Afro BicycleExploring the Custom Flowers ATB: A Fusion of Functionality and Community Spirit
In the vibrant cycling community of Asheville, North Carolina, one rider’s journey stands out—a testament to the city’s collaborative spirit and the pursuit of the perfect ride. Meet Luis Espel, a Tampa native who has found his home in Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains. (bikepacking.com)
From Tampa to Asheville: A Cyclist’s Evolution
Luis’s cycling passion began in Tampa, Florida, where he embraced the sun-soaked streets and learned to navigate the city’s sugar sand beaches. Now, in Asheville, he manages Cooperative Coffee Roasters and immerses himself in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, running, and snowboarding. His cycling interests are diverse, ranging from traversing country roads and rolling hills to tackling singletrack trails and gravel descents. (bikepacking.com)
The Birth of the Flowers ATB
The concept of a custom bike had always intrigued Luis. Upon moving to Asheville, he discovered Flowers, a local framebuilder. Their frames, characterized by unique aesthetics and a shared musical taste, caught his attention. A chance encounter at his coffee shop with Jack Kosma, the craftsman behind Flowers, led to a conversation about a custom frame. This serendipitous meeting set the wheels in motion for the Flowers ATB. (bikepacking.com)
Designing the Ultimate All-Terrain Bike
Luis envisioned a bike that was both agile and adaptable, capable of handling Asheville’s diverse terrains. Key design elements included:
- Geometry: A frame tailored to his proportions, ensuring comfort and responsiveness.
- Clearance: Ample space to accommodate 2.3″ tires, essential for Asheville’s rugged trails.
- Mounting Points: Multiple bottle cage mounts, fork cargo mounts, and eyelets for a rear rack, enhancing bikepacking capabilities.
- Versatility: Paragon Rocker dropouts for axle and brake type adjustments, and a tapered head tube for future fork upgrades. (bikepacking.com)
A Community-Crafted Masterpiece
The Flowers ATB is more than just a bike; it’s a community project. The frame features a two-tone green fade, reminiscent of classic enamel camping mugs, with each dot meticulously hand-painted by Jack. The Flowers lettering, seat tube decal, and headbadge are also hand-painted, adding a personal touch. Gold-anodized components complement the paintwork, enhancing its visual appeal. (bikepacking.com)
Collaborative Spirit in Asheville
Luis’s journey underscores Asheville’s collaborative ethos. From the initial design with Jack Kosma to the hand-painted details by Kenny Clair, and the custom bikepacking bags from The Spindle in Atlanta, the Flowers ATB embodies the community’s spirit. This bike is a testament to the power of local connections and shared passions, reflecting the essence of Asheville’s cycling culture. (bikepacking.com)
Specifications at a Glance
- Frame: Flowers ATB
- Fork: Velo Orange Chessie
- Rims: 700C DT Swiss Gravel LN
- Hubs: DT Swiss 370
- Tires: Continental RaceKing 29 x 2.0″
- Handlebars: PNW Coast, 520mm
- Headset: Cane Creek Hellbender
- Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle DUB with 36T Wolf Tooth chainring
- Pedals: Crank Brothers Stamp 7
- Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed 10-52T
- Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed mechanical
- Brakes: TRP Spyres
- Shifter: SRAM Rival with Ratio 12-speed upgrade kit
- Saddle: Brooks C13 Carbon
- Seatpost: Cane Creek eeSilk+
- Stem: Cane Creek, 90mm
- Front Bags: The Spindle Minx in waxed canvas
- Frame Bags: The Spindle Full Frame in waxed canvas
- Rear Bags: The Spindle Paddle Sack in waxed canvas
- Other Accessories: Yellowbird Threadworks top cap, Campandgoslow Brown Trout bar tape, Haute Cycles T-Bar
For a closer look at Luis’s Flowers ATB and the stories behind its creation, visit the original feature on Bikepacking.com. (bikepacking.com)
Note: This article is a reimagined version of the original, incorporating recent developments and insights from 2026.