Cyfac Testimonial Par Excellence

Mr. James H. shares his thoughts on his beautiful Absolu:

"You may remember last May that my wife bought me what can only be described as the best wedding present I could wish for, a Cyfac Absolu. The day I picked up my first Cyfac, Proxidium Carbon, I saw the first Absolu in the UK and for me that was the ultimate frame and since then I have always wanted to own one. Luckily for me I married a very understanding and generous wife and thanks to Laura, Dave at Boutique cycles, you and the Cyfac team I’m now living the dream. I spent my honeymoon designing and researching the frame design and what you guys delivered was absolutely spot on, right down to the very last detail, it’s an absolute masterpiece. Because this is no ordinary frame and completely unique I wanted to do the frame justice in terms of components that complement the design but most importantly the ride qualities. It’s taken until now to get the finished bike together although I was riding it as soon as I could, so I have attached some photo’s, although they do not do the bike justice. I will take some better ones so let me know if you would like me to send them over?

I would like to thank you and all the staff at Cyfac for putting the whole experience together, from the engraved bottle of wine through to the perfectly finished frame. The bike is artistic and design perfection and the ride is amazing, so comfortable yet so stiff and responsive. Both my bikes are testament to what Cyfac do and I love the fact that they have been built and crafted in the place they were designed. There is nothing that looks and rides as good.

Many thanks,

James"

Cyfac | Is "Comfort" the New Buzz Word for the Cycling World?

The marketing-speak kicks into full gear as the racing calendar takes cycling fans through the cobbled classics.  A new category of frames that are now both comfortable and performance-oriented is all of a sudden miraculous and the rage amongst the cycling press and big brand PR campaigns.  So, what does this say about the previous "laterally stiff/vertically compliant" frames which were both fast and comfortable and the choice for the pro racer and the buying public alike? 

The new strata of framesets designed to take some of the edge off of their uber-stiff race bikes are certainly a great move and we applaud the effort to present more rideable bikes to those consumers who aren't young bike racers lucky enough to have a massage and rest after each ride.  We are of the opinion that most of the "race" bikes offered to the public are too geared to the stiff/light criteria and not focused enough on rideability and comfort.  If you have the stiffest frame, the stiffest drivetrain, the stiffest wheels, and the stiffest soles to your shoes, we can pretty much guarantee that there will be a stiff back, arms, and shoulders to follow (and that's if the bike even fits).  New products that don't beat the you-know-what out of the rider are great.  But, is this just more marketing blah-blah-blah?

We know that even pros can lament their super-stiff bikes and that they, who are at the summit of the sport, still want to be comfortable for all of the hours, days, and months that racing and training demand.  In every other sport, there is a much greater understanding of the impact equipment has on the athlete.  In cycling, the criteria for good has been stuck on stiffer=better so it's good to see something of a change in this calculus.

"Comfortable" has been turned into a bad word in most of the bicycle world, suggesting that this quality somehow makes a bike less capable of performance and that someone looking for a ride that is less like sitting on top of a jackhammer isn't a hard-core rider.  That needs to change.  Last we checked, aches and pains, numbness, and discomfort tends to detract from any sport.  Products that provide for comfort set the best stage for performance -- a rider is less fatigued, fresher, and better able to deliver energy to his or her performance. 

Taipei Cycle Show - Cyfac Exporting to Asia

So, in today's market we all know that many cycling products are made in China and Taiwan and then distributed throughout the world under the guise of various brand names.  Many competing brands are all manufactured under the same roof by the same companies using many shared processes, technologies, and materials.  While this is a reality of today's bicycle market (and many markets for that matter) it's not the case with us.  

