Erik Spiekermann is a typographer and type designer passionate cyclist and bike collector. He lives and works in Berlin London and San Francisco. He’s developed countless well-known fonts as well as helping create corporate design programs for world-renowned companies. And now his latest project is here: the Ultimate CF SLX 8 LTD.

“In cycling the right measurements determine how good a bike feels and rides. And just like in bike design graphic design involves measurements too. They’re all connected. If I change one parameter I have to rethink all the other ones. Expressing the language of graphical design in the Ultimate’s artwork worked so well thanks to the frame’s clean pared-back lines.”

“Unlike today we used to create sketches on paper with all the graphical elements and their measurements written down on them. Corrections were given in red measurements in light blue – one reason being that this colour would not show up on reproductions using photographic film. In a way the light blue writing was a secret language for graphic designers and the other specialists involved in print production.”

Only 50 Erik Spiekermann-edition Ultimate CF SLX 8 bikes will ever be made. Every single model is a testament to the iconic aesthetic and artistry of the creator.
With the precise shifting performance of its SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset and lightweight Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels the Ultimate LTD is no mere display piece – this bike is ready to race.