If someone mentions Chris King you immediately think headsets and hubs, but turn the clock back and King's early passion was for framebuilding.

The Cielo Sportif is a hand-built, modern version of a timeless collectible; constructed in True Temper OX Platinum tubing, TIG welded into classic, Henry James lugs, with special attention in detailed cut-outs.

Fully polished and engraved stainless-steel front and rear dropouts, and a custom-machined stainless fork crown are further evidence of a bike steeped in tradition but made in modern times. Uniquely, thanks to King's headset expertise, the traditional lugged 1in head tube is paired with a 1 1/8in fork steerer, again, classic looks with modern function.

The ride is stiffer than you'd expect from a skinny-tubed steel frame, but there's plenty of feedback to provide confident handling, and although you're definitely still feeling the bumps, it's more a dull thud than a sharp prick and far less tiresome over a long ride.

Verdict

It's not likely to replace your best race bike, but it would be a dream to own one to wheel out of the shed on those special days when you just want to enjoy being a bike rider again.

Price to be confirmed

Reviewer: Stu Bowers