We recently attended the Taipei Cycle Show in Taiwan's capital city.  Heading upstream from the normal flow of the cycling world's products presents some unique situations that give us a chuckle and help reinforce our commitment to making our own products, one-at-a-time, with each client in-mind.  One day of the show brought a bunch of Taiwanese and Chinese company reps looking for new clients; that's one key aspect of the show given that you assemble the brands and the companies who are actually making the products together in one place.  They looked over an Absolu that we had built up for the show and told us that they could build it for us themselves.  When we told them how it was built (tube-to-tube and not out of a mould) and that we custom build each frame they smiled, raised their eyebrows with a little twinkle in their eye, and said something to the effect of "wow".  Each person was incredibly nice and respectful, always tied Cyfac to the Tour de France, and asked us some more inquisitive questions about our finishes and options.  And then, ultimately, they asked us the volume of frames that we produce in this fashion.  That's when it was their turn to laugh.  We probably make in 1 year what most of these factories produce in a week!  The scale of what we do and the fact that we are making each frame to-order is antithetical to the way most goods are produced in the cycling world these days.  Cyfac is old-fashioned in this sense.  But, we found an appreciative and receptive audience all the same.

The goal of our time in Taipei is to find new distribution partners for the Asian markets.  We already work through Cyfac distributors in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan and even have a Cyfac Postural System dealer in South Korea.  We see the desire among the growing base of Asian cyclists for high-end product and many have said that they don't want something that is made locally and then given the appearance of being "European" because of the brand and marketing.  They know otherwise.  To them, our little booth with our handmade Cyfac frames pleased them just fine as it underscored the authenticity and focus of what we do with each frame.  The entire French Pavillon of cycling companies added some additional resonance to our efforts to export to Asia and we will soon announce several new partners ready to help us spread the Cyfac name throughout the passionate cycling world in Asia.

Cyfac continues to design, produce, and finish all of its own products in-house at our Loire Valley workshop.  We are expanding our global reach through distribution in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.  There are some untouched markets so if you are interested in distributing Cyfac, please let us know! 

Cyfac Ultimate Cycling Australia - ABSOLU Review

The cycling season is in full-swing in the Southern Hemisphere.  With balmy temps and some great roads, Australia's market is storming.

Cyfac is becoming known in this hot-bed of cycling as more riders are looking towards something unique and of the highest quality.  Ultimate Cycling Australia Magazine, gives its readers a taste of what Cyfac has to offer wit this great review of the ABSOLU V2 custom.

As they say, "In a market dominated by factory-built carbon frames, French manufacturer Cyfac proves that custom frames can still combine passion and patience, for great results."

Read the full review here.

Cyfac Down Under

"This one will make every bike perve's heart flutter with excitement."  

Not quite the turn of phrase that we'd use, but it sums up the sentiment nicely enough!  Cyfac's presence in Australia continues to grow thanks to the top efforts of our partner, BIKE STABLE Imports.  With an eye for special builds and a keen sense of how to take advantage of Cyfac's paint template offerings these folks manage to come up with some beautiful ways to showcase Cyfac bikes.  With Australia enjoying its summer, we look forward to seeing more of our bikes on their roads.  We'll just have to figure out how to visit them next winter so that we can get some southern hemisphere sunshine!

Please see the posting here.

VERANDA RIDEAU - PLAGES VENDEENES

Romain Mathéou troisième. La petite marche du podium en attendant la victoire. Alors que la première épreuve des Plages Vendéennes jeudi à Saint-Révérend où Benoît Jarrier prenait la 12e place nous laissait comme un goût de désillusion après le formidable exploit réalisé à Bessèges, nous avons vu ce samedi, une équipe soudée et bien présente. Dès le départ les coureurs de Véranda Rideau-U Haute Normandie sont actifs. Maxime Le Montagner est le premier attaquant du jour. Dans le deuxième grand tour des trois suivis de 6 tours de circuits que comptait l’épreuve, quarante cinq coureurs se portent à l’avant dont Maxime Le Montagner, Tomasz Olejnik, Justin Jules et Romain Mathéou ainsi que trois coureurs de l’équipe réserve ussapb : Julien Duval, Clément Saint Martin, et Christopher de Souza. Ils prennent jusqu’à une minute quarante cinq d’avance sur le peloton. On observe un regroupement général à trente kilomètres de l’arrivée. C’est à ce moment que Maxime le Montagner, accompagné de six autres coureurs tente le tout pour le tout. Les fuyards s’éloignent du peloton, le laissant à cinquante secondes derrière eux. Toutefois, sur la forte pression des équipes rivales, le peloton effectue la jonction à dix kilomètres de l’arrivée. Le sprint massif est inévitable, et malgré un travail d’équipe remarquable de la part de tous les équipiers Véranda Rideau-U, Romain Mathéou termine 3e et Justin Jules 5e. Rudy Barbier (ussapb) prend une belle 7e place et Julien Duval 9e. Maxime Le Montagner remporte le classement des rushs. Julien Duval (ussapb) le prix des points chauds et Clément Saint Martin (ussapb) le prix de la combattivité. Romain Mathéou s’est dit déçu à la fin de la course, mais depuis des années qu’il n’avait plus fait d’arrivée au sprint, il retrouve ses sensations et promet de s’ajuster pour les prochaines épreuves.

