The city of Modena is an ancient one, built around faded winding streets and pastel alleyways. It is known as ‘The Capital of Engines’, because the factories of Ferrari, De Tomaso, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati are, or were, located in the city’s boundaries. The Italian passion for speed and beauty courses through the city, especially down Via Sant’Eufemia, address of Chiossi Cycles.

Chiossi Cycles is a tiny shop in a narrow laneway, but one that is filled with history and love for the bicycle. It was founded in the tumultuous year of 1942, but it is still going strong, thanks in part to the efforts and dedication to the marque of Paolo Chiossi and Luciano Pedrielli. The two carry the name of Enzo Chiossi: beautiful, functional bicycles, manufactured by hand in the spirit of Modena.

These are not bicycles that can be bundled into a catalogue; each one is different, made specifically for the customer who wants a personal, classical bike. But sometimes even the proprietors want a bike of their own, and so Paolo was inspired to build himself a classic version of a ‘gravel grinder’ — a dirt tracker, in the most traditional sense of the term.

Originally created for the CosmoBike Show in Verona this year, Paolo built this frame as an evolution of the Chiossi ‘Unique’ collection. To paraphrase his own words; “(It describes) the whole of the human soul — intense, rich, original, pretty and elegant; a bit ‘sweet’ and a bit ‘strong’; a bit ‘angel’ and a bit ‘devil’. I wanted a bike made to make one feel good who uses it. Always. Whether it’s an elegant business appointment or a ride in the forest with the children.”

The frame is constructed from Columbus Nivacrom, with internal cable routing, impeccable paint and decals, and proprietary Chiossi steel cranks and chainring. A dynamo hub and headlamp lights the way, and a five-speed internal rear hub provides the transmission. A Brooks saddle tops it off, and it’s rolling on 2.1″ all-terrain tyres, coupled with wooden Ghisallo rims — Chiossi’s hoops of choice.

Chiossi Cycles Website | Facebook | Flickr