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Showing posts with label custom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label custom. Show all posts

Monday, July 30, 2012

A Recent Visit to the ENVE Factory!

I wish I could say I were the one touring ENVE's factory, but the guys at Singletrack Magazine recently found their way over for a nice tour.  ENVE not only make killer forks and cockpit parts, but also makes many of the carbon tubes and lugs you'll find on US custom, hand-made bikes.  ENVE works directly with a number of builders to ensure that the perfect tube is chosen for each and every bike that builder makes.

Here are a couple of photos that stuck out to me, primarily because this is how my Independent Fabrication Cross Jester (cyclocross bike based on the Corvid road bike) was designed and constructed.  ENJOY!!




Sunday, July 29, 2012

2012 Niner Jet9 RDO Medium Available!

These come in SO rarely for open stock, and for good reason: they are back-logged about 5 months!  With that said, this one was ordered for a customer though we were able to snag him one a few months ago, which puts this one available for purchase.  MSRP is $2599 with the custom-valved Fox RP23, but if you want to do a complete build we'll knock it out of the park for you.

Don't miss this one, Tang won't be around long!  If this were a large, it'd be mine.


Monday, July 23, 2012

In Stock: K-Edge Garmin Mount!

These things have been flying off of our shelves.  Our initial order was sold out in about 72 hours, but we have more arriving today!  Today's shipment includes gunmtal gray and red, more black mounts are coming but we're not sure when, probably another week.

Part of this shipment is already pre-sold and we're down to about 10 left.  Call today to get yours before they are gone again!


Saturday, July 21, 2012

Independent Fabrication Delux Redux

This is one I've been waiting on for a bit.  While I love following the technological advances in carbon happening now, not the least of which is the Felt Nine FRD I covered here, there's something so incredibly awesome about a retro-modern steel 29er.

After I met Gary Smith of IF, I became even more smitten with their bikes.  He was kind enough to help me out with getting me a Cross Jester last fall, has set us up with the first SSR Maxx available to the public, and an incredible Ti Factory Lightweight just to name a few.

But when Gary started teasing info on the Delux Redux I knew he was doing something a little different but a whole lot the same.  The details are just now rolling out in full, but a steel frame, an Ingleheart segmented fork, full Shimano XT, and handbuilt wheels by Luxe Wheelworks.  Go for El Fabuloso and you also get one-off purple anno Chris King parts!

Just a few of my favorite shots follow, but if you want one you'd better act fast.  These are limited to 12 of each color!







Monday, July 16, 2012

In Stock: K-Edge Garmin Mount

After months of waiting, they are finally here!  The Bar Fly has some real competition in the K-Edge mount, though the Bar Fly has it's own set of features.  But this isn't about the Bar Fly, this is about the K-Edge Garmin mount.

First, this thing is beautifully made, just like every other K-Edge item.  Wonderful machining, perfect anodization, beautiful laser etching.  Each of these finishing touches can be found on every K-Edge item, and luckily for $50 this mount doesn't disappoint.


Much like other K-Edge products, the Garmin mount comes with all required hardware and fits perfectly.  One thing I've noticed so far with the K-Edge over the Bar Fly is that the Bar Fly can rotate (only by hand when you want it to, not on it's own...ever) when torqued where the K-Edge with two bolts isn't going anywhere without being loosened.


The K-Edge mount matches nicely with my Paul front brake hanger, and would match a Thomson stem perfectly.  Unfortunately this bike is currently using a Zipp stem.  They still match well, but man the Thomson would work well together.


Your Garmin sits lower with the K-Edge than with the Bar Fly, which could be good or bad, it's pretty personal.  I do feel more comfortable with the Garmin mounted on the K-Edge if I were to crash, it's hidden between the hoods if the bike finds it's way upside down.


The K-Edge mount is extremely secure, the positive engagement is welcome when dealing with such an expensive computer.


Beautifully machined computer mount, adjustable mounting positions, perfect anodization, laser etching, it's hard to beat this piece of kit.  Then again, a $50 computer mount should be pretty darn nice, don't you think?




Sunday, July 8, 2012

On Test: 2012 SRAM Red Impressions

I opened up my 2012 SRAM Red review process a couple days ago here, but it was based on the building process and a few initial rides.  After a few more rides and a bunch more miles, I'm remembering why SRAM is so popular in these parts.

For me, there were two major areas to be covered with 2012 Red: front shifting and ergonomics.  Previous generations of SRAM road groups had some lack-luster front shifting that's been covered ad nauseam, so I'll let that one be.  The ergonomics were of concern because I really liked them and didn't want them to change.

Front shifting for 2012 Red, to be straight to the point, is roughly 12,496 times better than before.  My current setup is using Cannondale rings, solely because I had them and didn't want to buy something new, and still shifts wonderfully.  Going from the small ring to the big is smooth, quick, consistent, and light to the touch.  Shifting from the big ring to the small is fast and accurate, and without the trim function on the shifters also requires a much lighter touch.

