Scapin Fazer Review by Clive de Sousa
It was hard to separate the ride quality of the Fazer frame set from the all out performance group set it came equipped with. Nothing was a second guess, DI2 Group, Enve bar and stem, FFWD tubular wheels which I downgraded to Mavic SL's to get a better feel for the frame. When all was said and done I gave myself over to the slickness of the accompanying parts and understood the Fazer better. It's a all out attempt on the part of Scapin to build the best possible bike. No stone left unturned everything about the Fazer strives at the perfect ride and that includes the way they equip their bikes.
It was hard to separate the ride quality of the Fazer frame set from the all out performance group set it came equipped with. Nothing was a second guess, DI2 Group, Enve bar and stem, FFWD tubular wheels which I downgraded to Mavic SL's to get a better feel for the frame. When all was said and done I gave myself over to the slickness of the accompanying parts and understood the Fazer better. It's a all out attempt on the part of Scapin to build the best possible bike. No stone left unturned everything about the Fazer strives at the perfect ride and that includes the way they equip their bikes.
At this price and coming from a small Italian builder you are never going to see this bike in the Tour, you probably be the only Scapin rider in every ride you do unless you go to North Eastern Italy and ride with the locals. It's a true boutique bike and from the build options "mechanical or electronic" to the seat post options "ISP or standard" with the ability to order it in custom geometry it's a true blend of tradition and technology for the most discerning cyclist.
What is Scapin. How to order
Since 1957 Scapin have been building technical bikes. Scapin are a traditional Italian company that believe "tradition is the future not the past" simply explained in the way they have always striven to create cutting edge bikes they look beautiful. 54 years down the road I have to agree with the statements made by the company.
Fazer does come in stock geometries for 2012, and is now priced at $4499 - still made in Italy of course and right around 1160 grams with ISP
- New handmade Ivor is the 2012 range topper in custom geometry only - it will be a UD tube to tube bike, which might be the only of it's kind - available in 6 weeks time for $5199 and comes in around 110 grams below the Fazer at a true 1050 grams with ISP...plus it includes a lifetime warranty from one of Italy's oldest frame builders
- 3rd in the range will be the monocoque Hysak, winner of CyclingPlus Superbike of the Year over Pinarello and Time. Retail for that model is $3899 and available with basically zero lead time, still hand finished and painted in Italy, with PressFit carbon bb
- They are saying a pro conti team is a possiability in 2012 and they plan on making a big push into the US market.
- Scapin also offers a steel and multi-material lineup, hydroformed aluminum entry level bike, and two solid mid level carbon models as well.
The Ride.
The Fazer did not jump off the page and blow me away as the most responsive, comfortable bike I had ever ridden. It somehow wooed me slowly and convinced me of it's pedigree as the miles wore on. First time out on the Fazer it felt like I had ridden it before. I was immediately comfortable and the handling was predictable and bike responded to my efforts exactly the way I wanted it to. The Fazer was for me the perfect balance of performance and comfort, it's sloping geometry made it comfortable in the saddle and even with the integrated seat post it was not harsh over rough roads yet on steep climbs it was explosive. The huge head tube was not only bold looking but it gave the bike a stability felt in very few bikes I have tested.
The Fazer did not jump off the page and blow me away as the most responsive, comfortable bike I had ever ridden. It somehow wooed me slowly and convinced me of it's pedigree as the miles wore on. First time out on the Fazer it felt like I had ridden it before. I was immediately comfortable and the handling was predictable and bike responded to my efforts exactly the way I wanted it to. The Fazer was for me the perfect balance of performance and comfort, it's sloping geometry made it comfortable in the saddle and even with the integrated seat post it was not harsh over rough roads yet on steep climbs it was explosive. The huge head tube was not only bold looking but it gave the bike a stability felt in very few bikes I have tested.
Faultless, is the only way for me to describe the Fazer. Nothing more need be said.
As for looks and finish I need to hold back here. Scapin hand build this frame in Italy and it is evident. Nothing wrong with bikes not build in Italy but the is something very special about Italian craftsmanship no matter if it's bags, shoes or bikes. There was not a single person who looked at it that was not impressed. It's a look that has to be seen in person, no flashy colors of elaborate paint design to draw your attention. It's something you only notice when you stop and take a second look. The 1k carbon weave is as near perfect as any I have seen and there are very few areas on the frame that are sprayed over with black paint to hide the messier sections where the fabric is not exactly perfect. Also the clear coat was somehow so smooth that it made cleaning the Fazer really easy, just a wipe with a wet rag and it seemed the road grime lifted easily.
An absolute pleasure to ride and I expect a rare pleasure to own. Scapins Fazer is not an ordinary bike. If there is a superclass for road bikes then the Fazer is in.
As for looks and finish I need to hold back here. Scapin hand build this frame in Italy and it is evident. Nothing wrong with bikes not build in Italy but the is something very special about Italian craftsmanship no matter if it's bags, shoes or bikes. There was not a single person who looked at it that was not impressed. It's a look that has to be seen in person, no flashy colors of elaborate paint design to draw your attention. It's something you only notice when you stop and take a second look. The 1k carbon weave is as near perfect as any I have seen and there are very few areas on the frame that are sprayed over with black paint to hide the messier sections where the fabric is not exactly perfect. Also the clear coat was somehow so smooth that it made cleaning the Fazer really easy, just a wipe with a wet rag and it seemed the road grime lifted easily.
An absolute pleasure to ride and I expect a rare pleasure to own. Scapins Fazer is not an ordinary bike. If there is a superclass for road bikes then the Fazer is in.
Notes:
The integrated seat post head is a FSA SLK - nothing fancy and maybe a little heavy. Easy enough to adjust and can accommodate carbon and steel rail saddles.
The derailleur hanger and rear wheel dropouts are unique to Scapin a really good solution to some of the challenges to the weight/reliability of off carbon in this area. They have simple alloy plates that screw to either side of the carbon. Easily replaced should they get worn or the hanger damage in a crash. Also the hanger was marvelously stiff which complimented the Di2 shifter well and is a real plus if you were to build this bike with Campy 11.
The Bottom bracket was a standard threaded BB. Even with all the new formats available at this time it seems this is the best solution for a bike of this nature which most likely get's built with Campagnolo or Shimano groups.
Available in standard or custom build and various colors you can visit Scapin here or contact me for more info here
