Test: Even off the shelf, the actually made-to-measure Italian fits like a glove. The stiff, well-balanced Ivor makes friends right away.
When it comes to cycling technology, Italy in the 1990s can certainly be described as a loser in terms of modernization. When US companies like Cannondale conquered the land between the seas and caused a sensation as sponsors of local professional teams, the traditional manufacturers, who had delighted the world with noble steel frames for decades, just stood by and did nothing. Innovative companies like Colnago, at the forefront of carbon frames, were too expensive for the majority of cyclists, and when the mechanical engineering-oriented German suppliers with their focus on light weight and rigidity came up, the export business of the Italians was also over. Brands from Basso to Wilier now have their own high-quality carbon frames in their ranges, but the heyday of Italian racing bikes is over.
However, many Italians made a virtue out of necessity, withdrew from the mass market and focused on quality and individualism. Some make custom frames that are sold under other logos, others continue their tradition under their own name - like Scapin.
The Rhineland, mid-February: The carnival is behind us, now it's time to get through the dreary weeks until the beginning of spring. Heavy clouds lie over the country, it hardly ever gets five degrees. But then the clouds suddenly part and the sun comes out for a moment. The streets are drying out, the thermometer is reading almost double digits, and a hint of spring is in the air. Thin gloves and a racing cap under the helmet are enough today, and we feel transported to the other side of the Alps - to northern Italy, where days like this are already the norm.
In any case, our bike suits the weather: a Scapin Ivor with Dura-Ace equipment, carbon parts and Ksyrium SLS. The Veneto-based manufacturer, founded in 1957, may no longer be independent, but it has remained true to its philosophy: In addition to cheaper monocoque carbon wheels, Scapin offers the Ivor, a model that is only available made to measure and in tube-to- tube construction is made in our own factory. That may sound antiquated in view of the well-engineered series geometries that even many of the world's best racing drivers are satisfied with. But why not implement individual wishes in terms of seating position and steering behavior? Especially since you don't have to make any compromises with the Ivor: The frame is absolutely clean and professionally manufactured and is available in a number of color variants, the frame weight of around 1.110 grams, as stated by the manufacturer, is not too high given the aero impression. With internal cables and a PressFit bottom bracket, which originates from oversized frame tubes, the Ivor is also cutting-edge. A nice detail is the transition from the fork to the head tube; both components have the same unusual contour.
A made-to-measure frame with standard geometry is basically a contradiction, but in this case it proves that even without a very specific user and their wishes and body dimensions in mind, the Italians can produce a frame that is simply pleasant to ride. You sit a little stretched out on the Ivor and first notice the good acceleration, which indicates a high frame rigidity. The steering is neutral and balanced, neither sluggish when pedaling out of the saddle nor at high speeds; on fast descents you immediately feel safe on the bike, without any adjustment phase. Despite the flat seat post and aero fork, the Ivor isn't uncomfortable; Even on unmade roads, bumps don't penetrate the driver too much. As a side note, the frame allows for the fitting of 28 tires - not exactly what you'd expect, but handy when the tarmac is rough. The aluminum reinforcement of the left dropout can also be positively emphasized.
The Mavic Ksyrium SLS don't necessarily want to match the aero trim of the frame; Stiff and light as they are, one certainly doesn't get the feeling that they would slow down the ride on the Ivor. In any case, you can complete the bike individually and choose other attachments, components and wheels.
Incidentally, without pedals and with a bottle holder, our test bike weighs exactly 7,08 kilos – not too high a value, not even in the price range of 5.000 to 6.000 euros. The Ivor plays in this league depending on the equipment; the frame set is traded at around 3.000 euros.
Only the saddle clamp with the two thin M3 screws operated with a 5 mm Allen key is a bit difficult. For a secure hold in the tube, the support must be treated with extra coarse carbon paste (FSA); the screws must never be tightened too much, otherwise they could tear or the hexagon socket could be turned round. If improvements are made here, there really isn't anything against it, but a lot for the pleasant northern Italian.
Conclusion
If you were allowed to keep the stiff, balanced and quite light Ivor, a close friendship could develop. But even after a rather fleeting encounter, a pleasantly familiar feeling remains...
Product Highlights
- Frame is made to measure
- Very balanced handling
- High quality components
price and web
- Frame set approx. 3.000 euros
- www.scapin.com