Independent Fabrication SSR

Seeing as how the IF factory is merely a stones throw from Nashua, NH, I frequent their headquarters often. Sometimes to chat, sometimes to overview and sign off on frame designs and sometimes for no reason at all simply hoping for a nice surprise.


My last trip was a culmination of all three. After some jokes were shared, 4 frames designed and signed off on, my good pal Gary Smith took me over to the demo bike area and handed me this.


I won't get into the details on why such an amazing machine found its way back to the IF factory but I will tell you I am very happy for my own sake that exist mechanics with fumbly hands and no questions asked return policies. I digress, the SSR is IFs stainless steel road machine. Crafted from extremely hard, thin walled yet oversized in diameter Reynolds 953 stainless steel tubes. The SSR offers a light, crisp ride with all the classic qualities a proper steel race bike has captured our hearts with over the years. Make no mistake the SSR is the second coming of steel.

(be sure to scroll over and click each image for their full and high resolution brilliance)


A stainless steel bicycle finished to look like glittery rust. Irony exists also in paint.


A three-piece welded head tube, down tube and head tube gussets and a custom machined bottom bracket further enchance the 953s strong and light attributes. The craftsmen and women at IF take no shortcuts... these are some of the most skilled laborers in the industry.



Gracing the SSRs front end is an Edge 2.0 fork. Does there exist a more capable carbon fork? My experiences say no. The fully molded from tip to top 2.0 is the leader in stiffness, strength and safety... oh yeah, it's also light and looks neat.


Custom machined dropouts. Precision. Elegant. Bullet-proof.


PMP seatposts grace all my personal machines. In my opinion this is the premier seatpost. The creme de la creme and I see no reason to use anything but.


Straight, clean seatstatys and chainstays invite you to sprint, daring you to try to flex them. Of course by virtue of the 953 this is not solely a race machine as the metals properties also provide comfort with that unique "springy" feeling of high quality steel.


Love and care go into each and every IF produced. Who built your bike?


Would you like an IF SSR with custom geometry, paint and rider specific tubing? Take a few minutes to talk with me. 8 short weeks later you will have your dream bike.

Cheers,
Justin Spinelli
(+1) 603 943-4202
justin@sveltecycles.com

In Case You Missed It.

Click Here: XXX

Enjoy,
Justin Spinelli
603 943-4202
justin@sveltecycles.com

Carbon Couture Seen Here First.

A large influx of carbon graced my doorsteps this past week with the finest designs from PMP, Edge and last but certainly not least Independent Fabrication. I really do count my blessing to work with products from the most advanced manufacturers in the world. Here is a glance at what kept me busy.

PMP is a well known Italian firm but only in small circles. In my opinion Italians design some of the nicer things in life and when your bike is adorned with a PMP seatpost you really are making a statement not only about your machine in question but also about yourself as a well informed consumer.

*note the yellow PMP stickers can be removed with ease yielding that desirable stealth look as not to clash with your bar and stem brand of choice.


The tasteful logo etching on the front of the clamp is the only permanent mark that distinguishes the post as a PMP... aside from its signature design clamp and stunning, richly finished carbon post of course.


The PMP posts come in 2 setback options at 14mm and 27mm (0mm not stocked by Svelte). This is a great attribute as it allows a greater range of cyclists to have their saddle mounted even on the rails as they should be.


Svelte stocks the PMPs in 350mm lengths with 27.2mm diameters. Personally I have never had issues shimming 27.2mm posts to fit larger diameter seat tubes so don't be disuaded from purchasing a PMP for your Pegoretti or Colnago etc... All you need is a simple shim which I will be happy to supply for you. To purchase a PMP carbon seatpost click HERE.


Needless to say I laced a few wheelsets this week. The rigidity and trueness straight from the factory on Edge rims always make for a pleasurable build. The mountain bike wheels below are for Team October Bicycles to be raced on at some major events later this summer. The road wheels are for yours truly and I will get into just why I built these for myself a little later. *Stay tuned.



Not everything is carbon-centric. These reliable and timeless wheels feature hubs and rims from DT Swiss laced with Wheelsmith double butted spokes and alloy nipples. 28 spokes front and rear, radial lacing front, 2x/2x lacing in the rear. I later selected Vredestein tires and Michelin tubes for this customer in particular and finished the set off with a trustworthy pair of DT Swiss steel skewers.


Now for the coup de grace. Introducing the Corvid from Independent Fabrication.


