Personal Journey

From a Flight of Stairs to
Bespoke Builds.

The story of Five Paws Bikes isn't just about carbon and steel; it's a personal journey of getting back in shape, discovering a global community, and finding inspiration in the quiet presence of five cats.

The Turning Point

It started in 2019. I remember getting winded just going up a single flight of stairs. It was a wake-up call. Anxiety and personal hurdles had taken a toll, and I realized I needed to find a way back to myself.

I began with an ebike—a reliable bridge that made the hills manageable and the road welcoming once more. As I found my rhythm, I progressed to"real" gravel and road bikes, and for a while, I successfully lost a lot of weight. While some of that has unfortunately found its way back since, the bikes remain my constant companions.

Giant Explore E-Bike

Giant Explore

First Frame from Box

First Parts from Overseas

Discovering the Wonder

Everything changed when I stumbled upon Luke on Trace Velo. Watching his deep-dives into the world of AliExpress components opened up a wondrous adventure of building from the ground up.

I discovered that with patience and a bit of mechanical curiosity, you could source high-performance parts from overseas to build something truly bespoke. The project became a source of focus and craft.

Bespoke Creations

Two unique frames, built with parts from across the globe.

Obsidian Flame Road Bike

Obsidian Flame

A bespoke road bike built for speed. Every bolt and bearing was carefully selected to create a light, nimble racer that moves with precision.

Unnamed Gravel Build

The Gravel Project

My most recent venture—a versatile gravel bike currently in its unnamed, experimental phase. It is built to wander off the beaten path, inspired by the curious muses who keep me company.

The Muse

"Nico"

The soul behind our flagship gravel frame. Agile, adventurous, and a constant companion in the workshop.

The Five Muses

While the parts may come from overseas, the heart of every build is right here in the workshop. Our models are inspired by the five cats who keep us company while we work.

From the dignified Kati to the energetic Max, each cat has a personality that we attempt to capture in our builds. They are the true inspiration behind every Five Paws project.

5 Feline Muses Inspiration for our Five Models