velo_72-75

San Sebastian
Finnish
finesse
Hailing from Finland where the elements often pose
challenges for cycling, Pelago Bicycles are not only built to
endure, but to give riders the sense that the wind is with them.
In production since 2009, Pelago is the brainchild of brothers
Timo and Mikko Hyppönen, two graphic designers who began
their journey in bicycle building by scanning local skips for
unloved and discarded bicycles worthy of a second chance.
With a passion for making cycling accessible to all, it’s fitting
that the Pelago is among the more affordable, yet nonetheless
elegant, bicycles you’ll see. Starting with an almost unplanned
store opening, Pelago has since grown to be represented around
the globe, alongside a pool of nearly 100 distributors, scooped a
coveted start up gong at the 2012 ISPO awards and established
its place as one of Europe’s most ambitious commuter and
leisure cycling labels.
Looking for something a bit more sedated than the singlespeed San
Sebastian? You’re in luck, and the upgrade from the nippy Street
build is very much worth the investment.
Most notable among the differences is the ergonomic
swooped back handlebar that adjusts the
rider’s position to give a straighter back and
a posture that shows off the full potential of
the stylish Brooks B17 saddle upgrade. With
your arms down by your side your shoulders
immediately relax, prompting you to look up
at the path ahead.
Aesthetically, the San Sebastian is one of
Pelago’s headturners. Chrome finishing kit
and mudguards positively ooze style against a
midnight navy chassis. The guarding, as well as
offering attention grabbing reflective detailing at the
rear, offers full coverage meaning both you and the
rider behind are covered against stray road grime.
As with the Street, attention to detail is both practical
and pleasing to the eye. An integrated seatclamp is barely
noticeable, blending with the clean lines of the 4130 Chromoly
frame, as is the case with discreet cable routing to the gearhub.
Hanko Commuter
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San Sebastian Street
Pelago’s answer to efficient A to B cycling is the San Sebastian
Street, which for those not comfortable with locking up the crank to
stop, comes clad with a flip flop hub and freewheel as standard.
Delivering acceleration through a 4130 chromoly steel frame it’s
evident from the off that the San Sebastian Street is designed to be
agile, with a comfortable shoulder-width bar offering a nimble and
light package that dances through the city delivering an ear to ear
grin as you sail past lines of cars.
While the geometry is aggressive enough to make the most
of the power you put through the pedals, it’s far from an
uncomfortable ride; in fact one of the joys of the San
Sebastian Street is the ability to sit up and scan your
environment in comfort when speed isn’t the name of
the game. Of course when you do pick up the pace,
Schwalbe’s 28c Lugano tyres do offer that perfect
balance of low rolling resistance, comfort over
worn tarmac, and puncture resistance.
Pelago’s founders are known for their attention
to detail, so you’ll find all of the signature design
notes here that are smattered throughout the
catalogue, including some gorgeous embossing
on the fork crown and seatclamp.
An adaptation of an existing Pelago favourite, the commuter-facing Hanko might just be
enough to prompt you to seek out the scenic route to work. With a geometry and curved
handlebar placing the rider in an immediately comfortable position on Brook’s sculpted B17
saddle, the Hanko Commuter simply doesn’t do stress. A high
front end ensures that your lungs are open and ready
to make the most of low cadence travel. Ready to roll
straight from the shop floor. Full coverage mudguard
perfectly hide subtle cabling for integrated dynamo
lighting. If you’re the type to forget to charge your
lights, the always on approach provides both night
and daytime visibility as soon as you’re rolling.
Pairing an Alfine eight-speed gearhub with
Tektro disc brakes, the ride is confidence
inspiring. Acceleration off at the lights
is effortless, meaning no stamping
on the pedals to get ahead, while
the braking feels assured and, if
required, instant.
The Hanko is a bike for daylong
jaunts in the saddle,
with its two bottle cage
mounts and mounting for
added racking features. For
added peace of mind, there’s
no corner cutting on the
rubber; 35c Schwalbe Spicer
tyres offer K-Guard puncture
protection, as well as ample
volume to absorb road vibration.
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Capri
Brooklyn
When it comes to the portfolio of ladies bicycles Pelago’s
colour palette often becomes a little more daring,
bringing forward a gorgeous range of pastel shades that
really set off the shine of the chrome finishing kit found
throughout the range.
With Pelago you’re not running the risk of
buying a women’s frame specked with
components that are better suited
to male dimensions. A Brooks
adaptation of its B17 saddle is
better aligned to female sit bones
and pairs beautifully with the
lay back handlebar to promote
good posture as you pedal.
Full mudguard coverage
ensures that you’ll arrive fresh,
while a Shimano Alfine eightspeed
gearhub takes the stress
out of zipping past the traffic on
the morning commute.
An affordable introduction to Pelago’s women’s bike portfolio,
the Brooklyn is the perfect companion for leisurely short trips or
family adventures.
Comfortable on light off road paths thanks to Schwalbe
Delta Cruiser Plus tyres, which come with the added benefit
of a reflective sidewall, the Brooklyn is built to endure with its
durable, yet lightweight steel frame.
Packing in the value for the low price tag,
you’ll still find the women’s specific
Brooks B17 saddle found at
higher pricepoints and you’ll
enjoy the convenience of a
chainstay mounted kickstand
when stopping at the shops.
With that in mind, the frame
comes ready to accept racking
to add versatility. A zincchrome
plated chain is another
noteworthy feature, ensuring no
rust spoils the stunning monotone
and chrome colour palate.
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Bristol
Airisto Commuter
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Another of Pelago’s low cadence options for broadening your smile, the Bristol
is perhaps best suited to leisurely jaunts on riverside gravel paths and quieter
commuter routes.
Available in three options: a singlespeed, as well as Nexus three or eight-speed
gearhub builds, the Bristol is a popular
choice for the Finnish bike maker. With the
upgrade to the gearhub you’re benefitting
from a more attentive ride, and one that will
glide from low cadence to a mid-speed mile
crunching pace.
Clean lined, and with subtle detailing you’ll almost
certainly miss without slinging a leg over, the Bristol’s
touch points are satisfying to the
touch. From the lush comfort of
the Brooks B17 saddle to the
rubberised detailing on
the shaped brake levers,
you’ll soon appreciate
how great a difference such
marginal gains can make
to the overall ride.
As the name suggests,
Schwalbe’s 35c Delta Cruiser
tyres bring to the table a
plush experience and the
ability to take that cheeky off
road shortcut in relative comfort.
Perched at the summit of Pelago’s women’s commuter and leisure bicycle collection is the
Airisto, a build that takes peace of mind to a new level.
Most noticeable when compared to lower priced models is the addition of powerful Tektro disc
brakes, but look a little closer and you’ll find the convenience of integrated and well-blended
dynamo lighting, removing the need to buy and maintain the charge of external lighting.
Bolstering the convenience, a handy kickstand is found at the
chainstay, as are full-coverage fenders designed
to protect from 100% of the worst road grime. The
higher price tag is most justified by an upgrade to the
rear hub, in the form of Shimano’s eight-speed Alfine.
Subtle differences that will easily be overlooked without
saddling up include ergonomically shaped brake levers and
the puncture resistance and comfort
delivered by Schwalbe’s
Spicer tyres. Once
more, you’ll also
benefit from
the comfort
of Brook’s
women’s
specific
B17
saddle.