For professional cyclist Lauren Stephens, a bike is more than a piece of equipment – it’s a reflection of the rider behind the handlebar.

As the reigning U.S. Gravel National Champion and founder of Next Step Racing, Lauren has spent more than a decade competing at the highest level across road, gravel, cyclocross, track and mountain bike disciplines. Racing has taken her around the world, but today she’s equally passionate about building opportunities for the next generation of cyclists through her own team. 

A Championship Bike Worth Celebrating

After winning the U.S. Gravel National Championship, Lauren wanted to create something special to mark the achievement.

“It was also my first year running my own programme,” she explains. “For the first time, I had the freedom to build a bike that reflected who I was, instead of following a team’s standard design.”

Looking for a way to bring her vision to life, Lauren discovered Slik Graphics and reached out for some custom rim decals.

“I loved that Slik could take an idea and turn it into something that looked like it belonged on the bike from day one. The quality was incredible, and the finished product was even better than I had imagined.”

More Than Just Graphics

For Lauren, custom graphics aren’t simply about making a bike look good – they’re about telling a story.

As Next Step Racing took shape, she wanted every rider to have a bike that reflected their own personality while still feeling part of a unified team.

Each rider chose a spirit animal, which became the inspiration for their own custom Slik Graphics decals.

“Even though we’re all on the same team, I didn’t want every bike to be identical,” Lauren says. “In professional cycling, the expectation is often that everything looks exactly the same, but I think it’s important for each rider to have something that reflects who they are.”

The result is a collection of team decals that share a common identity while celebrating the individuality of every athlete.

“That’s what I love about Slik Graphics. They make it easy to create something that’s both personal and professional. You end up with a bike that represents your team but also gives people a glimpse of your own personality every time you roll up to the start line.”

Lauren’s current decal set up: Purple Chrome ENVE decals for rims and frame, her Unicorn team decal and a Rider ID with her name. 

Building a Community

Lauren’s partnership with Slik Graphics extends beyond her own bikes.

Working alongside Next Step Racing, Slik helped us to create team logo decals that have become a way for supporters to feel connected to the team. Fans proudly display them on bikes, helmets, water bottles and even their vehicles, creating a growing community that’s visible at races and group rides across the country.

“It’s a fun way for people to feel like they’re part of the team while also showcasing the quality of Slik’s work,” Lauren says. “Those decals become conversation starters, which helps spread awareness of both Next Step Racing and Slik Graphics.”

It’s a simple idea, but one that perfectly captures what custom graphics can do – bring people together through a shared passion for cycling.

The Details That Turn Heads

Lauren’s bikes have become instantly recognisable on the race circuit, particularly thanks to one memorable feature.

“The unicorn on my bike gets a lot of attention,” she laughs. “People always ask about it, and it’s become something they associate with me.”

The reactions don’t stop there.

“On my mountain bike especially, the graphics are so detailed that people often reach out to touch them because they think they’re painted on. They’re usually surprised when I tell them it’s actually a decal. The print quality and finish are that good.”

It’s exactly the kind of response that Slik Graphics strives for – graphics that integrate seamlessly with the bike while standing out for all the right reasons.

Creating Your Own Story

For riders considering custom graphics for the first time, Lauren’s advice is refreshingly simple.

“Start with something that means something to you. It doesn’t have to be loud or flashy – sometimes the cleanest designs have the biggest impact.”

Whether it’s your favourite colours, a meaningful achievement, or a design that reflects your personality, she believes your bike should make you smile every time you wheel it out of the garage.

Looking Ahead

Lauren’s ambitions remain as strong as ever.

On the bike, she’s focused on defending her biggest results while continuing to take on new challenges across gravel and road racing.

Off the bike, her mission is even bigger: continuing to grow Next Step Racing and creating more opportunities for women in cycling.

“If I can help more riders take the next step in their careers while still chasing my own goals,” she says, “I’ll consider it a successful season.”

For Slik Graphics, that’s exactly what being an ambassador is all about – celebrating performance, personality and the stories that make every rider unique.