When Italian Motorsport Meets Mountain Biking
How often do you see automotive artistry bleed into mountain biking? That’s exactly what happened with the Privateer 161, now sporting a look that’s straight out of Alfa Romeo’s playbook. The spark for this freestyle fusion came from Andi Sykes at The Rider Firm, who didn’t just want any custom paint job—he wanted his pride and joy to echo the curves and colors of an Alfa Romeo 156 GTA. And the result? An eye-popping mountain bike that’s making waves across both the MTB and car enthusiast scenes.
The backstory has a twist of fate to it. Sykes started off restoring a rare Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon, a project he entrusted to Stu from Blackcat Custom Paint. After the car was gleaming in that iconic Rosso Miro red, there was some high-end paint left over. Rather than let it go to waste, Stu went beyond his usual two-wheeled canvases and used the same gleaming red to transform the Privateer 161 frame. Even though Stu usually sticks to bikes, his steady hand and eye for detail made the mountain bike an instant show-stopper.
Race-Ready Performance Meets Motorsport Style
This Privateer 161 isn’t just a pretty face—it’s packed with gear to match its fast-forward looks. The build list reads like a dream setup for both performance junkies and those who obsess over detail. Up front, there’s a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 170mm fork, built to soak up hits whether you’re sending it down technical enduro trails or hitting the bike park. Pair that with a SuperDeluxe Ultimate shock and you’ve got a suspension setup that’s pure business.
The drivetrain doesn’t slack off, either. SRAM’s GX Eagle keeps the gears crisp, while Hunt Enduro Wide V2 wheels offer a sturdy, aggressive base that’s right at home on rocky or muddy descents. To reel in all that speed (and, honestly, grab some attention when you stop), Hayes Dominion A4 brakes have been spec’d for assured stopping power. Every single component was picked to handle punishment, with the underlying message that performance and personality can absolutely go hand in hand.
But let’s be real—not everyone is grinning about the paint job. Social feeds have been split, with some riders loving the bold, motorsport-inspired aesthetic while others prefer their bikes a little less flashy. Despite the debate, what can’t be overlooked is Privateer’s commitment to building bikes that are ready to race out of the box. Their choice of Performance Elite suspension and rugged componentry means you get pro-level handling without breaking the bank.
Is this marriage of MTB and motorsport a one-off experiment, or are we seeing the start of a new wave in bike customization? Either way, it’s tough to ignore a Privateer 161 that proudly wears its Italian racing roots on its sleeve—and in its paintwork.
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