VERANDA RIDEAU-U - 2ieme ETOILE DE BESSEGES

Franck Vermeulen, 2ème du général de l'étoile de Bessèges, derrière Jérôme Coppel, mais devant Rein Taramaae et Pierre Rolland... un néo pro de 35 ans au milieu de 3 vainqueurs potentiels du Tour dans les années à venir ! Une sacrée entrée en matière dans le grand bain pour le Team Veranda Rideau U !!

What a great start for this first-year pro team.  Frank Vermeulen comes in 2nd overall and the team scored two 2nd place podiums on 2 separate stages with a mix of seasoned and neo-pro riders.  Bravo to this only pro team racing custom frames!

VERANDA RIDEAU-U Team Etoile de Bessèges

Justin Jules - 5ieme à la deuxième étape de l'Etoile de Bessèges!

Justin Jules - 5th place in the 2nd stage of the Etoile de Bessèges aboard his ABSOLU V2!

Entretien avec capitaine de route, Freddy BICHOT:

http://www.velo101.com/pros/article/interview-de-freddy-bichot--4534

Cyfac 2012 Team Clothing

Cyfac's all-new 2012 team kit arrives later this month for distribution in the US first.  Cyfac's US partner, Velo Europa Imports (www.veloeuropa.com), is now taking pre-orders via their online store here.

The 2012 kit has been updated with an exciting new tricouleur design evoking the French heritage of our entire frame line-up.

Produced by the fine folks at Capo, the Cyfac kit is available in Short-Sleeve jersey, bibs, and wind vests.  Stay tuned for more pieces to be added to the collection.

 

VERANDA RIDEAU-U Team Launch

January 18th marked the official launch of the TEAM VERANDA RIDEAU-U.  Supported by France's NORMANDIE Région as Normandy's first professional cycling team, the introduction event featured Daniel Mangeas, known as "the voice" of the Tour de France.  Monsieur Mangeas is the Tour announcer, calling the store stages and providing all of the color-commentating at the world's most pretigious cycling event.  He lent his famous voice and passion for cycling to the VERANDA RIDEAU-U launch, creating an ambiance that was truly pro.

We look forward to following the exploits of this fantastic new team.  A mix of young and veteran riders, VERANDA RIDEAU-U will be the only pro team riding custom frames.  We look forward to seeing their season launch at the end of the month with the famous GP de Marseillaise race in Southern France.

Cyfac Makes Custom Frames

This post comes after reading a few recent news pieces as well as the geometry section of a big bike brand...

Cyclingnews.com wrote an article about Katie Compton (US CROSS Champ) and her switch from a small custom frame builder to GIANT for 2011/12.  The article appears on 1/13/12. 

"When a rider changes bikes, there's always an adjustment period, and there was no exception in Compton's switch to her Giant. The small bike is still relatively large, with a 52.5cmtop tube, and this has forced the use of a custom zero offset seatmast clamp and a stem 1cm shorter than she might otherwise prefer."

