Z5Sli to Sydney
Now prowling the packs of Sydney – an easy one to pick with its mix of matt and gloss finishes!
A fresh orange always hits the spot!
This Parlee Z5SLi features matt black with gloss metallic orange and pearl white panel details. Simple and fresh!
Z1 – an enduring Classic
Size can be just a trick of the eye!
This 8 year old Z1 had a look that seemed to emphasise its 60cm tt. So when we gave it a refresh we played with the graphics to give it a balanced look that the owner just loves.
As he comes back to this bike from his other handbuilt specials his opening comment was “its easy to forget just how good this is, its the best no doubt about it!”
Capo Pink Parlee
This Parlee Z5 was done for this show with an Italian theme with simple, tight design brief from Parlee’s kit partner Capo.
A simple but bold statement.
Parlee Z1 – good as gold
On its way to Adelaide shortly. Clear over carbon with just the gold classic downtube logos. Elegant.
Larkin’ about on a MOOTS PsychloX
Paul had been planning this creation in minute detail and when all the parts came together it was a very quick build indeed.
It is a little unusual here (and probably anywhere) due to its Ultegra Di2, its discs and its custom paint and anodised highlights.
It has been out and around quite a bit racing and cruising and is about to hit Rotorua to extend his fear threshold with some mountain biking. Literally right after Sunday’s DDCX.
Z3 Pretty in Pink
Parlee’s Z3 with some subtle and some not quite so subtle pick highlights, Ultegra Di2 and robust wheels affords the perfect platform for future upgrades for this lady with a strong determination and lazer focus. Soon to be seen on roads just about anywhere in the world.
Some first bike really !
“Tonite’s the nite we’ve waited for” — DDCX is go!
Racing, laughing, eating, racing, drinking, laughing, racing etc. etc.
2.5 hours to go and the guys who started supporting a bunch ride at 5.00am are ready to roll.
Mitch was last seen levitating above the studio floor whilst channeling Lars Boom and patting his bike which is finally in full racing trim.
Paul will switch to a Moots PsychloX for the Prologue and customer Chris Mason jumped at the chance to race the Parlee CX tonight. Simon “knees” Carey will probably throw stuff at him from the sidelines…
Hopefully the 2N’s will return to fight for the coveted “N1″ designation with the corresponding skinsuit.
Drop by and say hello as if we all huddle together it will be warmer!
Oh yes, here is IF Steel Planet X before he hits the sandpit…
Off The Planet X
DDCX is nearly here and the activity is furious below as one man sweats over his new toy. Here are few snippets of details of the build before the final reveal.
I am told he will be out testing the new “low drag anti-cling” finish in the morning as he has been muttering something about “its just like a Belgian summer” all day!
All that glitters…IF SSR
The devil is in the detail! A work in progress with a vexing decision around the “right” wheel choice being the final step to completion.
IF Purple Puddle Eater is here!
Currently being prepped with our new paint protection coating, this little gem will be on the trails this weekend. Yes it is err…petite! Seat tube length is 12″ in “US Metric”.
Mitch’s just reward!
The crucial moment came about 35 kms out from Falls Creek. As we drove past Nick he looked the worse for wear but responded he was fine and then shouted “I’ll have the red one!” The deal was done.
Mitch’s incentive for the 2012 3 Peaks was that if he was first home he could have his choice of any bike in the shop. Over the preceding weeks he had done a few road tests and was torn for choice across various Moots, IF and Parlee models but in the end it was the SunGraphics finish on this Parlee Z3 that swayed him.
Now with the new SRAM red, Thomson post and stem and fast set of custom built wheels it will be hard to get it off him!
Time to do another design.
Next stop for both is Italy next week on a Cadence Tours Giro adventure.
Smooth Chocolate IF
Well it is easter and this IF Steel Crown Jewel features the new chocolate brown with two tone purple and white accents. We used IF’s custom geometry to build a frame that will enable a wide range of riders to test and enjoy this butter smooth gem.
The build features a “cleaned up” Campy Athena alloy group set, Paul Components seatpost and Ritchey Classic alloy cockpit and some purple anodised highlights including the TUNE skewers . The King Brown headset will soon be joined by matching BB and R45 hubs wrapped in HED C2 rims with Challenge Roubaix tyres. The cages are anodised King Ti.
Drop by and take it for a ride.
Crankstar does “individual” in style
Our Brisbane retail partner, Steve at Crankstar in Camp Hill, continues to shine in consistently delivering outstanding individual bikes to his clients.
Here are three teasers from his Blog which can be found here at www.crankstar.com.au Enjoy!
IF everyday “all rounder” #2
This IF Club Racer based bike is finished in Intense Blue Pearl and features a Moots Ti post and Deda cockpit and two frame lugs for a “real” pump.
Parlee “Veyron SS”
Finally finished with the Busyman bar tape, Campy Super Record, Clavicula Cranks, 3T Stealth bar and Stem (and ultimately seat post) and custom painted rims (if you hadn’t noticed!). Light and distinctive.
Coming along Nicely
Saddle done and the detail corrected on the otherwise delightful finish on the 3T Team “Black” bar.
Now to pick a groupset while waiting for the matching 3T post and then finish off with some custom leather from Busyman.
IF – focused and flying!
An overnight in Portsmouth NH, a quick drive through the stunning scenery to Newmarket delivered me to the door of the new home of Independent Fabrication.
Well it seems the industry has been awash with ill informed rumours regarding IF’s relocation, indeed demise and to perpetuate the misquote of Mark Twain, “rumours of (IF’s) demise are greatly exaggerated” !
The gestation of the facility from relic to home has been chronicled on the IF Blog and to be frank it doesn’t do it justice! It is stylish, functional, spacious, quirky, inviting, relaxed, focused and aligned with continuing the IF Brand’s heritage whilst raising the bar on production and service values and offering an elevated customer experience. Yep it made an impression and was more than worth the journey.
However, buildings don’t make great bikes, people do. More correctly a team does. Toni and Gary gave me the run of the place and the opportunity to introduce myself to and spend time with all of the team. From Jesse and Ryan at “the front end” to Benny in shipping (Director of First Impressions?) one can only be impressed by the clarity of purpose and Mutual accountability for the finished product.
So let the good frames roll!
Crankstar dance card
The bikes are racked and ready and the kit is ripe for the picking….don’t let the dance card fill before your turn on friday through Sunday at Crankstar in Brisbane.
Show and tell at Crankstar now!
We arrived today at Crankstar in Brisbane with a selection of IF, Moots and Parlee bikes and frames. So come and see Steve what some options for your next bike – key word is “your”. Built for you just the way you want it.
Z1 for the taller Gentleman
At around 6′ 8″ in the old currency and with a build and power to match, we anticipate that the “travelling” owner will enjoy the revised fit and the qualities of this bespoke build when he returns to Melbourne shortly.
The bike is light, lively and robust and we feel quietly confident it will meet its owners expectations both here and in France!
“In the Blood” Z3 Complete
An excited owner collected the finished article today muttering something about lousy weather. It will be well used very soon and we will do a post on the owner’s feedback.
Weight as is? – now that would be telling wouldn’t it!
