Frame building is often called an art and in some hands, the brazing torch is wielded like a brush — requiring knowledge of the media and expressing personal creative style with a flourish. Where, then, does this place Dario Pegoretti, who is an artist of both torch and brush? His latest work is an introduction to his collaborative work with Brooks and the artistic flair for which he is famous.
Brooks saddles have supported countless posteriors over the years. Their range recently gained a vegan addition: the Cambium C17, as comfortable as the legendary B17 without the thousand-mile break-in period, it’s waterproof and requires no specialist tools to maintain. Next to the B-17, it looks like the Starship Enterprise and will complete its mission of carrying the brand into the next generation.
B1866 is the name of the new Brooks flagship store, the first of its kind, which recently opened in Seven Dials, London. Named after the year of Brooks founding, it not only stocks a wide range from the catalogue, but offers customers the ability to customise their own saddle. Dario Pegoretti is also, for a short time, taking up residency to discuss and take fittings for his frames.
From the press release: “The new Brooks B1866 shop in Seven Dials, London is proud to announce that it will be offering custom bicycles direct instore from some of the most respected names in the handmade bicycle world. Dario Pegoretti, Ricky Feather, and Darren Crisp are already among those signed up to offer personal fittings directly inside the B1866 premises, meaning customers will not have to travel to the framebuilders’ studios, but be measured and fitted right in the heart of London.”
Dario is bringing along his latest build, inspired by the prototype Cambium saddle which is covered with the burlap from coffee bean bags. Dario visited Italian espresso brand Goppion for more reference, which was translated with his own personal style, onto the frame. Campagnolo’s 80th Anniversary gruppo was a perfect match.
Dario will be visiting the B1866 shop on the 31st January and 1st February. To book a custom frame fit with Dario, please contact the B1866 shop manager, Steve Brill on +44 (0)20 7836 9968 or email: sb@brooksengland.com
The address of the shop is: B1866, 36 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9LH.
Special thanks to Dario and Joshua Riddle.
