Vélocolour

I've been riding with just one friend for last while. We talk a lot. Sometimes, rarely, it's about bikes. On our last ride I told him that I had just unmasked this stainless lugged Ellis before leaving the shop. As we rode he had many questions about the masking process. I described to him a number of different techniques and reasons one would make specific choices based on frame material, shape, lug qualities and so on. @elliscycles in paint and stainless #VeloColour ... #bicyclespainting #toronto See more

While we run out of some cap prints we've got December's colours coming up. Two new styles in store shortly. The beautiful navy polka dot is in the queue for its second run when we find some space. The other prints will be gone when they're gone.... #VeloColour #cyclingcaps #madeincanada #bicycles #toronto

Paint detail We have a lot on our minds these days but we still get excited about interesting paint projects on bicycles. @abovecategory @opencycle ... . #VeloColour #bicycles #custompaint #toronto See more

We are Climate Neutral! Sorry, that was a joke. So misleading I know. A few months ago I said that we were looking into carbon offsets in an effort combat climate change. We already knew that consumer level carbon offsets were nothing more than a feel good add on like those of the airline industry. After some reading and plenty of thinking, the idea of offsetting carbon and climate neutrality remain unprogressive goals for us. Sure we could sell you on it and how sustainable... we are but that isn't real change and we know it. It doesn't move consumer behaviour. Like we have been sold on plastics recycling, carbon offsetting is for the most part a myth. We are too late in the game for feel good sustainability stories. We need to invest in the places where the offsets would go, land and ocean conservation, diverse tree planting programs, green energy construction, carbon sequestration technology AND we need to figure how to burn less of the stuff that is killing us, year by year until we get as close to zero as possible. Half measures set us up for disaster and that's where we are comfortably aimed. Hondurans were just hit with back to back Category four hurricanes. Ask them what they think of carbon offsets. You can still like us for what we do and how we do it but we won't sell you on bullshit claims and false optimism. I'm sure you have thoughts. Let's hear it. I'm off to do some burnouts on my bicycle. #VeloColour

Last night in the paint booth... Typically fall is our slowest season as people try to soak up the last rays of summer and get back in to the rhythm of school and work. The difference between slow and busy for our paint shop is only visible by the length of the waitlist, our work order book has been fuller than normal for many months. The amount of work that leaves the shop however doesn't change all that much, perhaps a sign that we've been running short on hands for too lon...g. It feels strange to say that we have plenty of work in a time when so many people are hurting and small businesses will be disappearing. Beyond hard work, it's circumstances and plenty of luck that allows us to thrive today. Apparently pandemics love bicycles and while we try not to be smug about our circumstances we believe in the power of the bicycle more than ever. With so many challenges in front of us it's more important than ever to think about where your money goes. This holiday season support small businesses (even if they are not us), donate to black, indigenous and community organizations and don't forget to cancel your Amazon account. Also, ride you bike! #VeloColour #toronto

This project has been in the works for a little while and we're excited to see it heading out in to the California sun. Lots of fine-line masking and graphic overlays with clean, open space towards the back. As usual @abovecategory will be taking it from here. #VeloColour #bicycles ... #custompaint #toronto See more

I've been wearing cycling caps for some time now and well, I guess, uh, well I um thought this was just how they were supposed to fit. But then we started sewing caps in-house and it's like I've had a pillow case on my head for all these years. Four-panel, 100% cotton caps in delicious, vibrant prints. Now available individually, in groups or you can sign up for our subscription and get a stunning cap delivered to your door every month. Link in bio

This is a large part of what the paint process looks like. Sometimes it's planned to every millimeter, more frequently we assess and adjust details as things move along. Often what's under the tape is a bit of a mystery until it all comes off and that's when you get to see if you made a mess of things or not. There is always a some fixing. @opencycle @abovecategory #VeloColour... #bicycles #custompaint #toronto See more

Perhaps you didn't think we painted mountain bikes so here are some quick snaps from the paint booth to show you otherwise. Pink to purple shifting flakes over carbon with a little extra mini rainbow flake because it's 2020 and that's what needed to happen. #VeloColour #bicycles #custompaintwithextrasparkles... #toronto See more

Four years ago our first paint project for @abovecategory was in the works. Our cycling bags weren't of much interest to them at the time. Four years later and we're told that our Rocket Pockets are the best saddle bags they've ever used. #truevelocolourstories Cycling bags, beautifully designed and made in Toronto Foto : AC... . #VeloColour #cyclinggoods #madeincanada See more