Reader’s Rig: Slim Wonder’s Retrotec

After years of drooling over photos of bikes from the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS), Slim Wonder (@slimwonder) finally made it to the show when it was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, a few years back. There, he had the chance to meet Curtis Inglis, whose skills as a builder he’d always admired. He was riding a Surly Krampus at that time, and the idea behind this build was to improve upon that model to create a new bike that was better suited to his riding style.

Slim was born in Sierra Leone, which inspired his stunning Retrotec’s colorway. Its blue, white, and green hues are a tribute to the Sierra Leonean flag.

Riding bikes has always been an essential part of his life, ever since his dad shared his love of bicycles with him. And it’s now something he’s passed on to his own kids. He says he’s mindful of not trying to force his passion for riding bikes on them, but from the photos of them smiling and riding cool bikes that occasionally pop up on his Instagram, I think it’s safe to say they’re hooked. Slim says he hopes they appreciate the possibilities for freedom and escape that riding bikes offer in a world that’s full of uncertainty.

• Frame/Fork Filet brazed Retrotec 29+ custom frame and fork by Curtis Inglis
• Front Wheel Velocity Dually rim / SON 28 15 Dynamo hub
• Rear Wheel Velocity Dually rim / Rohloff Speedhub
• Tires Bontrager Chupacabra 29 x 3.0″
• Handlebar Black Sheep
• Crankset Middleburn RS 8
• Brakes Shimano XTR
• Shifter Rohloff
• Saddle Ergon
• Front Bag(s) Bags by Bird custom
• Rear Bag(s) OG Porcelain Rocket
• Frame Bag(s) Porcelain Rocket custom
• Other Accessories(s) Sinewave USB charger stem cap, SON Edelux Dynamo light

He also says people always assume his Retrotec is sitting on 26″ or 27.5″ wheels when they see it in photos, but it’s actually an enormous 29er. At 6’4″ with long legs, he needed a big bike. Take a peek at all that head tube!

“I really appreciate things that people with talent make and put their heart and soul into,” he said. “I see that in Curtis’ bikes and Jay and Scott’s bags, and it makes me happy to use things that were crafted with care and love. That said, bikes are meant to be ridden. It’ll end up with scrapes and scratches, and one day it’ll wear out completely and I’ll look back and remember each and every minute of every ride.”

Find Slimwonder on Instagram @slimwonder. Photos provided by Jay Ritchey (@jay_bird_films).

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