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Created by Los Angeles-based The Radavist in 2015, this gorgeous handmade Firefly has a distinctive personality and rugged charm. Inspired by rusty rat rod cars, the bicycle has warm brown colors and a special paint finish that make it look unlike anything else we’ve seen – on or off-road.
Among many custom features, there’s the Whisky No9 thru-axle fork at the front, which allows a clearance for up to 45mm tires and a CX1’s mid cage derailleur which wraps around a 10-42t cluster. This Firefly also features 202 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Disc wheels from Zipp and SRAM’s hydro shifters. The matching Brooks Cambium saddle with a textured surface and the special painting process that recreates a ‘rusted metal’ effect add the perfect finishing touch to the build.
And because some bikes evolve over time, this Firefly got an upgrade in 2017. It now boasts WTB’s latest version of its “Road Plus” tire system, the Byway 650b x 47mm tires along with Ci24 rims. The tires have a slick center for smooth riding on roads and diamond-shaped peaks on the sides that provide superior traction on gravel surfaces. Consequently, the bike offers two completely different riding experiences but handles both sealed roads and adventurous trails perfectly. You may not be able to get your hands on this rusty beauty – unless you can convince the owner to give it up – but you can find the Byway tires here at $67.95. They fit a wide range of bike frames, with a handy list included on the WTB website. Photo credits: The Radavist.
