All in the detail

Leonardo da Vinci’s fifteenth-century drawing, the Vitruvian Man, illustrates the proportions of the human body in multiple positions, enclosed within a circle and a square. Leonardo believed in the interconnectedness of all things: a correlation between the mechanics of the human form and a universal design. He saw a blueprint for perfection in its symmetry and stability. Milan-based bicycle manufacturer Passoni applies such principles to its bespoke frame-building techniques. Founded in 1989 by Luciano Passoni, and inspired by Leonardo’s canon of proportions, the atelier’s mission is to create the most beautiful, lightweight, high-performance bicycles possible. This is demonstrated in their choice of materials - ranging from steel, carbon, and titanium, to an innovative hybrid form of the latter two, used otherwise in automotive engineering.

At the core of their design process is a profound understanding of the relationship between bike and rider. Passoni’s approach is entirely holistic. They start with an analysis of each client - from physical proportions and gait to desires and intent. A unique profile is configured from these details, and as with all critical components of engineering, the whole is informed.

Through evolving and honing every aspect of their craft, Passoni have gained a worldwide reputation for excellence. They believe beauty is in simplicity - or refining the complex - and in so doing, finding the perfect geometry, not as a static ideal but as a dynamic solution for every rider.

Image source: www.passoni.it

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Leonardo da Vinci