Scapin are one of the leading Italian steel bike builders and have been missing from the UK market for a while. Well the great news is thay have a new UK importer and we are well chuffed - we are big fans of their artisan approach and attention to detail. We previewed the bikes at the
EICMA show in Milan a few months back and were very impressed with the 2006 range.
The new Spirit R8 is a more “traditional” high end frame from Scapin. Made from custom drawn Columbus Spirit, the tubes are all welded in the Scapin factory.
The steel is then ceramic bead blasted to strengthen the welds and prime the
surface for the WPT weather proofing treatment. This involves an electrolosis
process to coat the surface with Zinc salts, inside and out, resulting in a
frame that will withstand anything the weather can throw at it.
The frame is then painted in the Scapin factories own paint shop, with four
solid colours available as standard, or four tricolore colours at extra cost.
The resulting frame is designed with big rides in mind, with a definite tilt
towards racing. Like all Scapin bikes, the difference is in the handling, with
stability a priority. The "built-in" comfort of
the highest grade steel available, can be ridden all day. The first few rides confirm that Scapin have done their homework - it's super comfy, yet surprisingly light.
Available in traditional or sloping styles, with Mizuno FK-SL carbon fork and
FSA headset. Full builds also available from £1949, with Shimano Ultegra, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe, and FSA SLK Mega Exo carbon cranks.
Also available with Chorus, Dura Ace and Record groupsets.
Frame: Columbus custom Drawn Scapin Spirit tubeset
Fork: Mizuno full carbon
Headset: FSA 1 1/8"
Stem: FSA carbon
Bars: FSA
Tape: Cork
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
Levers: Shimano Ultegra, 10-speed, STI, flight deck compatible
Front derailleur: FSA compact
Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra, short cage
Cassette sprockets: Shimano Ultegra, 12-25t
Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace, 10-speed
Cranks: FSA SLK MegaExo, 2-piece carbon crankset 50x34T
BB: FSA integrated, exterior cartridge bearings, alloy
Pedals: None
Wheels: Mavic Ksyrium Elite, welded aluminum double wall rim, machined sidewalls
Tyres: Michelin Speedium 700x23C
Saddle: Selle Italia
Seat post: Selcof Premium Carbon
• Sizes: TBC (standard and sloping geometry)
• Colours: Gloss Black or see website
• Price: Frame, fork and headset £829.00 £2049.99 (as shown)
• www.scapin.com
• www.velocebikes.com
|
Seat tube |
Mizuno Fork |
attention to detail |
Neat cable guides |
and seatpost clamp |
FSA compact ensemble |
" & _
David Arthur
