IN-ROUT - Ti - ALL ROAD RACER
Thomas Callahan
Brian’s Ti All Road Racer is a perfect example of what it means to build a custom bike.
While this model begins with set sizes, tire clearances, and geometry, we diverged at nearly every turn to dial in something uniquely his. Brian’s deep love for cycling and his desire for a bike that sits between a pure road machine and a full gravel bike brought him to Horse, where we finished one of the most rewarding builds of the year.
This bike features a fast, responsive geometry built around the ENVE In-Route All-Road fork. Paired with the ENVE In-Route stem, the bike achieves an exceptionally clean and modern cockpit. Tire clearance maxes out at 40×700c — the sweet spot for a dedicated speed machine that is more than capable on dirt. Titanium adds the signature plush ride, soaking up the rough stuff and making it ideal for long endurance road miles.
Brian went big with the new SRAM RED AXS groupset, offering one-finger braking, smooth wireless shifting, and full connectivity. A classic Chris King headset, bottom bracket, and seatpost collar, along with Rene Herse 38mm Steilacoom tires mounted to ENVE AR 2.3 rims, round out a build that balances heritage, performance, and modern style.
One of the best parts of a custom build — beyond tailored fit and geometry — is the personal connection to something built exclusively for you. The custom paint process reinforces that idea by creating a visual identity that is yours alone.
Brian chose a classic almond-pearl off-white base, paired with a rich metallic orange to echo the matte Mango Chris King components. We added a few thoughtful touches, including leaving the rear end raw brushed titanium and transitioning the paint at the rim line. A topographic line pattern flows along the seatstays, seat tube, and top tube, adding motion and character without overwhelming the frame. A matching Silca frame pump and hand-painted pinstriping complete the timeless custom look.
And finally — a favorite detail — we painted a small portrait of Brian’s best buddy, Frankie, on the top tube as a subtle tribute to his beloved dog.
This build pushed us in the best possible way. Brian came to the process fully engaged, with clear intention and real enthusiasm, and that level of commitment always elevates the work. I wanted every choice—from the geometry to the smallest visual detail—to feel purposeful and connected to how he rides. In the end, the most rewarding moment was seeing the final result speak for itself: a bike that carries the marks of the hands, the conversations, and the decisions that brought it into existence. A custom bike isn’t just a machine—it’s the story of how it came to be, and this one was a story worth telling.
