BELLE

Beautiful steel steeds that stun and delight, both on and off road

One of frame-building’s pure creatives, Enrico ‘Kico’ Belle got his start in metalwork when he joined the Italian army at 19 years old, learning blacksmithing, farriering (specialising in horse shoes) and welding. When he left the army, his passion for cycling took over and he decided to use his skill to become a frame builder. Now he makes some of the most beautiful and interesting steel frames in the world.

Originally from Torino, but now based in Barcelona, Kico has been the brains and brilliance behind Belle Cycles since 2016, quickly building a reputation for building not just stunning steel bikes, but also for pushing the boundaries of creativity when it comes to gravel bikes. He’s continually open to new ideas, new projects, and building works of rideable art.

“I’ve been lucky enough to ride many custom bikes over the years, but nothing compares to my Belle RoadRacer, handmade by Kico for me in 2020.

I wanted a gravel bike that would be perfect for Catalunya and so the brief was simple: build me a fast handling gravel frame, which is relatively aggressive, and that I can ride all day, over multiple days. Needless to say, the brief was absolutely nailed.

Going full fluro was a bit of a departure from “comfortable”, and there were definitely some eyebrows raised when I initially suggested it. But as soon as I saw the finished article, I knew it was the right decision - I was a child in the 90’s and always wanted one of the fluro frames that were popular during that time, unfortunately I never managed to have one, so this was my chance. 

The build, as always, was managed via Ras and DD, who were not only useful when making suggestions around groupset, wheels, etc., but were also (again, as always) super accommodative about getting the bike built the moment the frame arrived. Couldn’t be happier, and I know this bike is a keeper already.”

Kit’s Belle GRAR build spec: 

• Belle Cycles GRAR frame

• Chris King headset

• ENVE gravel/CX fork

• ENVE G23 wheels 

• Chris King hubs

• Pirelli Cinturato H 700x45 tyres

• ENVE AR handlebar

• ENVE aero stem

• Easton EC90 SL crankset with Cinch powermeter

• Wolf Tooth 40t chainring

• Shimano GRX DI2 1X groupset

• Arundel mandible carbon matte bottle cages

• Fizik Antarres Adaptive R1 saddle

• ENVE bar tape

• CeramicSpeed T47 BB

"Mary was looking for a new gravel/bikepacking bike with some modern features compared to her well used bike: disc brakes, more tire clearance, and of course a better fit. We met at The Service Course to get to know each other, and chat about the project. I took her measurements and checked the current riding position, discussing the all important details.

Following advice from Peter Gaskill we decided to draw the geometry to suit the Jones H-bar but to remain future compatible for drop bars. It was quite a challenge, since the H bar is very different and demands an approach that accommodates the various hand positions. 

The ENVE adventure fork was chosen due to its generous tire clearance, multiple mounts for cages and other useful features. Top notch tube selection from Columbus: Spirit Life and HSS with diameter and wall thickness to suit Mary’s size and weight. BSA Bottom bracket to improve compliance. Mary was intrigued by the minimal look of titanium frames, therefore we opted for a simple paint scheme with a matte metalized grey plus black logos to match the raw ENVE fork. 

For me, the build is creative and original and the result is quite unique - a bike that can be used for local daily loops on multiple surfaces without fear of single track, as well as multi-day, fully-packed trips. She was (pleasantly) surprised by the bike - light and reactive, taking it on a long trip straight away.” - Kico Belle

Mary’s Belle GRAR build spec: 

• Belle Cycles GRAR frame

• Chris King matte bourbon headset

• ENVE adventure fork

• ENVE AG28 650B wheels 

• Rene Herse Juniper Ridge Endurance + tyres

• Thomson Elite setback seatpost 

• Thomson Elite X4 stem

• Jones H-Bar Carbon 660 handlebars

• Ingrid CRS-POP black 34T chainring 

• SRAMEagle X01 AXS 10-52 cassette

• Shimano XTR 9100 levers with Dura Ace flat mount callipers

• Arundel stainless steel cages

• Fabric S-Line saddle

• Chris King BSA threaded BB

“I have never owned my own bike - it has always been a team bike or a bike that has been lent to me. That’s why I wanted to make something special and a custom build would be perfect for my first bike. 

I heard a lot of good things about Kico, with his serious approach and deep knowledge of frame building. I also got the chance to ride a Belle steel frame at The Service Course and I absolutely loved the feeling of riding steel. 

I had an exact idea of what I wanted - a gravel bike that was ready to go really far over any terrain, but still with racing geometries to be fun to ride every day. With Kico, we exchanged a lot on the build and the compromises needed to make something perfect for me.

The paint scheme is space inspired - I could spend hours being philosophical about the universe. The inspiration comes from looking at the night sky, which is like looking at the sea - it gives you good vibes, positivity and makes you dream.

I am living in Antibes on the Côte d'Azur. There are lots of amazing mountain gravel roads around here. I can't wait to go to the countryside and mountains to rediscover it all, and go all over the world for some new adventures. I'll also race some gravel world series and the first gravel world championships with it - so it really is a bike to do it all. 

My first impressions - I'm completely in love. The shape of the frame, the detail on the paintjob, my purple crankset, everything. The riding is exactly what I wanted. I can ride hard and fast but I'm also flying over gravel.”

Alexis’ Belle GRAR build spec: 

• Belle Cycles GRAR frame

• Chris King headset

• CeramicSpeed T47 BB

• Ingrid CRS-POP 42T crankset

• ENVE AR handlebar

• ENVE aero stem

• ENVE bar tape

• Zipp404 Firecrest wheels

• SRAM Force eTap XPLR groupset

• SRAM Force 10-44 cassette

• Arundel stainless steel cages

• Fizik Antares black saddle

• S-colors Galaxy paint scheme