You’ve all seen the photos, the excitement of unboxing and the fluster of how light it is, but who are FiftyOne Bikes, what do they make and how do they do it. If you want to know, keep reading!
Based in Dublin, they hand build custom road bikes and also supply factory spec gravel bikes. Yes, there are standard sizes but full custom geometry can be achieved should you wish.
Why FiftyOne? I never knew it, but, number 51 won the tour four times in a nine year period. Merckx first, followed by Luis Ocana, Thevenet next and finally by Hinault. All big names, all mystique that has followed the number and riders around. Like 13 is synonymous in cycling, 51 now holds a much higher place than I ever thought it would!
On to the models, and more specifically, the one we hold here, at Scuderia, the Sika. Its a full fat top level performance based bike without the need for osteopathy. It weighs the same as a nats wing, no wasted watts through the stiff frame, clearance for a 40mm tyre and a less extreme position than that of full fat pro race bikes. This is aimed at real life riders, its a bike built with common sense in mind, you can still clean the car or cut the grass when you get home!
The sensible thinking doesnt stop with geometry mind. A round 27.2mm seat pin is used, something very rare by todays modern frame standards. Although supplied with the frameset, this opens up more customisations for its owner.
For the weight weenies out there, 690g for a medium frame placing it up there with lots of the big hitters. Gravity defying figures mean building something tipping the scales under 7kg is very much achievable.
The supplied carbon cockpit is neat, tidy, encases the hoses and has the backing from NACA profiles and make big gains in the aero department giving clean airflow. Comfort is also in mind with a 3 degree sweep on the top of the bars giving a natural and stable hand position.
On the gravel side of things the Assasin is an equally impressive bike. But we will talk about that when we get one!!
We are smitten, its a stunning frame and we can wait to get it built to see what we can do with it.
Frames available now from £4499.99. This includes frame, forks, headset, bars, seat pin, out front mount and more!
Contact for more details and availability.
