“Art is never finished, only abandoned.”
— Leonardo da Vinci.
Discover The Design
The design of the 303FS and 512 models at Ristretto is a testament to this quote, as it is a continuous process of refinement and improvement. Ristretto was founded during the pandemic with a team from all around the globe, including designers, architects, and specialists working together on the construction of the new Ristretto 512 First Edition models. Using 3D designs created from 2D drawings and sketches, the initial 7 prototypes of the Ristretto 512 First Edition bike were constructed and sent to various locations around the world, including Austin, Hong Kong, and Detroit, to be reviewed by our global team.
The design process at Ristretto is both demanding and intricate, with the experienced team working under tight schedules to bring the original sketches and digital models to life, while maintaining the essence of the Ristretto brand.
The process of creating a single bike, from sketch to finished product, takes several months, but there is also a continuous cycle of redesign and engineering as challenges arise and components are developed. The first stage involves building a prototype frame, which is then refined through a series of successive phases of manual correction, engineering, and redesign. Individual parts are created using various techniques and dedicated molds, with parts made from special materials and using CNC and 3D printing technology.
Once the final prototype is finished, it goes through an extensive testing process before receiving final approval for production. It's artisan work that demonstrates the value of human judgment and the skill of the Ristretto team, even as technology advances.
Ristretto celebrates its 4 year anniversary with the design of the 512, inspired by the 303FS Founders Edition and continuing the legacy of the brand. The 512 builds on the timeless beauty of the 303FS Founders Edition and brings the proportions of the model into the modern era. With continuous flow of all surfaces and bold lines, the architecture of the 512 results in perfect proportions. Its emphasized power and low center of gravity make it a machine that will stand the test of time. The 512 is a luxurious and sustainable machine, with flawless attention to detail and advanced engineering that makes it sensual from every angle.
The design team behind the Ristretto is a talented and experienced group, guided by the leadership of two individuals who bring their own unique vision and expertise to the process. Christopher Gerardino, the CEO of Ristretto, brings a passion for design and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every aspect of the brand meets his high standards of excellence. Alongside him is Alessandro Zanchi, the VP of Design, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
Together, Gerardino and Zanchi provide the direction and guidance that the design team needs to bring their visions to life. They oversee every stage of the process, from the initial sketches and 3D digital models, to the construction of prototypes and the final production of the bikes. Their hands-on approach ensures that every detail is perfected and that the end result meets the high standards of the Ristretto brand.
The result is a machine which is set to become the icon for the new age of micro-mobility.
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