C2 + Curtis Bullock: Performance, Passion & Pedigree Perfectly Aligned

When we at Chapter2 first spoke with Dr Curtis Bullock about a collaboration, we knew we had something beyond the usual custom project — this was about creating a true collectable frameset. Dr Bullock’s relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with our design ethos and craftsmanship, has resulted in a one-off size L RIRA frameset that blends cutting-edge engineering, bespoke artistry, and real-world performance.

We are now making this frameset and build options available exclusively in the US & Canada Only. Price guideline below is just to whet your appetite, as you can have any build option you desire:

1. Size L RIRA Dr. Curtis Bullock Frameset + C2 MANA5 Handlebar + C2 Tumu Seatpost US$4,759.00
2. No.1 above w/ Shimano Ultegra Di2 + Vision Metron SCSL Wheelset fully built up US$7,499
3. No.1 above w/ SRAM Force AXS E1 + Vision Metron SCSL Wheelset fully built up US$7,499.00
4. No.1 above w/ Shimano Dura Ace Di2 + Shimano C50 TL Wheelset fully built up US$8,999
5. No.1 above w/ SRAM Red AXS E1 + Zipp 404 FC Wheelset fully built up US$8,999.00
6. No.1 above w/ Campagnolo SR SRL 2x + BORA WTO 45 Wheelset fully built up US$10,499.00

Contact our US Brand Manager Clive de Sousa via email at usa@chapter2.co.nz.

** Prices in USD for shipping within USA are indicative only and inclusive of bike building and shipping. Shipping to Canada also available. Additional shipping and taxes may apply.

** Standard equipment covered in the price includes Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres, a Selle Italia SLR Boost TM Superflow saddle, and Selle Italia Gran Fondo griptape. Any customisation or deviations from this standard build may result in a price adjustment.

Why This Collaboration Matters

Shared DNA of Performance & Purpose — Dr Bullock brings deep experience, a unique riding philosophy, and a passion for pushing boundaries. At Chapter2, we build bikes with soul: engineered to go fast, endure, and still stand out. The RIRA platform proved the perfect canvas for this creative synergy.

A Rare, One-Of-One Build — This isn’t just a custom order. It’s a single frameset, one size L, designed and hand-crafted to reflect both Dr Bullock’s vision and the Chapter2 standard for excellence. Owning this RIRA is owning a piece of history.

From Drawing-Board to Pavement, With Integrity — As with all Chapter2 builds, every tube, angle, and contour has been carefully considered. From ride quality to aesthetics, nothing was left to chance.

What Makes the RIRA Bullock Edition Stand Out

Bespoke Engineering Meets Refined Craft

The RIRA’s carbon frame architecture offers a refined balance of stiffness and compliance — ideal for pure road performance without sacrificing ride comfort.

Fully integrated cable routing, frame shaping, and component interface that complements and reflects both Dr Bullock’s aesthetics and Chapter2’s obsessive attention to detail.

Unique Finish & Aesthetic Touches

The paintwork is original to this build — a signature finish that combines subtlety and boldness, giving the bike a presence that commands attention whether parked or in motion.

Details like badge placement, finish layering, and final clear-coat have been executed by hand, making this RIRA more than just a functional ride, but a piece of bespoke craftsmanship.

The limited, one-of-one nature means this frame will never be replicated — meaning this RIRA will always stay unique.

Performance With Personality

With geometry tuned for size L, this bike is designed for strength, speed, and stability — yet retains the finesse and responsiveness Chapter2 frames are known for.

Whether you’re climbing, sprinting, or navigating twisty roads, the RIRA delivers the kind of ride feel that turns heads and earns respect.

It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about real-world ride performance, with the added bonus that you’ll never see another like it on the road.

A Collaboration Built on Respect, Vision & Shared Values

At its core, this isn’t just a “custom painted frame.” It’s a statement: what happens when two bike-obsessed people — one a seasoned designer and brand founder, the other a passionate rider and artist — decide to push beyond the standard.

For Chapter2, collaborations like this reaffirm our commitment to individuality, craftsmanship, and creating bikes that aren’t constrained by catalogues or sizing charts. For Dr Curtis Bullock, it’s about owning a ride that reflects his ideals, his style, and his pursuit of excellence.

For the Rider Who Values Rarity & Soul

This one-off RIRA in size L is for those who don’t just ride — they express. It’s for riders who value the story behind the build, the hands that shaped it, and the lineage it represents.