What is it about this new system that makes the shift that much better?  The Yaw front derailleur no doubt plays a vital role, but I also feel the lever itself helps out.  I'm not sure if it's longer or if the leverage ratio has changed at all, but it seems that a lighter touch is needed to make shifts.


The integrated Chain Catcher is also a really nice touch as it's design allows independent adjustment from the front derailleur.  Chain retention systems have become incredibly popular ever since the Schleck Incident, but we've been using them for some time and this one offers unmatched ease of set-up.


The 2012 Red rear derailleur is mostly unchanged, which in my opinion is a great thing.  SRAM's rear shifting has always been fast and precise, not something I would mess with either.  Graphics have been redesigned to match the rest of the new group but the important stuff is as it should be.


Ergonomics are gladly only slightly massaged.  The shift levers find themselves in a very familiar position, though the brake levers and hoods have been slightly reworked.  I can say if were riding in the drops I probably wouldn't notice much other than an easier reach to the brake lever.


The upturn at the front of the hood concerned me when I saw early drawings, but once installed on my bike I didn't notice the extra height.  That is, I didn't notice the height until I hit a sizable rock on the DPRT that may have knocked my hand off of the hoods with a less exaggerated shape.


Gore housing coming stock is a nice touch, though for my use I'll probably be switching over to the Gore Sealed System for cyclocross.  For this original build of 2012 SRAM Red I wanted to use the cables/housing that came stock for a more accurate representation of what customers will get out of the box.


So far I'm psyched on 2012 Red.  I delayed the switch because I have been very happy with Dura-Ace, but SRAM was smart and addressed the few issues they had, improved on the things that were already good, all while improving their industry-leading weight.

Now, how about making some other colors available aftermarket?  Not all of us are looking for a splash of the color red on our bikes....

Thursday, June 28, 2012

NEW BIKE DAY! Lynskey R210 with Shimano 5700 105

Let's say you're looking for an excellent bike to train with on the road.  You already have a triathlon bike for racing, you already have a cyclocross bike, but you want that one single go-to road bike that will do anything.

You need your road bike to cover century rides, it needs to keep pace in a pack, it may see some gnarly road conditions, probably see it's fair share of winter, it has to do everything.

When you come to us with something like that, we recommend titanium.  It's durable, beautiful, timeless, easy to maintain, but most importantly, it rides oh-so perfectly.

This bike was built just for that person.  Someone who will log long miles, group rides with friends, commute, it'll do it all.  And after a quick wipe-down 10 years from now, it'll look brand new.

Here's another breakdown from Lynskey on what they say about the R210:

Ride in any condition, anytime, anywhere with comfort and style while enjoying a geometry that puts you in a slightly less aggressive riding position yet maintains neutral, stable and predictable handling.

The tubeset consists of double-butted round 3AL/2.5V aerospace grade titanium that will give you the look and lines of a true classic U.S.A. handmade ti bike frame, providing you an all-day supple smooth ride.

Worried about tire clearance? Don't be. There is plenty of clearance for a set of durable and comfortable 28c tires.

The hooded wright style dropouts provide the classic look and strength while allowing you to easily replace the derailleur hanger if need be.


A small from Lynskey has great dimensions and their geometry lends itself well to 700c wheels.  Some bikes this small ride and/or look funny with 700c wheels instead of 650c, but we've had great response from the shorter riders.


Have to love the classic hooded Wright-style dropouts.  The welds are top-notch as always, even on an "affordable" hand made frame from Lynskey.  Don't let their pricing fool you, their products are incredible.  Finish is always the best and the ride is dialed.


I may be wrong, but the matte satin appears a little different than it did when we started with Lynskey.  From our early days with them, we strongly recommended the upgraded finishes, but the matte satin that's rolling out these days has been getting rave reviews.  I've had a number of customers who've recently seen this finish comment that it's their favorite.  It's very similar to another titanium builder out of Steamboat Springs, CO.


Easton EC70 fork really helps the ride of this bike and helps to keep the price under control with it's alloy steerer rather than the carbon one that's becoming more and more popular.

Mavic Aksium wheels and matching Mavic tires complete the rolling stock on this bike.  Incredible durability and great performance for the price many brands try to get for just a rear hub.



Shimano shifting, especially the front, is the best in the business.  105 doesn't disappoint with light-action and accuracy day after day.  For someone who is using their bike for training miles, 105 is the go-to gruppo.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

NEW BIKE DAY! Lynskey R230 with Shimano 6700 Ultegra

Lynksey has hit another home run with the R230.  Lynskey describes the R230 rider:

I want my bike to be instantly responsive, but also ride comfortably and smooth. Even though I race on the weekends, I still enjoy the occasional century ride with my local club. I’m aware that tube shapes mean increased performance, but I still like something conservative. The R230 is the perfect choice for me.

