Elements of Road Riding.

Rapha's Festive 500. It started today. It’s the perfect way to celebrate and cap off the year by putting in the miles, especially during this challenging season. I’m sure the owner of the bike I’m introducing today is out there riding, undeterred by the cold.

The inspiration for this order was the Rapha Gentlemen’s Race Kyoto, which I participated in myself. After the RGR, this customer traced the course on their own. While riding through the unique atmosphere of that route, they were reminded of the roots of road riding—beyond the distractions of cycle computers and power meters—and touched upon the adventurous spirit inherent in cycling. They ordered this bike in search of a ride that lets them enjoy road cycling in its purest form.

They chose the Breadwinner "Continental."
As the name suggests, the prototype for this bike was created for Rapha’s Continental Rides. That original bike was a collaboration between Ira and Tony, and it is the very machine that led to the birth of Breadwinner as it exists today.

With fender eyelets and long-reach caliper brakes that provide clearance for up to 30c tires, this bike promises to take you further, regardless of the season, and reminds you of the sheer joy of riding.

Previously, it featured a 1-inch head tube, but it has been updated to a 1-1/8 head tube to handle more demanding riding conditions. This also allows for the secure clamping of current ahead stems without the need for shims.

For tires, we went with the infallible Panaracer Gravelking 700x28c. The 32H hand-spun wheels are robust, providing absolute confidence in the ride. By the way, while we used VeloOrange long-reach calipers, just between us, they also managed to clear 700x32c Gravelkings.

You don’t need the stoic intensity of a racer's bike. But a bike that allows you to ride harder and further, for longer, without fearing mechanical trouble, will always leave you asking yourself, "Where should I head out to tomorrow?"