On a personal note, I’m quite enjoying doing these dream build posts, its nice to look at things a little differently and take in what the bike is actually about rather than just discussing and then just building it. We make no secret that they are all tailored to individual needs etc, but this one opens up even more options than many “true” road bikes out there!
So, an Irish brand. Not the first thing you think of when you think of Ireland! But these frames are absolute stunners, very versatile and not as harsh on the bones as many race bikes out there, the reason, its not a race bike! Its a full performance carbon in a slightly softer set up. FiftyOne describe it best themselves “performance bikes for a real world rider” Designed around a lack of spacers under the stem, benefitting from the “pro look” this bike turns heads.
This one in particular is a nod to longevity with a bit of bike packing in mind and other EPIC trips. It starts with the bearings. Now, if you have been in, you will have heard me moan about headset bearings now hoses route down through them, no issue here. Ceramic Speed SLT headset bearings support the forks and offer silky smooth steering and lifetime warranty on them. No need to be stripping everything out to replace in the future! WINNER! Same goes for the coated T47 Ceramic Speed bottom bracket. OSPW jockey wheels aid the shifting. These aren’t some fad that gives you kudos at the café, strength, durability and efficiency all play apart in getting that “pro” look again.
Onto the transmission. Its the worlds best for a reason and Shimano Dura Ace equipment never ceases to amaze us. From the snappy, immediate and precise change to the bleed and feel you get out of the levers, Ill lay my hat out, it doesn’t get any better! Adding to the efficiency and the durability is the Silca Secret Recipe Hot Wax on the chain.
The Ere Research wheelset, Genus II CL-45R’s are punching well above there price point. Weighing in at a smidge over 1300g’s the £ for lbs comparison makes no sense to pick anything else. They aren’t all about the weight though. Carbon spokes, easy to maintain hubs and tool-less maintenance make these a favourite among all of us here at Scuderia now. So much so, we all have a set of Ere on a or at least one bike!
All this kept upright but Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR 32mm tyres. A happy medium in terms of width without sacrificing the speed side of things. The frame itself will go to a 40mm should you want to really attack the North Devon, surface of the Moon like roads!
Whats best about this frame set from a purchasing point of view? The price of it, is the price, no need for additional costs for handlebars or out front mounts etc, its all included!
Final Spec –
- FiftyOne Sika Frameset
- Shimano Dura Ace R9250 Groupset
- Ere Research Genus II CL-45R Wheelset
- Ceramic Speed Bottom Bracket
- Ceramic Speed SLT Headset
- Ceramic Speed 5 Spoke OSPW Jockeys
- Silca Hot Wax Chain Lubricant
- Pirelli P Zero Race 32mm Tyres
- Stans Race Sealant
- Fizik MicroTex 2mm Tape
