CyclistMeet the maker: Salvatore Botrugnio of GregarioIn a world shaped by marginal gains and wind-tunnel testing, many modern bikes are designed by spreadsheet rather than sensibility. Those who grew up admiring the work of the Italian masters might argue that the bicycle has lost its soul, but in the mind of Gregarios Salvatore Botrugno, artistry and science dont have to be mutually exclusive.Botrugno describes the bicycles he revered as a youngster as works of art on two wheels, and their makers as maestros and master craftsmen. At the same time, the company he co-founded with fellow Italian engineer Paolo Baldissera focusses on technology to create completely bespoke, tailored-to-the millimetre, carbon monocoque aero road bikes.We aim to do things from a different perspective compared to todays bike businesses, Botrugno tells Cyclist. The concept behind Gregario was born from a desire to collect and renew the legacy of the artisan framebuilding tradition. Some of the pioneering spirit that drove development in the last century has been lost along the way. Perhaps this is inevitable when scaling globally, but that past remains a benchmark for us an essential starting point to create something truly meaningful even if that means remaining small until the conditions exist for healthy growth.Andrew GrantThis appreciation for the craft has inspired Gregarios founders since childhood. Botrugno was born into a cycling family, growing up in his fathers workshop surrounded by bikes.Thanks to my father I learned the specifics day by day after school, Botrugno recalls. Not just racing bikes either, but often dated and bizarre constructions. It gave me a deep knowledge of components, standards and non-standards, even the most ancient and esoteric ones.But as their shared obsession with bike design grew deeper, Botrugno and Baldissera became equally fascinated by the potential of new technologies.Andrew GrantWith the advent of carbon fibre in the sector, there was an evolution on one hand stiffness, weight, design but also an involution, which meant choosing between a monocoque frame in a few standard sizes or going with traditional tube-to-tube design for made-to-measure frames.At the foundation of our idea, there is also a desire for redemption. We appreciate that mass production can serve to lower the final price and make a certain type of product accessible, but when we see those same mass productions pushing prices beyond those of bespoke craftsmanship through sheer marketing force, it feels like an unhealthy drift. What truly gives value to a technical product like a bicycle? Is it the way it is made and the bespoke customisation possibilities it offers? Or the fact that it has sponsored a pro team with a few million euros?At the core of Gregarios operation is its Vera technology, a variable mould geometry system. Having spent the best part of a decade developing the system, Botrugno is hesitant to give away his processes in too much detail, but in short its a technology that combines a mould with the type of jig traditionally used to create custom frames.Used in conjunction with additive manufacturing processes, it allows Gregario to produce true monocoque frames made in one single piece as opposed to multiple pieces bonded together while tailoring every measurement to the individual.Andrew GrantThe theory is a monocoque frame is lighter, stiffer and stronger joints add weight and can potentially be weak spots and the result here is the Vera AR, the aero-road model from which Gregario has begun developing a full range of bespoke monocoque bikes, ranging from TT to gravel and various others in between.The design was guided by the aerodynamics knowhow we gained while assisting other brands as part of our B2B business, both in virtual simulations and real wind-tunnels, says Botrugno. For example, we adopted unique solutions such as the lower headset bearing to achieve a very narrow and low fork crown shape. We have also moved the seat tube back at the connection with the seatstays to improve aerodynamics.One piece, many optionsBotrugnos interest in fusing art and technology is further represented in the custom paintwork by Turin-based company Truly Design.Andrew GrantThey liked our story of passion and total dedication, while we were struck by their creations, so the idea of doing something together was born. The shape of our frame is complex yet harmonious and it inspired them, so they developed a concept with a mixed paint and wrapping technique exhibited at Bespoked Manchester last April.If you like the look of Gregarios Vera AR, and fancy something tailor-made to your dimensions and different to anything else out there, you can start the process by visiting the website at gregariocycling.com but youll need patience and a sizeable chunk of cash.The lead time is about 40 working days with a classic bi-colour paint finish, Botrugno says. This depends on the production queue, which is communicated to the customer before finalising the order. The price for a full custom design varies from 16,000 to 22,000, while the total price for the Truly Design 2026 Limited Edition [five numbered units] is 25,000.Custom designs range from 16,000 to 25,000. Vera AR Truly Design 2026 Limited Edition as pictured, 25,000. 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