If you believe a bike can be more than a tool — if you believe it can be art, purpose, and identity fused into carbon and steel — then this collaboration is for you.

Ride it. Live it. Own it.

Interested in learning more or seeing the RIRA Bullock Edition in person? Contact us at Chapter2. We’re honoured to share this unique creation with riders who get what it’s about.

Mike Pryde talks to Pezcycling's Richard Pestes about the KOKO.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into a proper Chapter2 KOKO build, this one’s for you.

Richard has put together a full KOKO project bike build, featuring:

• Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupset
• Chapter2 REHI45 aero carbon wheelset
• Our MANA integrated carbon bar/stem
• A walk-through of the frame’s aero shapes, tire clearance and unique tunable seatpost clamp system.

Read Richard's post about the KOKO build here: (PezCycling News)

Along the way, he sits down with Mike Pryde to talk about the thinking behind the KOKO: how it cheats the wind, balances stiffness and comfort, and where it fits in the Chapter2 line-up.

Watch the video now:
Chapter2 KOKO Project Bike Build & Interview with Mike Pryde

If you’re plotting your next dream build – or just love geeking out on bike design – this is a great place to start.

The 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong brought together thousands of the world’s best triathletes for an unforgettable week of racing along the stunning Illawarra coastline in Australia. From elite professionals to age-group competitors, the event was a true celebration of endurance, determination, and community.

Behind the scenes, Chapter2 partnered with BikeRental.cc to help deliver a seamless race-week experience for athletes who travelled from around the globe. Between the two teams, nearly 90 high-performance road bikes were prepared, fitted and delivered to athletes competing across multiple divisions.

Supporting Athletes from Around the World

BikeRental.cc specialises in providing premium road, gravel and triathlon bikes for travelling athletes. Their expertise in logistics and event support allows riders to arrive, race and perform at their best without the stress of transporting bikes across continents.

For this event, they managed all athlete deliveries and setups in Wollongong, ensuring every rider had a professionally prepared Chapter2 bike ready to perform. This partnership gave athletes confidence knowing their bikes were of the highest quality, supported by a dedicated service team.

About BikeRental.cc

Based out of Sydney, BikeRental.cc is a global performance bike rental company focused on supporting competitive and recreational cyclists alike. They offer premium carbon bikes across Road, Gravel and Triathlon categories, with professional setup and maintenance included.

They currently operate in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Wollongong and Singapore, with Tokyo launching soon. This wide network allows travelling athletes to access world-class bikes wherever their sport takes them.

A Partnership Built on Performance

Chapter2 is proud to work alongside BikeRental.cc to make high-quality equipment accessible to athletes who demand performance and reliability. From road races to major triathlon events, our shared goal is to help riders focus on what matters most — their performance.

As the sun set on an incredible week in Wollongong, we were reminded of what makes this sport so special: athletes from every corner of the world united by a love of racing and the pursuit of excellence.

Chapter2 TOA: Performance, Style, and Value Perfectly Balanced

Sometimes, we get a set of images from one of our authorised dealers that is too good not to share. Images here courtesy of Impress Cycle Works in Japan.

When it comes to high-performance road bikes, the Chapter2 TOA stands as a true testament to the brand’s ethos — blending cutting-edge engineering with timeless design. Named after the Māori word for victory, the TOA embodies everything Chapter2 stands for: speed, control, and individuality, without compromise.

Engineered for Performance

The TOA’s aero-optimized carbon frame is crafted using only premium Toray carbon fibre, the same materials used in the world’s most advanced racing bikes. Its fully integrated design and refined tube profiles ensure maximum stiffness where it matters most — in the bottom bracket and head tube — while maintaining comfort for long-distance rides. Find out all the details and specifications here.

Every curve and contour has been tuned through extensive testing to deliver a bike that feels as fast as it looks. Whether you’re sprinting, climbing, or cruising, the TOA responds instantly, translating every watt of power into pure forward momentum.

Designed for Style and Substance

Chapter2 is renowned for bikes that don’t just perform — they turn heads. The TOA continues that legacy with striking paintwork, clean lines, and meticulous detailing that give it an unmistakable presence on the road. Riders can personalise their build with multiple frame colourways and component configurations, ensuring every TOA is as unique as its owner.

From the hidden cable routing to the sleek integrated MANA cockpit, every design element has been considered for both function and form — a true balance of art and engineering.

