Independent Fabrication - since 1995/USA
In the pioneering years, it was frowned upon to concern oneself with balance sheets. It was all about great bikes, and this eye for the essentials was the downfall of cult welder Chris Chance in 1994. When his forge Fat City Cycles went down the drain financially, six of his people started up under the name Independent Fabrication. Today, the factory is one of the hottest custom brands. This is not least thanks to Tyler Evens (pictured above), the detail-loving art welder. www.ifbikes.com
Bike: Independent Fabrication Ti Deluxe
You can't buy a bike from Independent Fabrication like a bottle of shampoo or a pair of socks. You have it customised to your body. And to your character. The measurement takes at least two hours, including a detailed interview that is almost reminiscent of psychoanalysis. After all, out of more than one hundred possible tubes, the aim is to select those that enable the desired driving behaviour. Theoretically, anything is possible. Stiff steering head, comfortable rear triangle, or both. No problem, as long as the customer knows what they want.
The Ti Deluxe marks the benchmark of the off-road range. Available as a 26-inch and 29-inch version and with a different character depending on customer requirements. The test bike was built for the race track. Stiff angles and a relatively long top tube literally demand shaved legs. At 1396 grams, the frame immediately sprints to first place in the weight classification. But is that enough to put the pedal to the metal on the trail?
Looks like it. The Ti Deluxe surges forwards in the pedalling stroke without being annoying due to twisting. You do notice a very slight lateral twitch in the bottom bracket area. But that's okay considering the low weight. After all, the frame was made for a well-trained lady and not for the gourmand test rider, whose heart rate is now racing through his body in short, violent waves. The IF takes the winding root trail in its stride. Switching between full throttle and cornering is the bike's great strength. This is also due to the ruinously expensive wheels - a speedy symbiosis of DT Swiss hubs, knife-edge spokes and carbon rims from Edge. The cranked handlebars briefly test the rider's sense of balance on the steep section, only to ensure a stable pulse again seconds later on the descent. The fact that the gears and brakes belong to the retired XTR group is not a problem, but it is noticeable. The old junk makes it abundantly clear how little antiquated this frame rides.
Test summary: A titanium rock in the spray of the carbon age. Classic looks combined with temperament. That's how it should be.
Price: 6475 Euro/frame from 3300 Euro
Weight: 9.7 kilos*/frame 1396 grams
Material: Titanium
Delivery time: 1 year
Geometry: as desired
Equipment: Shimano XTR, DT Swiss, Edge rims
* Complete weight without pedals