What makes the Corvid special? Here are a few words straight from IF owner and personal friend Gary Smith: "Each component is a discreet monocoque molding, then bonded together in tube and lug construction. Leveraging monocoque for each component is superior in strength and tuning vs. molding a solid, or near-net component and then machining in the final dimensions.

It's tube and lug to allow for custom geometry. Creating a complete monocoque frame mold is expensive (the reason most come in only a few sizes with standardized geometry) and unrealistic for the range of geometries that we serve.

Aside from all that, tube and lug just looks cool, and the bond strength of the technique has been proven for a long time."

Need we really say any more? I did ride the Corvid viewed below for a week but seeing as how the purpose of riding IFs is such that they are built to you, IF is now manufacturing a Corvid that I will be turning the screws on so to speak over the course of this summer and beyond... Remember, you saw it here first. Svelte Cycles is superior!


Note the 3D lugs. Why we don't see more companies using 3D elements in carbon lugs is beyond me.



Though the fork is finished with a standard clear coat, this Corvid frame has a clear pearlescent finish. There will be no paint on the Corvids; only clear coating and decal colour options.


Every component of the Corvid was manufactured right here in North America at Edge Composites.






Tidy front mechanism cable routing.



Stout lugs at the head tube yield a solid tracking bike.


"Where did you get those water bottles!?"


IF leaves the door open for and integrated seat post option. But then again, who needs an ISP when you can have a PMP seatpost?




Campagnolo Super Record... of course.


Care to indulge yourself with any of the above? Simply pick up the phone and call. If chatting on the phone is not your preference, you need only type "justin@sveltecycles.com".

Cheers,
Justin Spinelli
www.sveltecycles.com
*www.luxewheelworks.com
justin@sveltecycles.com
(+1) 603 943-4202

A Day With Rapha - We Don't Need No Registration.

OK so actually there was a registration required and this was technically a "race" but the usual feelings of anxiety, angst and dare I say fear all of which comprise pre-competition emotions at a typical elite bicycle race were traded for aspirations of adventure, challenge and enjoyment in suffering. This was to be my first ever "gentlemens race" or what I would like to call a "cyclosportif". Rapha Continental brought me on as a ringer to help the team of 6 cover the 120 arduous yet scenic miles at the Rapha New Paltz Event.

So why did I drive 8 hours, pay for my own hotel and skip a very nice regional race hosted in the relatively close by Hartford, CT? Answer: This luxurious Rapha Lightweight Jersey! No, not really but Rapha clothing sure is nice. It felt like that first time I got behind the wheel of a new BMW after spending months driving a GTI. Sure the GTI is a fantastic little car and more than capable of harnessing my relatively modest driving skills, BUT.... Sliding into the seductive crimson leather bucket seats of my BMW M-Coupe of yore, gripping the hand stitched, leather steering wheel, gazing at the dial which displayed MPH numbers deep into the hundreds framed in chrome metal.... yeah.... that's the stuff. So as I slid into my Rapha jersey, I had one of those moments of moving up in the world.


My good pal James with the Embrocation Cycling Team/Gaulzetti Bikes was on hand and man... don't those bikes look nice? Craig Gaulzetti who was instrumental in my comeback to pro racing some 4 years ago designs and has fabricated these aluminum no-nonsense race machines and I must say there are few people more capable at designing a bicycle than Craig.



Even Jeremy with his timeless Richard Sachs machine was curious and it is a little known fact that Sachs has one of these Gaulzettis on order.


The challenge of the day was for each team of 6 to work to get from start to finish as a team. Start as a team, finish as a team. Sure some riders were stronger than others, there were punctures and mechanicals of which no outside support was allowed to remedy. Alliances were formed, alliances were broken, attacks were made in vain. These are the expoloits of a typical bike race but without all the hoopla and pressure that is encountered at even a local elite race. Who needs em!? Don't get me wrong, I will be toting to the (official) line for many years to come but this quaint event up in New Paltz oppened my eyes to the possibilies of what a small group of people can do without a USA Cycling Permit.

Here is the Rapha Contintal Team before we set out. Fine bunch indeed.


Though we set out with two other teams of six, the group shattered soon after the first major climb and we rode together at a modest pace in hopes to cover the course in a decent time and perhaps combine with another strong team to improve our speed and morale on the flats.


