"Fish" out of Water

" Fish out of Water" you ask? Isn't it " A Fish out of Water?"

A long-time, very loyal and super cool client came to us recently for a new road bike. His 10+year old steel frame has served him well but being one of the cool kids on the block, Tom was ready to buy a modern "racing machine" like some of his friends. Of course he wanted a carbon bike. Doesn't everyone?

At 6,6" and built like a solid stone, Tom is a strong and a tremendously gifted athlete. He wanted a performance-oriented bike, a bike that would climb well yet be stable on the descents and fast on the corners of Tam. Though he only for a moment wanted a carbon bike, it was clear he wanted a new version of his old bike: steel, solid, smooth and well fit. We suggested Independent Fabrications' SSR, the relatively new lightweight stainless steel frame that has been a common bike out of SV's doors these days. Fully custom, rock solid but plenty smooth, the SSR is one of the world's best steel frames.

Tom agreed to pursue a modern steel bike but had no idea how far into the 21st century did he come. Equipped with Shimano's Di2, a pair of sexy, bullet-proof Fulcrum Racing 1s (Tubeless of course) wheels, a carbon Time bar, Ritchey carbon stem and post, this SSR was like no other we have built. Light, smooth and big. Over 60cm TT, but well under 20lbs, this is a traditional man's return to glory on the open roads (rough roads that is) of Marin.



Tom and I road his maiden voyage this morning over to Muir Woods. We met at 7:30 and Tom was as anxious as a little boy on Christmas morning, waiting for me as if I was late ( I was not...:). He quickly got the formalities of the am out of the way and then practically attacked me up to 4 Corners. He asked" Is it easier to climb in the hoods w/ this new Time bar or on the top of the bar?" As I reached for a deep breath, I showed him how I like to climb and away we went.

Tom's smile and experience this morning was priceless to me. While he somewhat seemed out of his element with his new toy, he in reality seemed right at home. So, Fish out of Water, not really. But his name is Tom Fischer, sometimes known just as good old Fish around here. And to me, seeing a fully grown man so utterly happy today, was like a Fish out of Water, put back in...



Scott


Passion - Precision - Performance