RCUK Towers is frequently decorated with exotic bicycles.
The snag is they always have to go back. The latest distraction, however, is to become a long-term visitor.
Adrian Hogan, sales executive on Factory Media’s BMX titles, Ride UK and Dig, has just taken delivery of his new bike: one handmade by old friend, Ricky Feather.
We’re fans of Ricky’s work, and are happy to report that Adrian’s bike is as beautiful as anything we’ve seen Ricky exhibit at shows.
The Hogan, as it will henceforth be known (all Feather Cycles are bespoke), is made from Reynolds 725.
Adrian was measured at Tokyo Fixed, and Ricky produced a design that fitted Adrian’s loose design brief: something fast, but comfortable, a pleasure to ride over short distances, but sufficiently comfortable for the touring expeditions he has planned in his home county.
Ricky told us the frame had a classic geometry of parallel 73 degree angles, finished with ‘super unique’ lugs, and a pearlescent paint finish that accentuates the lugwork.
A clue to the origin of bicycle and owner can be found in the Yorkshire rose on the non-driveside chainstay and the Feather Cycles head badge.
Components are Shimano Ultegra throughout, pedals and hubs included, and the rolling stock comes from Mavic and Continental: Open Pros shod with 25c Grand Prix Four Season tyres.
The Brooks saddle sits atop a Nitto S65 seatpost, while steering duties are handled by a Nitto Noodle randonneur-style handlebar; one with a swept back top and slightly flared drops.
The star of the finishing kit, however, and perhaps even the bike, is the beautiful handmade handlebar stem, one fashioned from 4130 steel, nickel plated, and given a brushed finish.
Other pleasing details among the many on this machine includes the silver union jack decal on the seat tube, the Arundel stainless steel bottle cages, and Velo Orange mudguards.
