Below is a story told by Germán Stipech, creator of GORDO'S.

 

The Beginning of GORDO'S

Gordo's is a project that started from an economic need and a hobby

Since I was a kid, I loved building my own and my friends' bikes.
I was always curious about putting things together and taking them apart. My father, a sheet metal worker, had (and still has) endless tools at home, so I think I've always had a connection with this whole world.
My friends from Mendoza, especially one of them, have had good bikes all their lives. My interest in them began with road bikes. I built one, started riding, and loved it.

In 2014, I traveled to Europe for the first time, and I saw that a friend had a fixie and it caught my attention. It was all the rage here, and I definitely wanted one.
When I returned to Mendoza, I clearly got one going and from then on my interest in bicycles grew.

 

A Vintage World and a New Beginning

I've always loved vintage, in every sense. From clothing, shoes, cars, fashion, even movies. In Argentina, it was a bit difficult for me to find good materials, good paintings. So this was just a random incentive, and that was it.

In 2023, I moved to Barcelona, and here my passion for finding vintage frames, building any bike I wanted, and the materials I needed all began again, all in one place. This is how Gordo's (my lifelong nickname) project began. A mix of everything I enjoy doing, in a small workshop in my apartment. A project I do alongside my day job as a barista, and one I can share with friends and colleagues. I always have a friend who asks me to build a bike for them, or service them—whatever it is, I do it because I enjoy it so much.

Advice for Those Who Want to Start a Business

If I had to give advice to someone who's hesitant to start a business, I'd say just do it! Don't stop doing a little bit every day. Sometimes it seems like you're not making any progress, but there comes a time when you finally make it happen.

See you on the road!

A hug, Ger.

 

The Result: Gordo's Cap

Designed in collaboration with a hand-drawn design by Ger, the Gordo's Cap was born.

Ger, who in addition to being known for his admirable work restoring vintage bicycles, is known for his ability to capture and put on canvas the essence of the things around him, including several ZELVA drawings.

 

See Gordo's Cap