Affordable Performance Without Compromise

What truly sets the TOA apart is its exceptional value at US$2,099 for the frameset, or US$2,448 delivered with MANA2. While most high-performance road bikes come with premium price tags, Chapter2 delivers superbike-level performance at a more attainable price. Riders can choose from frameset-only options or custom builds (via select dealers), allowing flexibility in budget and component selection.

** Prices and taxes in other countries may vary. Prices listed above are for USA only and are inclusive of all shipping and tariff costs. A door-to-door service.

This accessibility, paired with Chapter2’s boutique personal approach, means cyclists can enjoy world-class performance without the typical markup of larger brands.

The Verdict: Victory, Redefined

The TOA isn’t just another carbon race bike — it’s a statement. It’s the perfect fusion of performance, style, and affordability, designed for riders who demand more than the ordinary. Whether you’re chasing podiums or personal bests, the TOA will deliver, every time.

Ride the TOA. Own the road. Experience victory your way.

Here's what Cam Nicholls & Neill Stanbury had to say about the RIRA when they first experienced it. Click here.

The RIRA debuted in January 2025 as the direct successor to the TOA (now available on close-out at US$2,099 delivered), elevating performance to new heights. With modern features such as 32mm tire clearance and aerodynamic cues inspired by the KOKO — our second-generation aero frameset — it offers a blend of speed and versatility.

While many manufacturers double down on proprietary parts, the RIRA takes a more open and rider-friendly approach. It accommodates a standard 27.2mm round seatpost and works with our 12 size MANA5 bar. giving you full flexibility to fine-tune fit and comfort. But we didn’t stop there: not only are stack and reach perfectly linear (plot a straight line on a graph), the bottom bracket drop also differs by frame size — 74mm on the XS and down to 72mm on the XL.

Positioned as the all-road racing chassis, the RIRA achieves a weight of 945g (+/- 3%) with enhanced stiffness to a highly engineered level, all while maintaining a competitive price point. At US$2,549 delivered, it's lighter on the wallet than many comparable framesets. Add a MANA5 to complete the fully integrated chassis.

At Chapter 2, we believe design is a journey, not a destination—so we just kept going! By optimising every one of the 300+ layers of Toray carbon, we launched the RIRA Ultra in September 2025. Weighing just 695g (+/- 3%) for a Size M frame, it's a true featherweight with a heavyweight punch. At US$3,449 delivered, it delivers exceptional performance per gram.

You can also download the Lookbooks for RIRA and RIRA Ultra here.

Click here to hear what Cam & Neill said about the RIRA.

You can reach us at info@chapter2.co.nz for any enquiries.

This article was first published on Cyclowired on 01 October 2025 in Japanese. It has been translated and published here with permission from the Editor in Chief of Cyclowired - Mr Ayano Makoto. - translated via Google Translate.

I’m reporting back from the CW editorial team’s ride — I (Ayano) took on the 100-mile race at Unbound Gravel, North America’s biggest gravel event. This was my fourth straight year entering the same distance. This time around, I pretty much settled all the media-related tasks and just focused on racing — and it paid off: I achieved my fastest time ever. In this write-up, I’m sharing my experience and the equipment I used (plus all the tips I picked up along the way).

The Unbound Gravel 100-mile race is often considered a more accessible entry point into ultra-endurance gravel racing. While the original Unbound Gravel event, previously known as the Dirty Kanza, started with a 200-mile (approximately 321 km) route in 2006, the 100-mile (approximately 160 km) race was introduced in 2013 to offer a more accessible challenge for many riders.

Despite being half the distance of the original race, the Unbound Gravel 100 still presents a significant challenge. The course is renowned for its challenging terrain, including gravel roads and varying weather conditions, which can make the race particularly demanding even for experienced riders.

In summary, while the Unbound Gravel 100-mile race is shorter than the original 200-mile event, it remains a formidable test of endurance and is considered a suitable challenge for those looking to push their limits in gravel racing.

The 200-mile Unbound Gravel race is brutal—physically, mentally, and technically. You can't just rely on motivation or momentum; serious preparation is a must if you want to finish. In contrast, the 100-mile race is much more doable. With some solid training, it's not too hard to complete, and if you're feeling good, you can even enjoy it.

As a media person, there's also the perk of being able to cover the 200-mile race or other categories after finishing the 100. Sure, I'd love to kick back with a beer and relax post-race, but I can always save that treat for later. This year marks my fourth consecutive year participating in the Unbound 100-mile race while also covering it.

