Cycling in the 90s came with many generational changes. STI. Carbon fibre. The peak of racing on steel while also witness to its professional-level fade from view. An apprentice to Brian Cross at the start of 1990, this would also be the decade that Baum Cycles was founded. And while presently we are known primarily for our titanium craftsmanship, steel is what a young Darren Baum initially – and solely – worked with.

That special place that steel holds in our hearts still resonates within the walls of Baum. The Cortado is our contemporary homage to an era Darren considers to have bore witness to the pinnacle of round tube steel bicycles. If you loved the feel of 531 ‘back in the day’. Or are yearning for the connection that comes from a bike that isn’t overbuilt – dare we say, feels real – then this is the machine for you.

With archives of tubing selections from all the great suppliers: Reynolds, Columbus, and Dedacciai. The refinement this modern tribute model offers arguably surpasses what even the best of the 1990s was able to produce.