Jian's Prova Integrale

A Piece of Home , the Journey to a Custom Prova Integrale

For most cyclists, the idea of a “forever bike” is a dream (the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and emotional connection). For this rider, that dream took shape in titanium, born out of a conversation in a Melbourne workshop and brought to life through the craftsmanship of Prova Cycles.

“I’ve always been a one-bike person,” he shared. “I’d never even considered another bike, let alone a titanium one.”

It was not until a chat with Dan from Superbe Velo Service  who build and service all his bikes that the idea started to take root. Dan, who also works very closely with Prova builds, described Mark Hester, Prova’s founder, as “the best bike builder in the world.” That was enough to spark curiosity , and soon after, commitment.

A Melbourne Connection

Having spent over a decade living in Melbourne before moving to Perth, there was something meaningful about choosing a builder based in Victoria. “It felt like a nice nod to home which was like a piece of Melbourne I could carry with me,” he said.

Prova Workshop , Image : Radavist

Unlike many who shop around between builders, Prova was the one and only choice. The decision was emotional as much as it was practical ,  a way of connecting memory, craftsmanship, and personal story into a single frame.

The Details That Matter

What makes his Prova Integrale truly special is not about prestige or specifications, but about meaning. The colour, for example, draws from the unique tones of ghost gum trees in Perth, a quiet tribute to the landscape he rides through.

Ghost Gum Tree in Australia , Image : Beneficial Gardens

“During spring, Perth changes. The dry, brown tones give way to this rich, luscious colour, and that became the inspiration for the frame.”

Beyond aesthetics, the custom geometry solved something far more personal. A challenge that many riders can relate to. “I’ve always had issues with body proportions. Long arms and torso, short legs and this bike finally fixed that.”

Built to Feel Familiar

From the start, the goal was to make the Integrale feel familiar to his Colnago V4RS, but with a bit more forgiveness for longer rides. “I wanted it to ride as similarly as possible to my V4RS so that switching between them felt seamless, but also to have something a little less aggressive for endurance days.”

The component choice reflects that philosophy. Most parts mirror the Colnago setup except for one deliberate change in the groupset which is  the SRAM Red in place of Shimano Dura-Ace. “It’s the little twist that brings me joy every time I ride it,” he said.

Eight Months to Titanium

From deposit to delivery, the process took eight months which was faster than expected. “Huge thanks to the Cycle Project Store team, Fitskuul and to Mark and Kelly at Prova,” he said. “Everyone involved was so generous with their time and expertise. From geometry to paint codes to tyre colours, everything felt seamless. No problem was too big.”

The Ride

When it finally arrived, the Integrale did not just meet expectations, it exceeded them. “It’s amazing. Responsive, agile, and holds speed so well. And with a stability on descents that surprised me. Don’t expect a titanium bike to ride like carbon, but that’s the beauty of it. They complement each other. Just like how we have different running shoes for different days.”

A Worthwhile Journey

Looking back, the entire process from the first conversation to the first ride, was worth every moment. “This project was meaningful from start to finish. It’s not just a bike, it’s something that represents my connection to where I’ve been and where I ride now.”

And his advice for anyone considering a Prova? “Don’t wait any longer. Just pull the trigger. You’re in safe hands with Cycle Project Store and Prova Cycles.”

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