Project 45 — Nicolas’s Roots

Nicolas was looking for a bike for his carefully planned weekend rides and for commuting.
He wanted a versatile bike — a machine capable of accelerating on tarmac without feeling compromised by rougher terrain. A bike playful enough to leave the road whenever gravel appears, without hesitation or compromise.

The Zafi Roots was the obvious choice.
Simon crafted a frame designed for that precise balance: stability when speed builds, responsiveness when you need to push. The goal was not to create a hardcore gravel bike, nor simply an upgraded commuter, but a bicycle capable of moving naturally between both worlds.
The build reflects this considered versatility.

The Sram Rival 1×11 drivetrain offers simplicity and efficiency, with sufficient gearing to climb without hesitation and accelerate smoothly. The Ritchey carbon gravel fork brings precision and lightness to the front end, while the Ritchey WCS stem and headset ensure aesthetic and technical coherence in the cockpit.
The Erase Carbon GD 35 wheels lend responsiveness to the whole. Paired with IRC Boken tyres in 700×36c, they allow you to alternate between on‑road efficiency and off‑road grip without a constant sense of compromise. The Brooks C15 saddle completes the package with firm, modern comfort suited to long rides as well as daily commutes.
And then there’s the detail that perfectly encapsulates the project: an Ortlieb rack that can be removed in around ten seconds. In the morning, the bike carries belongings. At the weekend, it becomes a leaner, sportier machine. A simple operation, and the silhouette changes. Two uses, one foundation.