It’s been a while since I rode the kind of bike that you pedal, but this is one of my latest that I’m especially in love with. It’s an Independent Fabrication, Crown Jewel SSR. This one is Stainless Steel. I’m an old roadie who can certainly appreciate the fine qualities of carbon, aluminum, and titanium, but I feel especially attached to the qualities of steel in a bicycle.

The rear seat stays are not painted on this bike so a lot of people think it’s titanium when they see it. The ride quality is stiff but very compliant. It feels like it’s on rails when cornering (hate that overused term but it just does).

My grouppo of choice has always been Campagnolo. This time I chose the Record variety. Keeps me firmly planted in the hooks when shifting in sprint situations… yeah, because that still happens…

In any case, this bike needs to be photographed some more. It’s a real work of art. Independent Fabrication did a great job on the fit and finish. This bike is modeled after the dimensions of my race bike from 15+ years ago. All tubes and angles are the same.

Steel is Real

Here’s something I’d like to try for the garage for some bike storage. Can imagine a few of these hanging from the ceiling to keep the bikes up and out of the way and to make for fast and simple storage. Pretty cool concept. Looks like you can get them at Brookstone.