We're not just in the business of selling and servicing bikes at Richmond Cycles – we're immersed in the world of cycling! So, what better way to introduce you to our incredible team than by showcasing the very bikes that they rely on day in and day out? This time we're showcasing a new and exciting brand to Richmond Cycles, and Tom has gone and picked one up for himself, it's his new FiftyOne Sika!
Why Fiftyone Sika, why custom?
There are so many beautiful bikes around Richmond Park, possibly too many. It can dilute the awe of the latest machine from the Big US companies. I love the idea of a brand that feels like a community and we know, from having spoken to the team at FiftyOne based in Dublin, that they really care about what they are doing. I feel this comes through in their bikes, they are eye-catching due to their beauty and classic shape with the modern comforts. The idea of a bike brand based in the British Isles also attracted me.
Sizing
The sizing was relatively simple, for me at least. Phil, our bike fitter, spent many hours after work finalizing the bike fit numbers meanwhile I was impatiently hassling him so I could order my new bike! I recommend a bike fit to everyone, friends, family, anyone looking at a new bike. For such a large purchase it ensures the correct frame size and having as much data as possible before committing is very wise.
Ditching a derailleur
SRAM have really been working on their gravel and road offerings recently. I always felt that their hoods were too bulky, brakes too mushy, and their front derailleurs had a reputation for all the wrong reasons. I am also a fan of a ‘clean’ aesthetic and simplicity. We also live in a very flat part of the world. But, I felt, the current options weren’t good enough for a 1x road bike but I really loved the idea of it.
So, when SRAM released Red E1 last summer, I was very happy to not only see a redesigned lever and brake calliper but also the release of 13 speed 1x. I chose Force because I fancied the ‘bonus buttons’ on the levers and, I really like the look of the crank and derailleur- carbon touches but A LOT cheaper than Red. Maybe Red on the next bike, keep dreaming!
I have done a lot of research on the gearing for the 10-46 Force setup. I decided to go for the 50t Red Aero chainring because it looks amazing and would work best with the riding I do around Richmond, Surrey and Berkshire. The range isn’t a concern; 50-10 is a massive gear, a big jump from my old 52-11. On the other end, 50-46 is lower than the 36-32 I had. My hesitation was the jumps between the gears. While there is standard and gradual progression in the cassette (10,11,12,13,15,17t), the 32, 38, 46t is a big step up. No concern so far but I may have to look at smaller chainrings for trip to high mountains. That’s not uncommon and bikes that spend all but ten days in Surrey really should be changed to go to mountains. Expecting a bike tailored to mountains to perform at its best in Surrey would be ridiculous. Besides, tailoring your bike to a mountainous cycling holiday is half the fun.
How does it ride?
It is incredible. It rides like a snappy racing bike, like the TCR or SuperSix I have previously owned, but with so much more comfortable. The steering inspires confidence, the frame is super stiff and responsive. The rear end feels nimble and agile but as compliant as you want. The grip of the wider tubeless Pirelli 32mm mean that cornering is a thrill. They are complimented by the 25mm internal width on the Reserve 42/49 rims. This rim is laced to the legendary DT Swiss 240 hub using external nipples and metal spokes- a mechanics dream. Reserve also offer lifetime warranty and crash replacement, which is great peace of mind.
If you're someone who names your bikes, has it got a name?
The weekend this bike was built was the same weekend Shane Lowry holed the putt to win the Ryder Cup. It felt only right to name the bike after him.
Anything you’d change?
I should’ve done the G Techniq ceramic coating. For a bike like this, it seems essential, but I was too keen to get it out on the road.
In addition, at some point, I will change the brake callipers to the Sram Red version. The minimalist, chrome looks so good with the rotors.
