Aesthetics and identity in a Stelbel build
In these pages, we often talk about materials, stiffness, standards, construction solutions. It’s our way of telling the story of a bicycle: starting from the technical side.
But every Stelbel project has a personal dimension that cannot be overlooked.
The choice of colour is one of the most delicate moments in the entire process.
We notice it every time we begin a new build. It’s not uncommon for this phase to bring uncertainty, second thoughts, difficulty. The handcrafted, made-to-measure nature of our work has never imposed rigid limits on colour choice, and for many years we offered complete freedom.
Over time, we came to understand that an infinite number of options doesn’t always make the decision easier. Sometimes you need a direction, a reference point, a guide.
That’s where this article begins.
Our Colour Guide
We have developed a colour guide of approximately fifteen options, selected by us and designed to best represent the Stelbel identity.
The most up-to-date version of the colour guide is available on request by email, and is organised into three main categories:
Heritage
Colours rooted in our history, going back to 1973. These are shades that evoke the 1970s and 1980s, and that helped shape the visual identity of the brand.
Signature
The colours most chosen and appreciated throughout Stelbel’s recent history, from 2015 onwards. They have become a recognisable part of our contemporary production.
Seasonal
A selection that changes almost entirely each season. This is the most open category — more attuned to current trends and, in many cases, the most daring.
The colour guide exists to simplify the choice, not to limit it.
Nina in painting phase, color sample.
Standard or Custom Colour
While the guide helps many customers find their way, it doesn’t always contain the ideal colour for a specific project.
For this reason, a fully custom paint finish is always available. In this case, a precise colour reference code is required.
We work primarily with two standards:
RAL
A universal standard with a wide selection of shades, predominantly matte.
Automotive Codes
Many automotive manufacturers assign a specific code to each colour in their range. If your reference is a particular automotive shade, share the code with us and we will promptly verify whether it can be replicated on the frame.
In most cases, choosing a custom colour carries an additional cost of €190.00 + VAT.
Logo Colour
Logos and graphics are generally painted in a contrasting colour relative to the frame. This can be drawn from our standard range or from classic options such as pastel white or pastel black.
On titanium and stainless steel models, logos can be left with a bare metal finish.
The same flexibility applied to the frame extends to the logos. Specific requests will always be assessed for feasibility. Additional costs may apply.
Matte, Metallic or Pearl
Beyond the shade itself, it’s important to consider the final effect of the paint finish.
Matte
A solid, uniform colour with no metallic reflections. The cleanest option, and often the most coherent with a classic graphic scheme.
Metallic
Contains metallic particles that reflect light, creating depth and chromatic variation depending on the angle of exposure.
Pearl
Uses pigments that produce a more complex, three-dimensional effect, with hues that shift depending on the angle of observation.
Colour-Matched Components
For frame kits or complete bicycles, stem and seatpost clamp are painted in the frame colour as standard, unless otherwise requested.
The handlebar is not painted as standard, unless specifically requested.
Model-Specific Graphics
Each Stelbel model has its own dedicated graphic scheme. Some designs are distinctive to a specific model and cannot be transferred to another.
For example, the typical Antenore paint scheme cannot be applied to an SB/04.
In some cases, it is possible to simplify the graphic at no additional cost — for instance, requesting a fully uniform finish, or, in the case of stainless steel or titanium, leaving the frame with a brushed, bare-metal appearance. In the latter case, a clear matte protective coat is still applied.
The availability of these options is always assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Fully Custom Graphics
On request, fully bespoke graphic designs are possible, including those developed by an external designer.
We do not have an in-house design studio and do not offer creative support in graphic development, but we are always happy to assess technical feasibility and provide our best quote for realising a truly unique project.
In Closing
The choice of colour is as personal as it is technical. It means deciding on a shade, a finish, a graphic. It means choosing whether to draw from our colour guide or embark on an entirely custom path.
Heritage, Signature or Seasonal. RAL or automotive code. Gloss or satin. Standard graphic or bespoke project.
Every decision contributes to defining the identity of the frame — just as much as the geometry or material chosen.
Our role is to guide you through this process with clarity and method, so that the final choice is not merely aesthetic, but coherent with the idea of the bicycle you have in mind.
Because a Stelbel frame is born from craft. But it takes shape through colour.