OK, fair enough, sometimes a rider has to swap out parts and pieces to get a standard bike to fit.  As long as it doesn't imperil their position, render the bike unsafe, or affect the bike's handling characteristics this is part of the concession some have to make to riding a standard product.  But, such an accomplished pro who has an obvious fit issue on her bike and she doesn't even get a custom frame...

From Cervelo's website:

"Even the most demanding pros fit properly on a stock Cervelo, no need for custom sizes. That's our conclusion after supporting hundreds of the world's best athletes. The reason we don't need customs where other bike companies do lies in our unique reach-based geometry. This results in six properly spaced-out sizes with minimal overlap."

This is a stretch...To suggest that 6 sizes cover every rider and that supporting hundreds of the world's best athletes (most of which are men, aged 20-30, with tremendous natural gifts, extremely fit/lean and by no means indicative of the average cyclist) is an argument that falls pretty flat.  Their "unique reach-based geometry" is just a different way to express frame geometry that is basically on-par with most other standard frame geometries and that reduces a frame's geometry to just one number instead of the typical ones which actually inform the rider on how a frame is going to fit…Instead of giving more info, "REACH" gives less.  Not a good trend and not much help to the rider.

These are just two examples of many that suggest a custom frame is a no longer needed.  In some cases, it's obvious that the rider is making a compromise because of sponsorship obligations.  In others, it's just the marketing angle that a company takes because they have built their brand around a particular argument and can't afford anything that undermines that.

We know that some riders need custom, some don't, and some just want the prestige of a custom frame.  There are arguments for standard geometry frames with custom materials simply because so many of today's frames are just too darn stiff and abusive for a lot of riders.  At Cyfac, we can build both standard and custom geometries.  We don't have a big asian factory that keeps churning about frames that must be moved and we pretty much build to order.  So, our approach is to get our clients on frames that make them better riders.  Personal budgets count, of course, but even with that as a prime consideration there are various custom Cyfac options sat the same price point as some mass-produced, open-mould frames made in China. 

Let's underscore the idea of "The Custom Bike."  

At Cyfac, the "Custom Bike" is the rider's dream bike realized.  It is the bike that is perfectly dialed into each client's fitting needs, material requirements, and personal aesthetic tastes.  It is the sublime pairing of rider and bike that transcends all other set-ups to deliver unmatched comfort, confidence, and performance.  It represents a one-off build that is made only for the individual rider and that showcases the builder's commitment to that one rider.  The dialogue, intimacy, and intricacy of the custom process is the antithesis of mass-production.  

Producing a custom frame is special.  A machine and all of the fixtures that would normally be set-up to work with hundreds or thousands of tubes of the same dimensions are set up just once, to do a single frame.  The builder is highly-skilled, experienced, and passionate, working as a craftsman AND technician and not just a cheap source of labor.  The painter employs technical savoir-faire and artistic excellence with actual paint to give the frame finish in lieu of the decals that only provide uniformity and time/cost savings.  

The "Custom Bike" is truly a one-off creation at Cyfac.  Each time.  All or nothing.   

Cyfac offers a level of customization that is unmatched in the cycling world.  Today, "Custom build” is something of a misnomer, as the term generally means that a rider can spec the components, bar tape, wheels, tire options, and such that relate only to the set-up and not to the frame at all.  Cyfac is a frame builder.  For us, customization speaks to the heart of a bike and the relationship between the rider and vélo with the frame at its core.  Adding different components can help to dial in a standard frameset but true customization is the combination of myriad factors that can only be addressed by starting with a frame perfectly adapted to the rider. Our goal is harmony for this rider-bicycle pair.  This ensures optimal rider function, bicycle dynamics, and performance regardless of the rider level or cycling discipline. To others, the "custom bike" term has been appropriated to cover a bike build that gives the rider the chance to mix and match components and possibly some of the finishing attributes all on a standard frame.  It suggests that a special brake hood color, cable housing kit, saddle choice makes the bike "custom" and unique to the rider.  We don't subscribe to this view and offer something entirely different.  

