Franco Grimes R1 Gravel Bike

We recently met Stan while riding down the the PCH on a Friday AM roll out of Campagnolo North America, he was at the front of the pack and I immediately noticed the stunning bike beneath him. He recently picked up his brand new Franco Grimes R1 adventure bike in Seafoam Green, and had a big smile on his face. We later caught up with him at a race expo to have a closer look.

The Grimes has a clean and understated look we love

Lizard Skin bar tape on the drop bars

Clearance easily handles 2.1 tires on 650b wheels, shown here is the Maxxis Rambler

Since 2007 Franco Bicycles has been creating beautiful custom bikes out of their Newbury Park, California location. While the owners, Hector and Julian, aren't in the business of following every trend in the industry, they saw an opportunity to build a bike that could equally handle road and dirt. This steel adventure bike can run everything from 700 x 28c road configuration to a stout 650b X 2.1” knobby tire. 

English Threaded BB

equipped with SRAM Force 1

A few more details:

  • FSA Wheels
  • ENVE Seatpost 
  • ENVE Aerobar (40cm)
  • ENVE 100mm Stem
  • ENVE CX Fork
  • ENVE Bottle Cages
  • ENVE Computer Mount
  • Maxxis Rambler Tires
  • Shimano XTR Pedals
  • SRAM Force 1x Groupset
  • SWorks Romin Carbon Saddle
  • TRP Brakes

TRP Spyre brakes and 12mm thru-axle

Enve CX fork up front

“The line that separates the road from the dirt has been crossed. Ride the line with a bike that handles both.”
— Franco Bicycles
Dave MalwitzFranco, Grimes, Franco Grimes, gravel bike, adventure bike, steel bike, steel frame