This bike is stiff without being harsh.  It can be raced or ridden 150 miles at a time.  It's not as stiff as a carbon race bike, it's not as light as a carbon race bike, but it's stiff enough to be sprinted on and will be the smoothest bike in your stable most likely.

With as many as we have built, our customers are trying to find ways to make theirs a little different without moving away from the classic design of a bare titanium frame.  This particular build went for an extremely subdued look, maintaining all of the class of a handmade frame.


Shots from above aren't easy to capture with an XL frame!  Shimano Ultegra shifts as well or better than just about anything out there but costs a fraction of the highest-end gruppos.


The fantastic hand-brushed finish on this titanium frame is set apart with etched logos that are incredibly subtle.


The brake bridge on Lysnkey's frames has a beautiful touch with this clover taken from the Lysnkey family crest, which happens to double as the head tube badge.


Beautiful brass badge with the Lynskey script is classic and perfectly suited to their frames.


The etched logos do add a $250 premium over basic decals, but they are done beautifully, and really finish off a handmade with another touch of class.


Shimano Ultegra cassette is nearly as light as the Dura-Ace version while being a fraction of the price.  We rarely spec the Dura-Ace version because Ultegra is just so good!


No one rivals Shimano's front shifting, and Ultegra is no exception.  Mechanical Dura-Ace and Ultegra both shift as well or better than even their Di2 counterparts in the front.


The Ultegra rear derailleur is an exercise in function.  While I do love the new gray finish, this derailleur was designed to shift first and be sexy second.


Another spot where Shimano shines: their braking.  For 2013 they've changed their design, which is why I predict we'll be selling a lot of these 6700 and 7900 Dura-Ace brakesets for a long time to come.


Ultegra shifters have the same ergonomics as Dura-Ace, and the same shift quality, but only give in to Dura-Ace on weight.  At close to half the price of Dura-Ace, Ultegra is a very enticing offering.

Monday, June 18, 2012

NEW BIKE DAY! Independent Fabrication Ti Factory Lightweight

It's finally time for this beauty to head home.  She was a pleasure to build, every detail combed over nicely and chosen for a specific reason: lightweight speed.  Pretty incredible what's being hand-made these days and what frame made almost entirely of metal can still become. 

Sure, it wasn't cheap, but it wasn't meant to be.  It was built to be the best bike for this rider, holding back nothing, to create something more than just a bike off of a rack.  About 8 weeks after the original design was done, the bike is complete and it's beautiful.


The 2012 SRAM Red gruppo seems to be an enormous jump in the right direction for our local buddies.  The brakes originally concerned me with their design, the single pivot when announced made me think "Zero Gravity" which meant light but terrible feel.  The 2012 Red brakes actually work really well, though.


Front shifting is also vastly improved which was sorely needed.  Previous SRAM Red was at the bottom of the front-shifting list when compared to Campy and Shimano, but the new Yaw front derailleur and stiffened chainrings lead to quality front shifting.


Rear shifting from Red was already very good, but 2012 Red gives you a bit of a sexier look and light action.  The new design looks great and shifts well, what more could you ask for?


Ergonomics were already quite good with previous generation Red, though it's extremely personal.  The new "wedge" system with gel inserts does ease the transition from the lever to the bars, which was an issue for some.


And oversized bottom bracket is a necessity for a bike like this.  There's no reason to build a race bike custom without including this as it can be adopted to standard 24mm cranks or you can use the 30mm cranks made for BB30.


A shot of the 2012 Red Yaw front derailleur, the matching braze-on clamp, and the impressively-machined titanium front derailleur shims from IF


Mad Fiber carbon clincher wheelset.  Love it or hate it, their weight is nice and the stiffness is there.


The ENVE 2.0 fork was perfectly painted to match the frame, nothing less than perfection will come out of the Independent paint booth.


Another shot of the inside of the fork legs painted to match the scheme on the bike.


The rear dropouts get an etched treatment on each side and are masked from paint to keep that exposed for everyone sucking your wheel to read.



The rear hub shell on the Mad Fiber wheels is made of carbon and totally sexy, whether it's your style or not.  You have to appreciate the amount of work that goes into molding these things.


Skewers are a nice place to make an impact, and Mad Fiber took the opportunity to do so.  Titanium and carbon, incredibly sexy.


A shot showing the custom paintwork done to match the Prologo saddle to the stem to the bike to the fork.  A scheme perfectly carried throughout the entire bike.


A bit more detail on the saddle, which is a great touch you don't see often.  Incredible care was taken to ensure that everything went together.



Ti FLW logo found on the carbon seat mast of each frame out of Somerville.  You won't see many, soak it in.


The standard sterling silver head tube badge is all class...and not cheap.


A couple cockpit shots to show the custom-painted Zipp SL Speed stem matching the scheme on the bike.  Matte black and gloss orange everywhere.



The new down tube script is quickly becoming a favorite on the frames we've been designing.


This seat mast topper is of course custom, but probably more custom than most.  We needed slightly less set-back than the stock hand-made offering, so IF came up with a custom design for us.