Exposure: the beloved steel adventurer behind the award-winning Primitiva

We've been blown away by the reactions that have come in response to our Exposure Primitiva concept bike, after its award-winning appearance at DT Swiss Craft Bike Days.

Just as we hoped, opinions have flowed freely around the standout-features of the Exposure Primitiva prototype: its integrated routing, its use of a new DT Swiss 40mm suspension fork and its back-to-basics finish. Some riders have told us they’d love to see these experimental features make it into production, while some of you have made it very clear that you’re still huge fans of the standard (non-Primitiva) Exposure, exactly as it is.

Following the same trail

To call the regular Exposure “standard” would be to sell it short. In the three years since its introduction, the Exposure has proven popular, but certainly never ordinary.

Like its Primitiva sibling, it boasts a Dedacciai steel tubeset, welded with the craft and tradition of Cicli Barco. A generous supply of eyelets equip both frames for carrying your loads. And like its conceptual counterpart, the Exposure can roll on a choice of speedy 700c wheels or go-anywhere high-volume 650b tyres.

Most importantly of all, both Exposures are designed with the same intention: to carry the rider on extended duration rides in comfort and versatility, with a ride feel that hits a lovely sweet spot between liveliness and stability on a mix of terrains.

Going its own way

So what does the existing Exposure do differently to the Primitiva? Top of the list has to be the MASON-designed carbon Rangefinder fork, with its long-range comfort, internal routing and more mounting points for bikepacking gear. Frame geometry is configured to be a complete match for the dimensions of this remarkable fork.

Routing follows a conventional semi-internal format, open at the front of the bike, yet making a smooth, concealed run through the down tube, bottom bracket and chainstay. While the Primitiva is optimised for Di2 or AXS shifting, the stock Exposure welcomes your choice of mechanical or electronic groupsets, with our MultiPorts able to adapt to your future upgrades.

When it comes to spec, the Exposure is – like all MASON models – open to as much personalisation as you can dream of. Choose the components, wheels, tyres and accessories that tailor your Exposure for your adventures. In fact, the Exposure is the most frequently customised MASON, as the bike of choice for many a long-distance adventure.

With only one Exposure Primitiva currently in existence, it is of course only available in one size: Dom’s size! The Exposure, however, offers a wide range of eight sizes from 48cm to 62cm, enabling a comfortable fit for diminutive adventure cyclists as well as big riders.

And colours. Let’s talk about colours. In contrast to the bronzy industrial look of the Primitiva, our Exposure offers a multi-stage paint process underpinned by an anti-corrosion cataphoresis treatment. The current palette offers our mustardy FilterYellow, stealthy ShutterBlack, rich AccursedOchre, and subtle OpticGreen: four very different looks.

So thank you – really, thank you – for all your kind words about the Exposure Primitiva. But don’t feel disheartened when we tell you it’s not a production model. If you’d like a handbuilt steel adventure bike that offers the same pedigree and style as the Primitiva, our tried-and-tested Exposure is here for you. Where will it take you?