In the past three races, I turned my personal ride reports into work, so I’d often stop during the ride to take photos. But this year, I planned to focus my coverage on three riders from Nornja, Shunya Nagata, and Yamakensan from XL. That meant I could concentrate on my own ride during the race. And since finishing quickly would also help with the coverage, it was a rare opportunity for me to just ride without extra pressure.

My training and conditioning leading up to the race were on point — I even dropped 3 kg through diet (nothing crazy, just skipping meat and fried stuff). I’ve never been this well-prepped in the past. Since I’m not a full-time racer, I rarely get to do so much pre-race work. Given my age, I figured this might be my last big race, so I went all in.

I flew in Tuesday and managed three shake-out rides before race day. Jet lag seemed to be recovering fine — until the night before, when I got hit with mysterious leg cramps and insomnia. Travelling to the U.S. always throws off my rhythm and acclimation.

The dorm room at Emporia University had the AC blasting too much, which was annoying, but still better than being overheated.

I used the same CHAPTER2 KAHA frame and Shimano GRX Di2 groupset as last year. For the wheels, I went with DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUTs and Maxxis REAVER tyres—both race-ready choices. I kept my gear minimal, focusing on essentials for nutrition and flat repairs. It’s a bit of a gamble, but I prioritised keeping the bike light. That means I had to be extra cautious on the ride.

Woke up at 4 a.m. and had a solid carb-heavy breakfast three hours before the race. The weather was perfect—ideal conditions with no concerns about the famous "peanut butter" mud.

After watching the pro and 200-mile riders head off, I spent about an hour and a half in the media room before heading to the start. The lineup was already packed, but I managed to squeeze into the front group, aiming for a sub-6-hour finish (sorry, not sorry).

Lesson learned: The start line scramble is real. If you want a good spot, get there at least an hour early.

At 7:30 a.m., around 1,500 riders took off together. The front group set a brisk pace, averaging 37 km/h during the first hour. It felt like a road race, with everyone riding in tight formation. I focused on staying in the draft and moving up through the pack without burning too many matches.

Instead of just hammering it, I used smart line choices to maintain speed through corners and avoid braking. On descents, I dropped my seatpost and tucked in for an aero advantage, passing riders smoothly and conserving energy. It was all about making small, efficient moves to keep advancing without overexerting myself.

What worked especially well was using the grassy inside line on corners to maintain speed without braking too much. Since there are a lot of 90° turns, riders not used to gravel tend to slow down a lot. My cyclocross experience helped me pick the right lines here. Of course, my usual gravel rides also paid off.

Gravel racing isn't just about fitness. It requires a solid understanding of tyre pressure, bike setup, gear mounting, nutrition, and troubleshooting. All these little things add up and make a difference. That's why it's important to keep learning and experimenting.

By focusing on efficiency and pushing forward, I eventually found myself in the lead group.

Compared to my physical weakness, the only riders around me were strong, fast, and skilled. In a tightly packed group, crashes are inevitable. I fell off the back of the group about five times in the first hour, splitting the pack each time, using up a lot of energy to get back on.

It was a close call, but fortunately, I avoided every crash. However, once I stopped, catching up with the pack forced me to use my legs too much. Even with the pack's high pace, I was using my legs, and even though I was practicing energy-saving techniques, I was already starting to feel cramps, even though it was still early in the race...

Enduring over 20 cramps...

At the 40km mark, my legs were already starting to cramp. The group was accelerating, and I decided that if I continued to follow them, I would destroy myself, so I decided to leave the leading group after about two hours. My average speed for the first hour was a staggering 37km/h! When I compared it later, I found that it was an average of 2km/h faster than the 200-mile class. I guess the intensity is higher in the 100-mile race because the distance is shorter.

Having managed to stay in the lead pack of just under 100 riders up to this point, it seemed I had pulled away from the rest of the pack. Even after I was on my own, it was a long time before anyone caught up with me. My speed was so slow now that I was alone... I had completely stalled. There were still 130km to go.

Every time a small group of people caught up with me from behind, I would try to accelerate to jump on the train. I would hang on for a while, then fall behind again as my legs cramped.

At the aid station at the halfway point, I picked up my hydration bag from the bag drop and put it on. However, the two bottles I had left were not filled with water. I can't blame the volunteers. Next time, I might put up a large note or use the service provided by the local club, 3feet. I was disappointed that I didn't get the ice-cold can of Coke I was looking forward to. However, I managed to set off again with the least amount of time lost.

