Earlier this year, we featured Guy Stone’s Relstone New Trix mountain bike displayed at the 2021 Philly Bike Expo. When we interviewed Guy for that piece, he mentioned an adaptive bike he was building for a local veteran in collaboration with the VA in Chillocothe, OH. Guy recently sent over photos and a description of the completed Project VA bike and we wanted to share it here today. Thanks, Guy – keep up the awesome work!
Project VA is my vision to use my framebuilding gift to support Veterans dealing with PTSD. As a civilian, I do not know what it means to go to war. However, as a lifelong cyclist, I do understand the therapeutic benefits of a simple bike ride. I refer to the peace I feel while riding as my Happy Place. The goal of Project VA is to build custom bikes for Veterans so they can find their own Happy Place where they are at peace. I just finished the first of what I hope will be many. If possible I would like to sponsor a Veteran every year. This project will never reach large numbers of Veterans, but for those sponsored, it has the potential to have a big impact on their life.
I reached out to the founders of a bike share program at the Chillicothe Ohio VA and shared my vision. They referred a Veteran to me and coordinated meetings and communication. I owe them a big thanks for their support and for helping to make Project VA a reality. I had the pleasure of meeting the Veteran last November 2021. We had a great time together talking and laughing. I took his measurements and dialed in his riding position on my Serrotta size cycle.
He wanted a road bike that was quick so he could keep up with other Veterans on group rides. He also requested the color gray and wanted a bike that honored his Mother and Faith.
It was very apparent that he needed an upright riding position that would be easy to get on and off. I designed a road bike with high swept bars, low stand-over, short cranks, and a dropper post for maximum comfort and ease of use. It is still an all-road bike with geometry based on a commuter bike I built earlier in 2021 and a mix of vintage Columbus SP & SLX tubing.
I want to personally thank Kenda and my Shimano Rep for providing tires and a complete GRX drivetrain for this project. Also thanks to West Chester Cyclery for providing input on geometry and final assembly.
Component highlights include Paul Component brakes, Shimano GRX drivetrain, Kenda tires, custom-built wheels (Hope hubs, Sapim spokes & Pacenti rims), Brooks saddle, PNW Components dropper with Wolf Tooth remote, Thomson stem, and FSA bars. The frame and fork is made out of standard diameter brazed Columbus tubing with a complete handmade lug set for a smooth and efficient ride.
Detroit Cargo made an awesome custom embossed handlebar bag that helped to tie it all together. I feel so honored to have the opportunity to build this bike for a Veteran and awesome person. I hope it provides many years of peace and enjoyment in his own Happy Place.
You can follow along with Guy’s projects on Instagram.
