Home > Other Fun Stuff > Contests

C-Bear Custom Bike Build Off – Alchemy Takes the Win!

Written by Tyler Benedict
14 Comments
Support us! Bikerumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

c-bear-custom-bike-winner-chart

A big thanks to everyone who voted for their favorite custom road bike build in the C-Bear contest. Alchemy’s Belgian themed Helios, built by their quasi-in house bike shop Nie Brothers, took the win, but Parlee’s Z-Zero and Signature Cycles put up a good fight. As far as we’re concerned, the real winners are Bart and Ard because they get to ride them!

Oh, and two more real winners will get their very own C-Bear ceramic bearing bottom brackets. If you voted and put in a legit email address, check your inbox over the next few days. If you get an email, details to respond and claim your prize will be in the note. Click past the break for links to all the partners in this promotion and past posts showing off the bikes!

Part One: Parlee Z-Zero x Signature Cycles

Part Two: Alchemy Helios x Nie Brothers

C-Bear
Sprocket Scientist
Parlee
Signature Cycles
Alchemy
Nie Brothers
Tyler Benedict
11,282 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com, where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

14 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
1Pro
1Pro
11 years ago

OH SMACK!

Does this mean most Alchemy fans sit around doing bong hits while participating in silly internet polls while Parlee fans are out working their day jobs and riding their bikes?

Ps, i didn’t vote but I am on the internet doing bo….

0
Reply
rico
rico
11 years ago

I didn’t vote either. I think the poll is odd because I think you should have to ride on each of these bikes with your ideal geo in order to really test which bike best met the requirements that each of the bike owners wanted.

On the opther hand it was fun to see the projects in photos and it seemed to be good coverage for the bike shops.

0
Reply
Wiley
Wiley
11 years ago

Finally, the heavier bike wins! This would have been 100% Alchemy if the frame was steel. Regardless, those brakes are going to get someone killed, man.

0
Reply
erikv
erikv
11 years ago

I thought the Belgian theme was a cheap shot, so I voted for Parlee.

0
Reply
Psi Squared
Psi Squared
11 years ago

“Regardless, those brakes are going to get someone killed, man.” That’s hilarious.

0
Reply
RICKY
RICKY
11 years ago

Killed?? =O Those are the TRP HY/RDs, which could have some of the best power and modulation of any brake you can get for normal road levers – I wouldn’t knock them so quickly!

0
Reply
fleche
fleche
11 years ago

erikv,
i agree, the alchemy paint job was a cheap shot.

But then again i have always though alchemy’s look kind of bland as far as a custom bike goes.

0
Reply
erikv
erikv
11 years ago

Still, I have to say both bikes were *amazing. The Alchemy made me drool a little bit, but they totally sucker punched me with that paint job. I want it.

0
Reply
Wiley
Wiley
11 years ago

@ricky, I live my life one block at a time. Fixed gear, no brakes; can’t stop, don’t want to either.

0
Reply
John Mitchell
John Mitchell
11 years ago

I’ve owned bikes from both builders, and have have to deal with customer service extensively in both cases; and I will say that Alchemy’s customer service beats Parlee’s by a country mile. Literally two ends of the spectrum in customer satisfaction here.

0
Reply
1Pro
1Pro
11 years ago

John M, the fact that you “have to deal with customer service extensively in both cases”
sounds to me like both products sucked in some way or another regardless of how good or bad the service. what was wrong?

0
Reply
A.
A.
11 years ago

I’ve had only positive experiences with Parlee customer service.

0
Reply
Wiley
Wiley
11 years ago

@john mitchell, can I ask what happened with Parlee? They are known for their customer service.

0
Reply
Jack
Jack
11 years ago

@1pro it’s a good possibility that if John Mitchell had to deal with customer service that extensively from 2 companies that pride themselves on great customer service, that he may have been the problem. I’ve had only great experiences with Parlees customer service. Great buying experience.

0
Reply

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.