Just when I thought I'd recovered, my legs started to cramp again, so I continued to ride on despite the pain. Someone called out, "Recover on the hill!" and I followed that call, pedalling lightly, trying not to push too hard on the uphill sections, but the repeated hills inevitably made my legs cramp...

In the end, my legs cramped more than 20 times that day, and I cried out in agony every time. I think the strain of the first two hours was too much.

As I neared the end, my pace averaged out, and I regained my strong pedalling style. Whenever I found someone who was at the same pace as me, I would say, "Let's go together," and we would rotate, but as I picked up speed I would get carried away and push off the pedal, my legs would cramp, and I would endure the pain while forcing my legs to move, so I continued to ride patiently.

Last year I felt like I had ridden better and it was easier, but before I knew it, I was running at a pace 30 minutes faster than last year at the same point. In the second half, I focused on maintaining my current pace without pushing myself too hard to avoid cramping. It was like using up my savings little by little.

The temperature rose in the afternoon, and it got quite hot, but thankfully, I was able to keep up with my hydration and energy intake. Last year, I learned that nutrition can be difficult to swallow unless it's in liquid form. Toward the end of the race, I chose gels with a high caffeine content to stave off drowsiness and maintain my pace. Reaching for a bottle can be a pain when off-road, so frequently refilling my water from the hydration pack on my back was also helpful.

I was feeling excited as I approached the last 10km, but I was wary of cramping, so I didn't increase my pace, and I think it was the right decision to stay calm and keep going at an even pace.

My final mistake was when, after going over the final hill, I bluntly entered the same course as last year, which runs through the campus of Emporia University. The course had changed from previous years due to construction work. There were no riders in front of or behind me, and the road signs were confusing.

A guard from outside the course opened the fence so I could return to the final straight, but the time loss was painful. I later reported to the organisers that the sign was in a misleading position, and they apparently fixed it immediately.

I finished the race on a crowded city street, with a lively MC chanting my name. I was delighted to be greeted at the finish by Nic Legan of Shimano North America, who has been my inspiration and advisor for our gravel feature projects for the past four years. This legend taught me everything about gravel culture.

Results & Data

Time: 6:24:12

Elevation gain: 1,542 m (Strava)

Average speed: 27.27 km/h Distance: 174.52 km (Strava)

311/1,445 all participants

266/1,125 men participants

58/324 men in the M50-59 category

My goal was to cut 30 minutes off last year’s time (which I had evaluated mid-race), and I ended up shaving 29 minutes. That makes this year’s result about two hours faster than my 2022 debut. Favourable weather conditions also made a significant difference.

After the finish, I had some free time, but there were so many people that I went to retrieve my camera and work equipment that I had left in the press centre, and I ended up getting separated from the Filipino athlete who had been leading me for a long time in the final stages and whom I had intended to thank later.

After the race, it was time for coverage.

I quickly returned to the dorm, showered, changed, and then drove to the final 10km to begin filming. Just as I'd simulated, everything went perfectly, and I was able to capture my teammates finishing behind me.

However, in the scorching heat as the temperature rose towards the evening, I shot from the shade of my Chevrolet SUV, but there was nothing to block the intense western sun, and I almost got heatstroke. But I managed to get almost 100% of the shots I could take, so mission accomplished. I chased after Junya Nagata, who had returned in roughly the expected time, and photographed him, meeting him at the finish line.

Nagata had given it his all, to the point where he was unable to move for a while. We've been riding together on gravel for the past year, aiming to get to this day together, so my eyes welled up as I shot.

When I returned to the lodging, I realised that each of my three friends had had a dramatic story, and I was reminded once again of the difficulties of being at Unbound.

Nobu completed the longest XL distance despite suffering from heatstroke. Tam crashed after failing to avoid a rider who had fallen in front of him, forcing him to retire at the 80km mark. And Junya Nagata was burned out. All three of them regularly ride together, and had arrived at this day with many different thoughts at the end of a long day. Tam, with his arm in a painful sling, was already fired up for revenge next year.

Balancing Authentic Gravel Experiences with Reporting

I feel like I've accomplished my goal of bringing the world's premier gravel event to Japan, so this will be my last. Over the past few years, I've used various methods to create feature articles to convey the authentic worldview to Japan. This was another unbounded expedition that gave me a sense of accomplishment both as a hobby and for work.

