Each of us has an individual sense of 'right' design, an appreciation for the well-conceived and proportioned, and an instinctive respect for fine workmanship. There are nevertheless certain objects which are generally perceived as beautiful and covetable, perhaps because of their inherent value, perhaps because of their provenance. A beautiful object is appreciated even more if a third vital ingredient is added: rarity. Into this category comes the Eleganz, created by Egon Rahe of Marienfeld, Germany - first for himself, and now for all those who will appreciate its quality.
The Eleganz is manufactured by hand, with every component chosen for intrinsic quality, matched by colour and material, and assembled into a harmonious whole. The frame is hand-brazed in custom-crafted lugs. The finely-polished wooden mudguards, chainguard and headlamp are complemented by cork grips. A Sachs Super-7 hub gear system is usually fitted, although - as with any aspect of the specification - the choice of gearing can be tailored to the customer's wishes.
The saddle chassis is brass-coated, giving an elegant colour counterpoint to the 'Exclusive-Stem', which is also available separately. Carefully cast in solid brass and hand-polished to a mirror-finish, the stem is a collector's item in its own right.
The finishing touch on the frame is a gold-plated headbadge, again hand-finished. This gives the final stamp of quality on a bike which can carry itself with dignity in the most aristocratic company: it is a prince among cycles.
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