A Bike Built With Intention

Deborah has never chased bicycles for the sake of owning more of them. What draws her in are the moments each bike unlocks. Early rides before the city wakes, long gravel stretches that clear the mind, or the sense of freedom that comes with packing a bike for a new country. Over time, three bikes had found their place in her life, each tied to a different purpose.

So when the idea of a fourth bike surfaced, it was not a sudden craving. It was a quiet nudge toward something she did not yet have: a steel gravel bike that could travel, explore, and feel unmistakably hers.

A Builder Discovered Through Trust

Deborah has always gravitated toward handmade craft. The kind of work where a builder’s intention lives in every weld. Steel and titanium frames, in particular, felt like home to her. When she began thinking about this new bike, she knew it had to come from an independent builder.

Credits : BrooksEngland

She came across Cicli Bonanno not through a search, but through Cycle Project Store. It is a place she has relied on for years. Knowing the way we curates our brands, she felt comfortable from the start. The more she learned about Bonanno’s philosophy and personality, the clearer things became: this was the right direction.

The Stay Loco frame captured exactly what she had in mind , a spirited steel gravel bike with performance at its core, yet unmistakably crafted with character.

A Build Shaped With Purpose

Although Deborah had owned a gravel bike before, this new build took on a different meaning. Instead of simply combining reliable parts, she took her time to learn, question, and choose with intention.

Her timing lined up with Shimano’s release of the 12-speed GRX groupset, something she had been eager to try. From there, she paired the setup with lightweight Berk saddle, components she admired for their clean, minimalist feel.

Throughout the process, CPS, Fitskuul, and Built Wheels worked closely with her. Offering ideas, refining choices, and making sure every detail supported the purpose behind the bike. It became a partnership built on clarity, trust, and shared enthusiasm.

Six Months of Anticipation

A custom bike takes patience, and Deborah welcomed the wait. Nearly six months passed and exactly the timeline she had been told, with each stage added to the quiet excitement of knowing that something personal was taking shape.

A Ride That Surpasses Expectations

The first ride revealed things even Deborah did not expect. For a steel gravel bike, the Stay Loco felt remarkably light and responsive. On road rides, it held its own effortlessly. Riders around her even commented on how strong she looked on it. A small but meaningful affirmation that the choices she made were the right ones.

This was not just a gravel bike. It was a reflection of her thought, curiosity, and the joy of building something that truly fits.

Worth Every Step

Looking back at the entire journey from the initial deposit to the moment the finished bike was rolled out, Deborah felt completely affirmed. In her own words, it was “200% worthwhile.”

No snags, no stress. Just a smooth, well-guided experience that let the excitement grow naturally.

Advice From Her Own Journey

If she could pass on one message to anyone thinking about a custom bike, it would be simple:  Enjoy it — trust your instincts — and don’t let the noise get to you.

There is always going to be a swirl of opinions, but the heart of a great build comes from knowing what you want your bike to do and surrounding yourself with people who listen and guide well.

For Deborah, that clarity led to the Cicli Bonanno Stay Loco. A bike shaped with purpose, crafted with care, and ready for every road and trail ahead.

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