Scarab Cycles factory tour: Bikes made and painted in Colombia

Scarab Cycles custom builds and paints steel bikes in Retiro, Colombia, averaging six bikes per week. Founder Santiago Toro and creative director Alejandro Bustamante walked me through the process in person when I visited before the Transcordilleras bikepacking race.

Before I knew I was going to come to Colombia, Scarab's PR person had connected me with the company for a frame with which to build up the new Shimano 12spd mechanical GRX gravel group. So I went through the process of designing the custom geometry and the paint scheme from my home in Boulder, Colorado, working with Santiago and Alejandro through video calls and email.

Then, I got the opportunity to come to Colombia for Transcordilleras, which goes through Scarab's town of Retiro, so of course I had to go visit the factory.

https://scarabcycles.com/
-
The Ride is supported in 2024 by:
Castelli clothing: http://tinyurl.com/43k6pftp
Giro helmets: http://tinyurl.com/72svzzxp
Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r
Silca maintenance: https://bit.ly/47xxvzj (save 10% with code 'theride10')
First Endurance nutrition: https://bit.ly/41SDgqq (save 20% with code 'THERIDE')
Shimano shoes & glasses: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep