Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Fade To White: Saffron Frameworks Gradient Racer

Fade To White: Saffron Frameworks Gradient Racer

Spend more than a few years at something and you’ll inevitably start infusing it with your individual flavour — no matter how subtle — even if you’re producing the same product as everyone else.

Since establishing Saffron Frameworks in 2009, Matthew Sowter’s portfolio has developed a distinctive personal style of excellent craftsmanship and distinct finishes, and this pastel-hued racer is the latest addition.

Fade To White: Saffron Frameworks Gradient Racer

Take a look at the gallery page on Saffron’s website and it’s easy to simply see a wall of road bikes. But a closer examination reveals each to be honed to the requirements of its owner and decorated to match their personality.

Fade To White: Saffron Frameworks Gradient Racer

Saffron’s latest customer, Darren, had specific ideas for his custom dream machine and his close proximity to Saffron’s Woolwich workshop in London enabled easy consultation when it came to finishing details — resulting in a truly sublime machine.

Fade To White: Saffron Frameworks Gradient Racer

The brief was for a fast race bike, but one that could also be a Sunday rider also. Columbus tubing was used throughout: XCR for the chainstays and seatstays, an HSS downtube with a flat-top profile for a responsive ride, and a Spirit top tube.

Fade To White: Saffron Frameworks Gradient Racer

Other bespoke features include a custom Integrated Seat Post from ENVE, CNC-machined dropouts from Bentley Components, matching upholstery from Hackney’s Grafton Saddler and a spectacular fade by Yorkshire’s Jack Kingston.

Fade To White: Saffron Frameworks Gradient Racer

Matthew wowed onlookers when he unveiled this beauty at the recent Bespoked event. He’ll only display owner’s bikes at shows as they are, he believes, the only worthwhile representation of his profession. Needless to say, Darren is over the moon with his Saffron — you can read his testimonial on the website.

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Fade To White: Saffron Frameworks Gradient Racer