After returning home, I was basking in the afterglow of the race as I wrote the feature article, but perhaps the strain of the race was too great, as I developed severe back pain and suffered. I still suffer from symptoms similar to a slipped disc. I realised that I shouldn't get carried away and push myself too hard.

For those considering participating in Unbound Gravel.

Unbound Gravel, one of the most popular gravel races, has traditionally allowed Japanese participants to join by simply registering. This was part of the event organiser's efforts to internationalise the race and attract more riders from various countries. As a result, approximately 20 riders from Japan were able to participate this year.

However, there appears to be an unofficial cap on the number of international participants, and at least four Japanese applicants were not selected through the lottery system. It's worth noting that the chances of being selected in the lottery are generally lower for European and American riders. For these riders, securing a spot often requires participating in qualifying races or attending the spring training camps, which come with high entry fees, to earn eligibility.

In summary, while Unbound Gravel has been accessible to Japanese riders in the past, the increasing popularity and demand for the event have led to more competitive entry processes, including lotteries and qualification requirements.

Click here to hear Louise's story.

In this empowering episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, we sit down with Louise Vardeman—cyclist, campaigner, and changemaker—as she shares her inspiring journey from a self-described non-sporty child to a trailblazer in women’s cycling. Louise speaks openly about overcoming injuries, navigating personal challenges, and discovering her purpose on two wheels. She dives into important topics like mental health, parenting, and redefining work-life balance to create a more meaningful life. You'll also hear how her efforts with The Internationelles helped ignite the campaign for a women’s Tour de France—and why she's committed to making sport more inclusive for all.

Louise is rocking a "very pink" custom-painted TOA designed by Mike Pryde

Click here to see the painting by 752 Workshop in Hong Kong.

Best known as the founder of The Internationelles, Louise is a passionate advocate for gender equality in professional cycling. Despite having no elite sports background, her evolution into a prominent voice in the movement is a powerful story of resilience and vision.

Off the bike, she champions mental wellbeing, inclusion, and structural change in sport—using her platform to inspire a new generation to embrace strength, community, and joy through cycling.

By: Mike Pryde (C2 Founder)

Caleb Bottcher, from Palmerston North (North Island), New Zealand, is a man on a mission. He’s been bootstrapping a racing schedule in the U.S., which has included events like Unbound Gravel and Leadville 100 from the Lifetime Grand Prix Series. At Unbound, he finished 44th, and at Leadville he came in 18th—his form was already on the rise. On a side note, fellow Kiwi Cameron Jones won Unbound 2025. These two events are considered among the most gruelling on the Gravel/MTB calendar, so kudos to Caleb for going all in.

Caleb has been mixing mountain bike races and gravel events in the U.S. In the gravel events, he’s been racing the C2 KAHA with Shimano Groupset, ENVE wheels/cockpit and Goodyear tires.

Whilst we can certainly write a nice piece about the race, A picture is worth a thousand words, so we will let these amazing images set the scene for Caleb’s amazing achievement.

Course Info:

143km (89 miles) distance

2,286 (7,500 ft) climbing

Time: 04:27:45

Pace: 32.03 km/hr (19.9 miles/hr)

From Passion to Precision: A Conversation with PhD Podcast by Mike Pryde

In this conversation with the PhD podcast, I explore the art and emotion behind bike design — from geometry to aesthetics, and why boutique brands like Chapter2 are more relevant than ever.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to sit down with Fernando Riego from the PhD podcast to talk about something I’ve been living and breathing for years: the emotional and technical journey of designing bicycles.

In this episode, we dig into the deeper layers of what makes a bike special. Yes, performance matters — stiffness, weight, responsiveness — but there's more to it. What excites me most is the geometry, the way a frame feels under pressure, the way it inspires confidence and flow. That’s the soul of a bike.

We also talked about the realities of being a boutique brand in a world dominated by giants. It’s not easy. But what keeps us going is the belief that riders want something personal, something with story, meaning, and aesthetic value. From the design of every curve to the colours we create, Chapter2 is about delivering that feeling.

I also touched on the lessons cycling has taught me about leadership, and why numbers never tell the full story. At the end of the day, cycling should bring joy — and the best bike is the one that gets you out the door, excited to ride.

If you’re into design, bikes, business, or just curious about how we do things at Chapter2, I invite you to watch this interview. I think it captures the essence of what we’re building — and why we’re just getting started.

🎥 Watch the full video here