To get some training in I rode at my own race pace up the big climbs as I knew the checkpoints would be there waiting for me and we could all re-group and carry on from there. Here I am after the first big climb about 30 miles into the ride. Rapha documents everything as these events are key to their marketing campaign. Even Slate Olson was there helping the crew... that is him assisting me with my water situation. Slate Olson, General Manager of Rapha filling my bottles... what a class act! Slate could have been sipping lattes in Portland but he flew all the way out to New York to help his guys.



After a long descent into the plush valley my race strategy aspirations came true and the Embrocation Team caught us. Mind you these are guys I would hang out with off the bike so having their company (and horsepower) was a real treat for the next 60 miles of pedaling... then they left us in the dust. Thanks guys!



3rd and final check point 100 miles in. "Leisure Time" my ass!


Here is a nice snap of Rapha brand stalwarth and long time friend of mine Jeremy Dunn cruising with yours truly in the shady forests of New York. Not only is Jeremy the founder of Embrocation Cycling Journal, crack reporter for VeloNews, and head of Marketing and Relations at Rapha he is also a very good athlete so watch for him this cross season in the highly competitive Cat 2 field.



We made it. Some 6 plus hours later we cassualy rolled back into the parking lot, our mission complete with those overwhelming feeling of accomplishment setting in and our lips puckering for a nice cold beverage of choice.


What exactly defines a bike race when it is no longer your job? What is the purpose? Why suffer? Why sacrifice? Why commit to weekends away from the comforts of home? These are the question I ask myself as a newly retired PRO and the answer is simple, I love riding my bike. Even more so I love sharing with friends my love of riding and all the exploits that go with a hard day in the saddle. Svelte Cycles will surely continue its weekend rides here in Nashua on non-race days but now perhaps with a narrower focus and a re-discovered enthusiasm for friendly competition and challenging oneself without the need to stand in a registration line. We don't need no registration.


Until Next Time,
Justin Spinelli
justin@sveltecycles.com
603 943-4202

What's new at Svelte?

Lots has been going on behind the scenes here at Svelte Cycles so I thought I would take this early morning before I set out on the bike then get knee deep in some wheel builds to bring you up to speed on a couple interesting things.

First of all, I moved. No not very far at all from where I was before but due to the fact that I was rapidly outgrowing my cozy little nook in the north end of Nashua, NH it was time to move on. The main reason being Svelte Cycles is now an "Authorized Independent Fabrications Dealer". What does that mean? It means I need space to have you guys over, fit you for a bike and all within a nice formal, chic space so our styles aren't cramped. More photos of the space later... think hardwood floors, sunny, big windows, lots of nice bikes on display and plenty Rouleur and Embrocation magazines to read while sipping on espresso.


A couple months ago when the first signs of spring became apparent, I decided it was time to add a little colour to the Svelte casual wear ensemble. A few deep thoughts and sketches later, I was headed down to the local custom t-shirt shop owned by my pal Tyler and placing an order. Here is what I came up with.

Some Svelte Falcon (fastest land animal) Crest action in mint green.


OK so this one has no colour but hey... white means spring/summer and should join the party.


I've always admired the symmetry and prestige behind the Chanel logo so I came up with my own little play on it for all you fashionistas. Using a cursive lower case "s" and "c" this one is real stunner (for an American Apparel t-shirt anyways!)


Oh yeah, and in case you get thirsty. Specialized makes the best water bottles ever so I figured I should get a few hundered made up for us. I love the translucent green tops paired with the sharp colours of the Falcon Crest. (this artsy shadow pictures belies their vivid green hues but you get the idea!)


I will be sure to post these goodies up on the (changing by the day) www.sveltecycles.com website and add the links to this post later this afternoon just in case you want some of this stuff for yourself this summer. As always, thank you for reading!

*update: Click Here!

Cheers,
Justin Spinelli
justin@sveltecycles.com
603 943-4202

Independent Fabrication XS/Dura Ace 7900 Review.

The XS is touted as Independent Fabrications top model. The proper blend of titanium and carbon in all the right places make this an incredibly smooth ride but unlike many "planing" bikes the XS is extremely stiff when you get on the pedals and really hit the gas. The buttery ride offered by IFs flagship model left a lasting enough impression on yours trully that after only a weeks time I felt confident enough in its ride to make the XS my first ever IF. I can hardly wait!