We proceed from a passion for the sport, for delivering the rider his bike and not something that in some way falls short.  We operate in the domain of the artisan, not the accountant.  We are a builder, not a marketer.  We can build YOUR dream custom bike so that it fits you, corresponds to your wants and needs, and delivers you where you want to go to the best of your abilities and our skill and experience as an actual builder.

Cyfac Marks its 30th Anniversary

This year, Cyfac celebrates 30 years.

Francis Quillon founded Cyfac in 1982 in a little workshop across the country lane from his house.  Amid the vineyards and chateaux, Cyfac flourished and its passion for cycling became ingrained in all that we do.  Our current workshop has grown a bit over the years but it still stands at the same spot in the Loire Valley countryside.  

Begun after a passion for bike-racing led to a passion for fixing and building frames, Cyfac started as a true artisan "atelier".  "CYFAC", the name, is actually an acronym for "Cycles Fabrication Artisanale des Cadres" which essentially translates to "Handmade Bicycle Frames."  Cyfac did that in an impressive way from the start, immediately building and repairing the frames of top amateur riders and pros alike.  Soon, individual riders turned into full teams.  And, during a time when most French bike shops also had their own store brand of custom frames, Cyfac became the frame of choice under other names.

Through the years, famous riders like Fignon, Mottet, Riis, Virenque, Pantani, Chiappucci, Vandenbroucke, Miller and more chose Cyfac frames. Technologically-advanced and dependable, each frame was built with the necessary excellence to withstand the demands of hard grit European racing and training.  The "Cyfac" brand didn't exist yet but the reputation for quality, fit, and fantastic ride characteristics carried the company's notoriety forth.  

Cyfac was the first to TIG-weld aluminum frames, the first European custom titanium builder, the first full-custom carbon frame maker and the world's only full-custom alu superbike builder (since outlawed by the UCI). Today, Cyfac remains at home with old-world craftsmanship and cutting edge technologies; Cyfac employs the best of both worlds to maintain our focus on quality in both the manufacturing and finish processes.  Our artisans and technical staff infuse each frame with a time-honored attention-to-detail and passion for cycling, making each one to-order just for you.

See a bit of our "firsts" throughout the years.

Cyfac Postural System - Re-Launch Coming soon.

As we've mentioned on Facebook and elsewhere, the Cyfac Postural System gets relaunched soon (Feb 2012).  Forefront on our minds these days are questions of bike fit and set-up.  There is a lot of good information out there, a lot of anecdotal reckoning that cuts every which way possible, and then other supposed "legitimate" variants that fall short in terms of scientific study and plain old reason.  When everyone purports to be an expert, we like to recognize items that make sense and that should warrant additional consideration.  Take a look at the January 2012 issue of Triathlete Magazine.  An article about aerobar set-up caught our eye:  "AEROBAR SETUP: DOES LOWER ALWAYS EQUAL FASTER?"

If you can track this down, give it a read.  While we question some of the rather linear and oversimplified arguments, we do think it's great to focus on dispelling the myth that lowering the bars makes you faster.  A couple of points:

•"You still have to generate power."  Bingo.  "Aerodynamics" sounds like a good criteria to chase but what if it's to the detriment of your overall output.  You can have a better aerodynamic profile that results in you going slower if it impedes your ability to actually apply force to the pedal, if it has a negative impact on physiological efficiencies, and doesn't allow you to generate optimal output. 

•"Lowering the bars doesn't always lower the rider."  True.  In fact, your frontal profile is more dependent on your body position than on the position and characteristic of your bars or any other equipment (including that very small front brake that so many brands now hide in the interest of marketing, ahem…, I mean aerodynamics.  If you have to extend and open up your arms to get into lower bars then doesn't that just make your frontal surface area that much more exposed?!  Yes.  If you don't have the proportions that allow you to take those bars lower while remaining the proper position then your bike might look faster but you'll be slower! 

Some things to consider.  Stay tuned for more CPS information as the launch date approaches.

