Inside Kelvin's Kory York Rebuild

What started as a repair project turned into a full-blown restoration, complete with custom paint, modern upgrades, and a personal touch that makes this build truly one of a kind.

We sat down with Kelvin to learn how this project came together, from stripping the frame to bare metal, to carefully selecting every component, to the personal touches in the paint. Here is the story behind the Kory York rebuild.

Let's rewind a little — what made you pick a Kory York to begin with?

Back in 2019, I had just returned to full-time employment after years of freelancing. With my first paycheck, I wanted to invest in a bikepacking frame. Something I had been dreaming of for years.

While browsing Bikepacking.com, I discovered Kory York’s now-discontinued Nuovo Era series. It checked all the boxes on paper, but more than that, I was drawn to the unconventional: a steel gravel frame from a brand better known for fixed-gear builds. That made the decision an easy one.

What is it about this particular frame that makes it stand out to you?

This Kory York stands out with two features: the ENVE Adventure Fork’s flip chip and the Paragon Machine Works sliding dropout. The sliding dropout lets me adjust the wheelbase for improved stability, which is a huge plus when carrying gear. Meanwhile, the fork’s flip chip accommodates 180mm rotors, boosting both toe clearance and control, which is essential for off-road and loaded touring.

What sparked the decision to repaint your Kory York?

It all started when we engaged Harada-San (@haradatetsuro) from Samson to replace the damaged fender mounts and retrofit the bike to support a Di2 electronic drivetrain. During the process, the frame had to be stripped down to bare metal.

Because of the complexity of the design, it was nearly impossible to recreate it exactly as it was before:

Before the rebuild.

That turned out to be the perfect excuse for a full repaint and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Azmi from Bikes & Hides (@bikesandhides). I was genuinely excited to reimagine the frame with a custom design that felt personal, distinctive, and entirely my own.

The paint was inspired by Victoire Cycles’ No. 076 and No. 500, but I added personal touches: a black-to-silver fade and a silver bar running across the top tube. These subtle details helped the frame feel truly mine.

How long did the entire restoration process take from start to finish?

The entire restoration took about three months from start to finish, a process that involved much more than just a fresh coat of paint. From finalising the design direction to coordinating the Di2 retrofit and working closely with the painter at Bikes & Hides, every detail required careful thought and precision.

What considerations did you have while planning the rebuild? 

My main priority was ensuring Di2 compatibility. That’s why we engaged Harada-San to handle the retrofitting. With over four decades of bike-building experience, we knew the frame was in good hands.

How did you decide on the components for the revived build?

Starting with the cockpit, I went all in with ENVE — stem, handlebar, and seatpost. Their craftsmanship and reliability are second to none, and the lifetime warranty offers peace of mind for long rides and rough terrain.

For the headset, I chose the Chris King Aeroset 3. While it’s designed for fully integrated cable routing, I used it solely to run the Di2 wires cleanly from shifter to battery. To keep things minimal and sleek, we only retrofitted Di2 ports on the seat tube and chainstay.

The drivetrain features Shimano GRX Di2 shifters paired with Hope RX4+ calipers. With four pistons, the RX4+ delivers powerful, confident braking which is especially useful when the bike is fully loaded. I also upgraded the GRX rear derailleur with a Garbaruk pulley cage and matched it with an 11-50T Garbaruk cassette. This combo gives me a wide gear range while maintaining crisp, responsive shifts, making climbs with gear onboard noticeably smoother.

To finish the build, I chose the ENVE G23 wheelset and Berthoud Cycles fenders. The G23s accommodate wider tires (700x38c+), perfect for mixed terrain, while the fenders make wet-weather rides far more tolerable.

How has the ride experience been so far?

Steel frames have a reputation for absorbing vibrations. Combined with the right components, the ride is smooth, balanced, and extremely satisfying. It’s the kind of bike that makes you want to keep going, no matter the terrain.

Kelvin took it with him to Japan in April 2025, right in the heart of the cherry blossom season.

Was it worth all the effort in the end?

It’s not worth it. In another life, I wouldn’t have obsessed so much over a bike. Up to this point, I have dug myself into a deep hole that has made it challenging to climb out. Ironically, I don’t regret the decision I made or the money I spent; there is sentimental value attached to this bike, and it also satisfies my passion for bikes.

Do you have any advice for others thinking of doing a repaint or a little modification work to their existing ride?

If you are considering a repaint or frame mod, here is what I would say: There are only a few artists who specialise in this craft, and they are in high demand. Therefore, it's essential to manage your expectations. Create a clear presentation with your ideas and references to communicate your vision effectively.

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