“And only where there are graves are there resurrections,” were the words of the German philosopher and cultural critic Friedrich Nietzsche, whose critique on the sciences, religion, morals and what he viewed as outdated standards later made him into a leading figure, greatly influencing modern-day thinkers. While he passed away over a century ago, Stelio Belletti is another figure that is fortunately still alive. But what unites an ancient philosopher and an Italian frame builder from the outskirts of Milan? The same fatigue and critique with former ways that led Belletti to create his own, very particular sort of work.

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Short for Stelio Belletti, ‘Stelbel’ was founded by the sheer dissatisfaction that hailed from a disappointing purchase of a steel bike for the Italian-born Belletti. Somewhat of a local hero, the steel frame just wasn’t cut out for Belletti’s intentions; it was too heavy, ‘not even good for chores.’ With his interest piqued, he headed into the workshop – not an unfamiliar place for the fabricator and his lengthy experience in motorsports – and in 1973 the first Stelbel frame was created using TIG welding, his specialty.

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After just two years, Stelbel celebrated its first victory on the global scene as the Polish national team had become aware of the Italian’s presence and ordered multiple frames with which they rode to victory in the team time trial at the 1975 World Championships.

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But every era has to come to an end, and while Stelbel closed its doors after 15 years, the flame was never fully extinguished: 25 yeas on and the frame builder’s workshop has been given a new lease of life as a collaboration with Cicli Corsa has seen them pit their heads to create eight more Stelio steel dreams.

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Named after Stelbel’s origins near Milan, the Stelbel Rodano is the endurance bike of the line-up, uniting a hint of classicism with a contemporary edge to render it a veritable gentleman. It’s Cole Porter with e-guitar and synths, Drake with an organ and saxophones.

During our Dream bike group test, we had the luxury of cutting our teeth on the Rodano, asking the contemporary steel Stelbel to prove itself on the roads around Barcelona, around 999 km away from its birthplace of Rodano.

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The stylish frame and lithe tubes hark back to a bygone age of classic steel bikes, channeling the same design cues that Belletti had employed back in the day. The carbon fork and internal cables anchor it firmly in the present, and we’d label the Stelbel Rodano as art on two wheels: could it be a modern renaissance?

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Frame building is definitely back in fashion, with steel tubes and skilled welding making grown adults go bleary eyed with desire. But there are few with the competences to balance the scales, bridging the dividing between style and functionality. Exactly for this reason and drawing on their decades of experience, Stelbel rely on high quality Columbus steel and custom geometry for customers. The carbon forks are hand-laminated in Italy, keeping true to the brand’s roots.

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But take a closer look at any Stelbel frame and you’ll notice the subtle engravings on the steerer and bottom bracket, Stelio’s signature on the toptube, the S on the seatstay bridge, the impeccable metallic blue and solid white paintjob that underlines the contrast between tradition and modernity.

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The result of serious craft, the Stelbel Rodano is a hand-built beauty, a piece of art that creates a symphony of classicism and modernism. Stelbel frames are somewhat of a collectors’ piece these days, but the latest steeds to emerge from his stable are arguably a second renaissance. Ti amiamo, Stelbel – we love you.

More information can be found on the Stelbel website.


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Words: Photos: Constantin Gerlach