Bonne route!

Cyfac Custom(er) Satisfaction

Thank you very much to Alex Hawker for his nice compliments.  Good luck for your return to cycling.  We'll see you at the top of the col!

"The bike is really beautiful, I had to send multiple images as they were too large to be sent all together. The bike is really special as it was a real custom build with oversize top tube and carbon around the bottom bracket to allow press fit bearings and to get maximum suitability for me as I was rather large (127KG), having ridden the bike to help my fitness I am  today down to 101KG, and by next summer I expect to be 86KG. The problem with my weight happened when I broke my ACL anterior cruciate Ligament in my left knee, In a skiing accident 2 years ago and I could not move for a long time so my weight went up.

Anyway Cycling has been my way back to fitness and my Cyfac has been the inspiration, it’s such an amazing bike that I love to be out riding it, it is so smooth to ride its incredible. My personal big challenge for next year is to take the bike to the French Alps and do the Col D’iseran above Val d’isere. It is a super long climb so I had better make sure I lose the weight.

The bike is so great I have just bought another Cyfac Nerv DS2 for my wife, so maybe we will do that climb together."

Cyfac-Custom Site Relaunch - Custom Colored Bicycle Frames at their best.

Cyfac International proudly announces the launch of its new custom color site, www.cyfac-custom.com.  This new portal showcases the amazing variety of paint options available from the illustrious French frame builder.    Customers can choose from 7 Cyfac paint design templates and arrange more than 25 color tints to create truly unique paint schemes. There are frame options for both standard and ISP (integrated seat post) styles and custom color shades are also available. 

Full in-house paint service has been a point of pride for the French manufacturer since Cyfac began nearly 30 years ago.  With the new Cyfac-Custom.com site, the commitment to realizing the best quality frame build and a finish to match steps up to a new level.  Once a color choice is made, the technicians and artisans at Cyfac’s Loire Valley home will then paint their customer’s dream frame, adding rider name/initials/personal logos and even the builders’ signatures if desired.

With more than 2 Million color combinations, Cyfac provides the cycling world’s most varied and advanced color selection tool and has the in-house skill to realize rolling works of art.

“We consider the frame finish as important as the build beneath it.  We use real paint, stencils instead of decals, and focus on realizing each client’s unique desires.” says Eric Sakalowsky, Cyfac’s co-owner and Sales/Marketing/Export director. 

“Cyfac is all about the individual rider-client”, he continues.  “We build each frame one-at-a time and the paint process is designed to realize each customer’s own aesthetic tastes.  If someone was a discrete stealth racing machine or the flashiest touring bike ever made, we can deliver.”

The site will allows for an intuitive customer-led design process and is in French and English.  It can be accessed directly from Cyfac’s main site - www.cyfac.fr - or at www.cyfac-custom.com.

Accés | Intimité | Difference - Cyfac

De Mr. Goursaud qui est venu nous voir cette semaine:

J'ai eu, ce matin, l'immense plaisir de visiter les ateliers CYFAC où l’accueil est vraiment sympa et chaleureux. Le personnel rencontré dans l'atelier et à l’accueil, pourtant occupé par leur travail, est toujours disponible pour répondre à nos questions. J'en ai beaucoup appris sur la fabrication et l'assemblage des cadres, alus, aciers ou composites ainsi que le travail minutieux de la préparation à la peinture. J'ai été le témoin privilégié de brasure de cadre, de passage de cadre au marbre et j'ai pu toucher certains matériaux précieux. La visite commenté est à l'image des produits CYFAC: haut de gamme ! A cette occasion j'ai eu la grande joie de récupérer mon cadre Adagio qui a passé quelques jours au SAV.

Un grand merci à vous tous pour le travail effectué et la prise en charge.

Je vous adresse mes plus sincères félicitations à tous et toutes pour les belles choses travaillées à la main que j'ai pu admirer, cadres finis ou en cours de montage. 

J’espère avoir un jour la possibilité de revenir vous voir.

A bientôt."

