Bike Configurator – What Is the Bike Design Process Like at Koloride?

KONFIGURACJA

In a world of off-the-shelf specifications and bikes “for everyone,” more and more people are looking for something more tailored to their needs. Not just in terms of appearance, but above all in terms of riding characteristics, comfort, and how the bike is used.

That’s exactly why we created the Koloride configurator—a tool that helps you organize your needs and start the process of building a bike tailored to a specific person.

A good bike starts with a question: how and where do you really want to ride?

Online bike configurator—where does the design process begin?

At Koloride, configuration isn’t just about “clicking on components.”

It’s a process in which:

we define the bike’s character,
we select the frame material,
we analyze your riding style,
determine the comfort level,
we select the appropriate components,
and only then do we refine the visual details.

For some, a gravel bike will be a fast all-road bike for asphalt and light gravel. For others, it’s a reliable companion for multi-day trips, daily training, or year-round riding. And that is precisely why there is no single perfect bike for everyone. Instead, we can try to perfectly configure one bike just for you.

Bike or frameset?

The first decision is whether you’re looking for a complete bike or a base for your own build.

Bike - a complete, ride-ready bike

This is the option for people who want a consistently configured bike tailored to their needs.

We then select:

drivetrain, gear ratios
wheels, tires,
handlebars,
fork/suspension type
seatpost and saddle
and even the length of the stem or crank arm and the width of the handlebars.

For models such as the e-KOLO CF-Koloride, the bike functions exclusively as a complete bike—due to the integration of the MAHLE X20 system and the comprehensive configuration concept.

Frameset - greater configuration freedom

A frameset is a set comprising the frame and fork, often chosen by people:

who already have some components and
are "transplanting" parts from their old bike
building a bike in stages,
or who have a very specific vision for the final build and want to do it themselves.

This solution offers greater flexibility but also requires more technical knowledge or assistance in selecting components.

Aluminum, titanium, or carbon?

The frame material has a huge impact on the character of the bike.
And it’s not just about weight.

Aluminum - versatility and adaptability

We use 7020 aluminum in the KRASKA Al-Koloride model.

This is a bike for people looking for:

versatility,
durability,
practicality,
everyday usability,
and a high degree of customization.

KRASKA can be:

a classic gravel bike with drop bars and a rigid fork,
an ATB bike, e.g., with a suspension fork
a commuter bike with flat bars and mounting holes for panniers,
or even a touring bike with racks, panniers, and dynamo-powered lights.
It can be powered by either a chain drive or a Gates Carbon Drive belt.

Titanium – comfort and long-distance performance

Ti-Koloride models are designed for people looking for a bike that will last for years. Titanium offers:

high riding comfort,
natural vibration damping,
weather resistance,
and the unique, raw character of the material.

But even within the titanium range, each model has a completely different purpose:

The GRAIN Ti-Koloride focuses on comfort and versatility.
LOOP Ti-Koloride is designed for Gates belts and maintenance-free riding.
RANGE Ti-Koloride is similar in character to a fast all-road bike.
DISCOVER Ti-Koloride combines lightness, a sporty character, and a modern design based on 3D-printed components.
HARDY Ti-Koloride is designed for tougher terrain and multi-day expeditions.

It is the geometry and configuration that determine how the bike performs in practice.

Carbon - Speed and Responsiveness

The CF-Koloride models are designed for riders seeking a more sporty riding experience. These are bikes that, despite their speed, maintain a high level of riding comfort.

The LIFT CF-Koloride is a fast, dynamic gravel bike focused on responsiveness and lightness.
The SHIFT CF-Koloride, on the other hand, explores the all-road and modern road bike segments—for those who want to combine the speed of asphalt riding with greater comfort, stability, and the freedom to venture off the beaten path.

The e-KOLO CF-Koloride, on the other hand, utilizes the MAHLE X20 assist system, combining the character of a modern e-gravel bike with low weight and natural handling.

Size isn't just XS, S, M, L, or XL

Choosing the right bike size shouldn’t be based solely on height.

The following factors are also important:

body proportions,
mobility,
experience,
preferred riding position,
route length,
and riding style.

That is why the size ranges vary between models.

The following models will have different positions:

the fast all-road RANGE,
the comfortable GRAIN,
or the HARDY, designed for wider tires and more challenging terrain.

At this stage, we also select:

handlebar width,
stem length,
crank length,
seatpost offset,
and other components that affect the bike’s ergonomics.

Rigid fork or suspension?

This is one of the decisions that most strongly influences the character of a gravel bike.

Rigid fork:

provides more direct handling,
lower weight,
and a dynamic riding experience.

Suspension:

improves comfort,
increases control on rough terrain,
and performs well on longer rides or rough trails.

Not every gravel bike has to be a race bike.
But if you want it to be—it can be.|

Drivetrain, wheels, and components—this is where the bike gets its character

It is the configuration of the components that makes two similar models ride completely differently.

During configuration, we select, among other things:

a Shimano or SRAM drivetrain,
1x or 2x drivetrain,
Gates Carbon Drive belt or classic chain,
aluminum or carbon wheels,
tire width and type,
saddle width and model
handlebar type (from aluminum to carbon, flat or drop bars)
and accessories for bikepacking or everyday riding.

Sometimes a small change in a component completely changes the riding experience.

Customization—from a minimalist finish to a full custom paint job

The bike’s finish is the final step in the configuration process.

You can choose:

one of our color options,
a minimalist single-color paint job,
a natural titanium finish with a signature fork
or a completely custom paint design.

Some choose subtle, understated configurations. Others treat the bike as a personal project and want to create something absolutely unique. And both approaches are equally valid.

The Koloride Configurator—a tool, not a random generator

We don’t build bikes “by the book.” The Koloride Configurator is designed to help:

organize your needs,
understand the differences between options,
and start a conversation about a bike that will truly make sense for you.

Ultimately, you’re not just designing your bike. You’re designing the way you want to ride.

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