Enter Shimano Dura Ace 7900. Being a long time Campagnolo snob and then moving onto SRAM as my race ready gruppo of choice, Shimano has never been on my radar... untill now. From the concealed STI cables to the edgy yet refined graphics to the absolutely silky smooth drivetrain Shimano is famous for, I think I am sold on 7900 as my future road gruppo of choice.

Look for more intricate Independent Fabrication and Shimano Dura Ace reviews in the future. For now I will leave you with some nice images. Be sure to click on them to get their full high-res action.

The 7900 STIs felt like jewlery in my hands. No wonder all the Italians love it!



Fizik Microtex Tape..... why bother with anything else?


As this was a test ride bike on loan from the very generous folks at IF, I had to make some alterations for a proper fit. Check out the Chris King "Sotto Voce" headset. Means "whisper" in italian... clever.


At first I was turned off by the massive pie plate for a chainring on the 7900 cranks, then I snapped out of my conservative bike snob embryo and realized how badass it actually was.


The quality from IF is simply impeccable. Dare I say the have the finest production of all the custom brands?



Edgy graphics from Shimano. At first I thought "mountain bike" then I thought "ahead of their time".


"You talkin' to me?"



Its the small things. The barrel adjustors on the 7900 brakes made the current offerings from industry competitors look like childs play.



Hidden cables and housing STI levers. The final piece of the puzzle for Shimano. Chapeau.


Ahhh.... The IF XS. Mine will surely have a different colour scheme but this "daringly" finished test ride bicycle was all I needed to place an order my very own custom XS.

If you are looking for something tailored just for you, give me a call and I will walk you through the Independent Fabrication line-up and help you get on the best IF for you.

Cheers,
Justin Spinelli
justin@sveltecycles.com
603 943-4202

Independent Fabrication XS

IF only... this bike fit me. Having the stunning Independent Fabrication XS test bike in my studio without the possibility to well... test it, really agitates me as this sparkly gold machine beckons to have a leg thrown over it. Having said that I will simply get down to brass tacks and give a simple overview of what, in my mind are the salient features of the XS which is crafted by hand from the good people at Independent Fabrication in Sommerville, MA.


IF miters each carbon tube to fit all of the way into the lug to maximize the glue overlap. (PS: click the photos for their full and high-res awesomeness).


Independent Fabrication uses only the best US Aerospace grade titanium suppliers. A glance at the perfect welds and it becomes strikingly apparent that the skill level possessed by IFs craftsmen and woman is on par with their frames superior materials.


Though this specific XS employs a Reynolds fork and carbon tubes, IF switched to Edge Composites in the fall of 2008 as their carbon fiber supplier. The Edge tubes allow a fully customizable ride tuning the tubes to match your body type, terrain used and pedaling style. (note the cork brake pads from Bontrager, a must with carbon rims)




Properly placed cables yield precise shifting. A simple feature which is often overlooked.


The 3T Doric LTD is a superb seatpost for those who prefer to ride sans setback and is visually stunning when paired with the 3T bars and stems. Personally, I need a set back post and have recently placed a respectably sized order for PMP 14mm and 27mm set back seatposts respectively. Look for those to come into stock soon.


The chainstays on the XS trully impress as it seems these days we only see such well formed tubes in carbon offerings.




Note the spacious amount of room IF employs in its XS dropouts. Makes for very easy and quick wheel changes.


I am a sucker for nice lugs and these shot peened Aerospace grade 3/2.5 titanium offerings do not disappoint. So much more than a pretty face here as the spectacular craftsmanship from IF runs very deep.




Note the reinforced head tube.


The caliber of paint and attention to detail Independent Fabrication puts into each and every one of its frames comes second to none. Viewing the XS up close is a real treat... also, how proper are those down tube cable stops? Everything about them seems smart and tactfully designed.



This picture is sponge worthy.


SRAM Red continues to impress me due to its silky smooth ceramic bearings in its bottom bracket and derailleur pulleys. With the modest pricing and consistent performance of SRAM it is becoming increasingly more difficult to justify a top of the line gruppo from Shimano or Campagnolo (ducking).


Though this specific XS was ultimately a build done for the sake of a photo shoot and an introduction to Independent Fabrications with Svelte Cycles, we will see in short time yet another XS that will fit me so I can do a proper ride review. I am counting down the hours...

As I hinted at earlier what you view now is merely the tip of the iceberg with regards to a Svelte/IF alliance. Stay tuned and Thank You for reading.

Cheers,
Justin Spinelli