***

This morning I had the immense pleasure of visiting the Cyfac workshop where the welcome was very nice and inviting.  The personnel that I met, while still engaged in their work, were always available to respond to my questions.  I learned a lot about the fabrication of alloy, steel, and carbon frames as well as the minute attention given in the painting process.  I witnessed the brazing of a frame on the table and was even able to handle some of the precious materials.  The visit matches Cyfac's image - high-end!

Thank you to you all for your work and welcome.

I express my sincere congratulations to you all for the beautiful hand-made pieces that I was able to admire whether they were completed frames or those in production."

The New CPS Launching Jan 2012

The Cyfac Postural System has fit more than 25,000 riders since it debuted with dealers.  Sylvain Chavanel, Thomas Voeckler, Thor Hushovd, cyclosportifs, and enthusiasts the world over have benefitted from our precise, efficient, and laboratory-tested fitting system.

Conceived to create an optimal union between rider and machine, the Cyfac Postural System is the realization of more than 20 years of detailed positioning analysis done at France's Lyon Center of Sports Medicine. A full decade was spent conducting the R&D for the actual CPS system as we see it today. A team of medical doctors, Ph.d’s, Physiologists, Ergonomists and other technicians independently produced and verified the protocols and research to ensure unbiased and scientifically-sound data, unspoiled by preconceptions of what works on the bike. 

In January 2012, we will introduce the all-new patent-pending CPS unit with dealer and distributor launches worldwide.

The best fit allows the rider to ride farther and faster with less wear-and-tear and greater efficiency.  

Stay tuned for more details.

Partnering with the Best - OZ Edition with Bike Stable Imports

Cyfac pursues a policy of working with the best dealers and distribution partners the world over.  To us, this isn't the promise of quantity but, rather, quality.  Building custom and personalized frames is extremely service-oriented and demands a focus on the individual rider, his/her needs and the specific wants and desires that speak to geometry, material, and finish.  The skillset that brings together an ability to analyze, counsel, and service each specific project build is exceptional and not too easy to come by.

One of our newest partners is Bike Stable Imports - http://bikestable.com.au/ - has the necessary skill and passion to be a true asset to our company, products, and customers.  

Check out Bike Stables' new showroom (known as Artisan Cycles) in Melbourne for the latest Cyfac products next time your travels take you Down Under!

XCR Inox | Stainless Steel Cyfa

Steel has entered a new era.  Long cherished for its exceptional ride characteristics, ease-of-use in building, and overall performance, the past decade or so saw steel largely pushed aside as the big brands garner the marketing bang of having the lightest, stiffest frameset (that is also happens to be the most easily built by a subcontracted facility in Asia).  Well, steel has come around as many riders have jettisoned their mass-produced carbon rigs and harsh rides in favor of the real deal.  Now we encounter the stunning beauty and exceptional qualities of XCR Stainless steel.

Crafted by Bernard (Cyfac's longest-serving employee at 30 years on the job) and Francis Quillon (Cyfac's founder and now honorary President), each Cyfac XCR frameset features custom geometry, tube selections made for the individual rider, and your choice of finish options.  Exceptional starts to do justice to how this beauty looks...Words are tough to come by to describe just how nicely it rides...

Available with a variety of build specs, including full Di2 routing!  Let us know what you think.

How light is stupid light?

As you probably have gathered by now, Cyfac doesn't put the premium on the industry buzz words of "lighter" and "stiffer".  We prefer to focus on quality, fit, and a special character that is only imparted on a product made by passionate artisans and their skilled hands.  Needless to say, the weight battle can be won without compromise on frame quality.  Consider this Absolu put together by our Australian distributor, Bike Stable Imports.  It's tough to make out in the picture but the scale show 5.96 KGS.   That is just 13.1 lbs.   The wheels and saddle are very light but the rest is standard product.  Considering the UCI weight limit at 6.8 KGS, I think it's safe to say that you can get to the stupidly light range without sacrificing any of the quality, durability, and ride-ability on the frame side!