FROM THE BEGINNING
In early 2019 Alex launched his Instagram channel “The European Bike Project” which gained huge popularity showcasing the immense variety of European manufacturers. Thanks to his daytime job in the environmental sector he gained a lot of knowledge when it comes to sustainability and recycling – very important topics that also motivated him to start his channel.
HOW IT CONTINUED
In June he virtually challenged two guys to build the best “100% Made in Europe” mountain bike. They are: Ralf Holleis, director of product design during the day and a detail obsessed 3-D printing nerd at night. Over the past few years he made a name for himselfcombining 3-D printing technology and futuristic bike design. For his “Made in Europe” frame he used a mix of 3-D printed lugs and steel tubing. The other guy is the professional photographer and filmmaker Kilian Reil. Earlier this year he wanted to build a completely “Made in Germany” bike and quickly got in contact with Alex. Due to some shipping difficulties caused by the global Covid Pandemic the project also turned to “Made in Europe”. His aim remains to build a super reliable, gearbox driven XC-Bike.
For the realisation of this unique project, Kilian partnered with Project 12 Cycleworks, a Dutch framebuilder. Michael Burgerhout has a lot of experience in designing custom bikes. It took him more than one month to build Kilians Pinion Vertigo frame.
The result is a 132mm travel steel frame with 29″wheels, a coil shock, an Intend fork, a Pinion gearbox but also Trickstuff brakes and Tune hubs.
The painting is absolutely outstanding and individual. It was realized by the Dutch company Cyclepaint.
A work of art: The intricate shock mounting and linkage.
The C1.12 gearbox provides 12 gears and a range of 600%.
For more info on Kilian’s bike and the European Bike Challenge follow the European Bike Project, here.
