Dream build: Alex Paton's Sturdy titanium bike with Campagnolo Super Record EPS

Everyone has a dream bike. Some people may be lucky enough to own theirs, but for most of us, it remains an out-of-reach object, consigned to our cycling fantasies.

That’s usually because it is too expensive, or perhaps really rare. But what if these constraints didn’t exist and you were able to own the bike you’ve always dreamed of? Would it live up to your expectations or, to draw on a popular saying, would it be a prime example of ‘you should never meet your heroes’?

GCN’s Alex Paton wanted to find out and, thanks to a little help, he was able to build his dream bike without any constraints. Check out a breakdown of the bike below and don’t forget to watch the video at the top of this page to watch the build process.

Keep your eyes peeled in the near future for the next episode when Alex will put the bike through its paces to find out if it makes or breaks his dreams.

Read more: Ollie Bridgewood’s new Canyon Aeroad CFR

The frame: Sturdy titanium

Performance and luxurious quality is often equated to carbon, but there are lots of other top-quality frames available made from other materials.

One of the best and most popular is titanium, and this was Alex’s material of choice. It’s popular as it offers a robustness that carbon can’t match, while still packing in plenty of performance for a great ride quality.

With his heart set on titanium, Sturdy Cycles was the obvious go-to place to find a frame. The British-based manufacturer is renowned for its made-to-measure frames, like the frame chosen by Alex.

Read more: Why are titanium bikes so desirable?

The groupset: Campagnolo Super Record EPS

Campagnolo has endured a demise in recent years, at least in the pro WorldTour ranks which it is currently absent from. That’s been partly reflected in the bike industry as it’s becoming harder and harder to find bikes specced as standard with Campagnolo components.

Perhaps a little spurred on by this, plus the nostalgia of the Italian company’s illustrious past, Alex decided that his bike was deserving of a Campagnolo groupset. Not any old groupset, though, but the most expensive offering from any of the top brands (we’re including Shimano and SRAM in this list).

It’s the Super Record EPS which was released in 2023 to become Campagnolo’s first fully wireless groupset and, supporting the evidence that it’s a nostalgia pick, Alex hadn’t ever used it prior to the build.

We should mention that Alex’s wallet isn’t that deep and Campagnolo kindly lent a helping hand by sending him a groupset.

Read more: New Campagnolo Super Record groupset goes wireless and disc brake only

The wheels: Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO 45

From a blind pick to something that previously stole Alex’s heart, the wheels of choice are the Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTOs. They’ve been updated since Alex first used them a few years ago with a wider internal rim and some more minor tweaks to further optimise the package - and it’s an impressive package, including aero Mo Mag nipples and ceramic bearings.

The wheels are 45mm deep and tip the scales at only 1325g. Best of all, they look great too.

Don’t forget to watch the video for the build process and tune into the next episode for the full build, including a breakdown of the full bike, plus Alex’s ride impressions. And let us know what you think of the build so far in the comments below this article.

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