Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Donhou Cycles DSS2

Donhou Cycles DSS2

After a successful reception at the Brooks England flagship store in Covent Garden, the Donhou Cycles DSS2 is now available to the public. The second iteration of the Signature Steel line is an evolution of the DSS1, with more of a touring slant than its predominantly road-faring predecessor.

Donhou Cycles DSS2

The launch also featured an exhibition of shots by cycling photographer George Marshall, who has documented many of Tom Donhou’s bikes over the years. The show depicted a trek that Tom and George undertook to the harsh terrain of Iceland, where they tested the DSS2’s mettle.

Donhou Cycles DSS2

The DSS2 performed impeccably, fully-laden with racks, panniers, and sleeping bag roll, riding over the unforgiving gravel roads of Iceland’s interior. It was a perfect example of the style of riding the DSS2 was designed for, although its ‘Good Vibes’ paint scheme was a brilliant contrast.

Donhou Cycles DSS2

Tom worked with UK illustrator and designer Suzanne Cleo Antonelli on the bright pastel colourway that is intended to “boost morale whenever the road ahead is tough and spirits are low”, reminiscent of “1980’s Miami, cruising in your Testarossa, palm tree’s swaying and the sun shining”.

Donhou Cycles DSS2

Like the DSS1, the DSS2 is a production model from Donhou, built in standard sizes from Reynolds 853 and a carbon Wound Up Gravel fork. It’s available as a frameset or as a complete bike, with a Shimano Ultegra groupset, TRP Spire SLC cable-actuated brakes, and an August Wheelworks wheelset.

With the current resurgence of interest in cycle touring, the DSS2 is the zeitgeist for a new generation of explorers — whether the journey is a local overnighter or a Nordic expedition. For complete specifications, pricing and ordering information, head to the Donhou Cycles Signature Steel page.

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Special thanks to George Marshall for the photos.

Donhou Cycles DSS2