Why did we start Pastel cycles?

The motivation to go the way often arises from frustration. We were tired of the way the bike industry works and trying to sell us products we don't need (we couldn't find what we wanted for the price we were willing to pay). "Let's take color options. Why can't I just pick the color I like with the components that I need?" What about the features that only serve to distinguish one company from the other? Certainly having a character is important, but these traits often impact the main function of the bike in opposite ways. Complex shapes make the bike stiffer and the frames heavier. Integrated cable routing triples the bill for a 30-minute service next time you visit the bike shop. A simple change in handlebar height becomes a complex task and an environmental nightmare: replacing plastic cables and disposing of highly toxic brake fluid. Manufacturer-specific components limit the choices, and if something needs fixing on your next adventure, the first bike shop might won't be able to help.

So we started discussing what kind of bike we want to ride... A bike without the usual marketing jargon. A carefully curated, no-nonsense, dependable component list. Hassle-free maintenance. Threaded bottom bracket, standard round seatpost, stem and handlebars. A classic shape that will not go out of style next season. A versatile design that accommodates wide tires. And the freedom to choose the color you want.