Chiva: Where Art Meets Adventure

Colombia's vibrant culture extends far beyond energetic cities. Nestled within the rich tapestry of the country's soul lies the Chiva, a symbol of resilience and artistic expression. These brightly colored buses, first seen in the early 20th century, traversed the rugged terrain of rural Colombia, becoming icons of a nation where infrastructure met ingenuity.

At Scarab, we're deeply inspired by the Chiva's spirit. It represents the ability to overcome obstacles with a touch of flair, a philosophy that perfectly aligns with our passion for creating exceptional bicycles for road, mountain trails, and gravel adventures. This inspiration translates into our unique line of Chiva-inspired bikes, each one a rolling piece of Colombian artistry.

But our vision goes beyond replicating a paint job. We wanted to capture the essence of the Chiva, the meticulous hand-painted details that breathe life into these iconic vehicles. That's where Fernando comes in. A true descendant of a family of Chiva painters, Fernando brings a legacy of artistic heritage to our bikes.

The Chiva paint job on our Scarab bikes is a collaborative effort. We start by laying the foundation with bold background colors and color panels. Then, the frame enters the hands of the "maestro" himself, Fernando. Using his keen eye and skilled hand, Fernando applies the magic touch – intricate "on the go" pinstriping. This unique technique ensures that each bike boasts its own personality, a testament to Fernando's artistry and the Chiva's enduring legacy.

The final step takes the bike back to our workshop, where a protective clear coat is applied, safeguarding Fernando's masterpiece. The result? A Scarab bike that's not just a machine, but a rolling canvas celebrating Colombian heritage and artistic expression.

       

Here are a few of Fernando's masterpiece: