simple use of an allen key can move it further back, adding a sense of reassurance to the ride. All in all, it is the sort of frame that receives lingering stares when lent up outside the café.

The new Campagnolo Centaur 11 speed groupset was then added due to its impeccable modern shifting and braking ability but still being coupled with the classic looks needed for such a bike. The next component to be added was the 24mm deep Velosa carbon wheels that are topped with Michelin Dynamic Classic tires. The combination allows for a race-worthy lightweight wheelset with the classic tan walls lending to the retro side of the bike.

The build is then completed with Deda seatpost, stem and bars, the latter of which are wrapped in Pro bar tape and the former topped with a vintage-style Sella Italia Turbo saddle, as favoured by the French legend Bernard Hinault.

Interested in buying this bike? Or looking for help with your own retro-build?

Get in touch by phone (07989 238143) or email (cameron.hardy@live.co.uk) or see this bike on eBay at http://ebay.us/10IwlH?cmpnId=5338273189.

Full specification:

Total weight: 9120g