In this edition of BOTW, we have a Prova Speciale with what, on first pass, might seem like a simple mint green paint scheme. However, note the pinkish hues scattered around the reimagined Prova logo - according to our paint partners, Velocolour, who brought the client's color vision to life, these textural embellishments alone were exceptionally challenging to perfect. Then there's the subtle seatstay fade to polished titanium, the duo-tone mint and yellow front fork. All in all, a deceptively complex finish that nevertheless leads with laidback simplicity.
The brief for the build was something esoteric, road-going, with the capability to tread an occasional trail. We chose Prova's sublime Speciale frame, which, with room for up to 35mm tires and a heavenly blend of titanium and carbon tubing, fit the bill perfectly.
We went back and forth between a few brands for the wheels but finally settled on the Lightweight Meilenstein in blacked-out 'Schwarz Edition'. If you've never tried Lightweight, there's nothing that compares. Incidentally, we interviewed the German brand not so long ago, so check that out to learn more about its history and product line. It's a pretty instructive story.
Rene Herse's Stampede Pass Extralite tires completed the rolling stock. At 32mm, these supple clinchers give the classic road feel with the added plush the brief demanded.
As this client lived away from the shop and valued set-and-forget performance, we opted for Shimano's Di2 Dura-Ace (disc) drivetrain, adding an SRM Origin Power Meter in carbon with an aluminum spindle. Like most of our builds, we installed Ceramicspeed's smooth-running components where we could, including the rear pulley, which features the Danish brand's standard coated model rather than the OSPW version.
The saddle comes from our Slovenian friends at Bjōrn. The 'Probka' is their cork model, which our client loves, despite some initial misgivings about the material from afar. If you're interested in how this novel saddle came into existence, you'll enjoy our interview with Artem from Bjōrn. We kept the cockpit touchpoints consistent with the addition of Bjorn's Rool carbon fibre handlebar, a superb, low-key and impeccably finished unit. An Extralite Hyperstem and matching computer mount complete control duties.
Before we shipped this one off to our client, we had plenty of time to catch the reaction of visitors to the shop. Whether it was the mint green, the playful logo, or the mesmerising shape of the frame, where polished titanium meets carbon gloss in perfect harmony, it was love - every single time.
All hail, Prova.
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