The Gear: Road Tested -- Cyfac Gothica CS

As previously mentioned, today's post reflects back on some of the incredible gear used and demo'd over in Spain this summer. Whether a Biknd travel case, a set of Fulcrum tubeless wheels, or our very own fleet of Cyfac demo bikes, we were well equipped for a great month of riding in Spain.

Before we review some of this gear, we thought it would be fun to share a client's experience with his very own factory delivered, custom built Cyfac bicycle that awaited him at the estate during the second week.

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My new Cyfac - as satisfying as writing about my new Porsche. Not that I have owned one of later recently (but driven many, another story]. On second thought, owning a Cyfac is better, as it costs considerably less than a Porsche while still providing maximum performance in a gorgeous package. Besides you can't spend 10 hours a week pushing your Porsche to the limits.


My first encounter with the Cyfac brand came only 18 months ago, at one of StudioVelo's debut festivities at D'Angelo Restaurant in Mill Valley, where Scott had show and tell, with a number of Cyfac's on display and a speaker, Cycfac owner Eric Sakalowsky, giving the inside story. The bikes were delightfully alluring, more so than any other carbon frame I had laid eyes on before. I was taken with Eric's passion for bikes and for the company he has revived. His Powerpoint on the Cyfac production process revealed the incredible personal interest level at the 'factory' that everyone employed there has - so many bikes being built have a name already attached to it. I thought to myself that night, "that's how I want my next bike". Having owned steel, aluminum, and titanium road bikes and already having a totally custom Paul Taylor I desired something hand-made (laid?) and 100% woven.

I also left that night with a fantasy of taking a European delivery of a bike and riding in France (Cyfac offers factory delivery) not realizing that 16 months later I would do so. I didn't get the factory tour or that ride around the Loire Valley, but what I got instead was even better - 7 days in Spain, with over 30 hours spent aboard my new Cyfac Gothica, racking up 365 miles, 32,000 feet of climbing and burning 12,486 calories of high octane Spanish food.

Muchísimos gracias to Scott, Colin and Chris that upon my arrival at the estate in Fontcoaberta, Catalonia, the Cyfac was dialed in - it was as if pulling on a custom suit, it fit like the proverbial glove. At 16 pounds, six ounces this little girl can climb, without flex, in or out of the pedals she responds, and the kilometers were superb, in spite of a much firmer Selle Italia saddle - I had brought my WTB seat from my Taylor, just in case, but no need, she was comfortable on the longest rides.

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Downhill, she goes where pointed, without drama, inspiring only confidence - this was particularly so on the velvet smooth Spanish roads we had the pleasure to ride on. So I've waxed prosaic on the riding qualities of the Cyfac, and rightfully so, as that's the essence of the experience, but the Cyfac is also a looker; svelte, curvaceous, the color and finish so smooth as to invite tactile contact. What a dance partner! I think many of the other StudioVelo riders in Spain left with similar feelings having had a week with an array of Cyfacs SV had available to rent, I know already that we have a new Absolu in our peloton.

The only bummer about my purchase? Having to wait 4 weeks for her to come to Mill Valley, but as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and this past weekend we were reunited - 100 miles later I'm still in love and expect to be for a long time.

By: Chas B