Tim’s Cielo: A dream come true!
Tim’s Cielo Restomod is a labor of love, embodying both nostalgia and modern engineering. Tim stumbled upon an old Cielo frame that he had been dreaming of for a while but couldn’t find one. Chris King had stopped manufacturing those frames back in 2017, making it even more sought after by purists. It was a gem hidden beneath layers of dust, a relic from an era rich in cycling history.
Having spent years cycling through Seattle’s beautiful landscapes, Tim envisioned this bike as his ultimate riding companion. He sought to restore it while also upgrading key components to enhance performance without losing its vintage charm. The process began with a thorough inspection of the frame. The team meticulously stripped it down and inspected the frame thoroughly, revealing a sturdy structure.
Next, he invested in high-quality components, selecting a modern groupset that would improve shifting and braking efficiency. The wheels were upgraded to a set of Eugene-made Astral Veil4, paired with our all-time favorite tire, the Vittoria Corsa Next. Tim carefully chose a comfortable and super stylish saddle from Selle Italia and added ergonomic Deda handlebars, ensuring that long rides would be as enjoyable as possible.
Tim’s journey with his Cielo Restomod culminated in a deep appreciation for the blend of old and new. Every ride on the bike is a reminder of his passion for cycling and the memories that come with it, ranging from weekend adventures around Lake Washington to leisurely rides through bustling city streets. The bike not only reflects his personal style but also serves as a testament to the evolution of cycling culture.
In Tim’s hands, the Cielo Restomod isn’t just a bike; it’s a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and the joy of the ride.
“Back around 2014, I was in the market to get a new road bike. I had stopped by Polka Dot to talk to Matt about it. I knew I wanted a metal/steel bike. I was interested in a few titanium bike brands and a couple of steel frame builders. What really caught my eye was what Chris King was doing with his Cielo bike frame brand. For a few years, Chris was building steel frames with his impeccable quality along with some really cool paint schemes. I also liked that Cielo was a US brand and that the frames were built right here in the Pacific Northwest. I thought long and hard about Cielo, but ultimately went with a titanium road bike. Not shortly after that, Chris King stopped building Cielo frames. As much as I liked my titanium road bike, I kicked myself for not getting the Cielo.
Over the years, I’d look around online for Cielo’s for sale. A few would pop up now and then, but none were my size. I figured I’d never get my hands on a Cielo. To torture myself, I’d search The Pro’s Closet to see if there were any Cielos for sale. After about two years of doing that, in 2023, a XXL Cielo came up on the site. The frame looked like it was in excellent condition. I told my wife that I’d finally found the Cielo in my size, and she looked at me and said, “Buy the damn thing, for GOD’S SAKE!”
I knew I wanted to rebuild the Cielo to fit my tastes. I reached out to Matt that I wanted to do a “restomod” update to the bike and needed his help. I dropped the bike off and had a brainstorming session with the team about what’s possible. The Polka Dot gang came up with an awesome plan and two months later, my Cielo was absolutely transformed—with modern updates along with some special bits and pieces to make the bike really stand out. I’m unbelievably stoked to get the bike back on the road and to finally enjoy the Cielo I’ve been waiting for a decade plus. Big thanks to the guys at Polka Dot Jersey for making it happen!
Cheers!”
