Finally Michelle gets a profile page, after over 8 years complete.

I acquired this Raleigh Nova back in 2016 and completed its transformation in 2017.

Michelle is one of my favourites. Rescued from an engineer (part time bike mechanic) in East London. Clearly the bike had been used, neglected and left outdoors to the rain and damp weather.
Luckily all signs of wear were mostly superficial, which made the build rather easy and fun.

Inspired from one of my favourite Guns n Roses track “My Michelle” this build was designed to have full surface rust on the frame, forks, mudguards and saddle springs. Existing rust on the pitted chromed handlebars, stem and rims were left as what I call scars from a previous rock n roll life style.

Distressed denim jeans were used to reupholstered the saddle and make rear pannier bags. The Saddle and pannier pocket was made from a pair of rare limited edition Engineered Levi’s. Custom scull valve-cap, trademark wonky stitching (on pannier bags), chain, brake cables and custom logo all inspired by the colours used in the 1988 Guns n Roses album cover Appetite For Destruction and from some choice photos of the beautiful Michelle Young.