Independent Fabrication SSR

Price Paid:  $3300.00

Bike Setup:
Campy Chorus 10 sp., DT Swiss rims w Campy Record hubs

Summary:
Unlike a previous reviewer, my frame does not flex. I am 6', 190 lbs, and am a powerful sprinter, and I find the frame solid, responsive and comfortable.

The frame builder did want to spec me with a sloping top tube, but I pushed back and asked for a more traditional look.

Complete bike is about 18 pounds, with strong (not light) wheels. Welds, paint and graphics are first rate. Complete bike cost ~ $5,500.

Strengths:
Custom fit, comfortable ride, responsive.

Weaknesses:
'spensive

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Reparto Corse XL Boron (steel), Trek 2200 (carbon/alum.)

Price Paid:  $3300.00

Bike Setup:
2008 SSR, built with Shimano components and Mavic wheels, picked up 12 months ago.

Summary:
I am 6'3" and 205, and I enjoy the bike very much. Part of it is that the components are very good, but I really love the way the frame feels. I would buy it again.

Unlike a previous reviewer, I don't have a problem with too much flex in the frame. In fact, the blend between stiffness and flexiness is just about right. I've had an aluminum bike, and I know how punishing a super-stiff frame can be. Likewise, I've had a steel bike, and know how flexy those can be. This one fits right in the middle and has the forgiving qualities of steel (bump absorption, vibration damping) while also allowing me to stand up and really torque it without pushing the bb around.

It's hard to describe this bike - better if you can try to ride one, even if it is the wrong size. I had been testing carbon bikes, and the shop had an IF SSR tester (which was only a 56 and too small for me, but I hopped on it anyway). I immediately loved it; I knew right away I wanted one. As soon as I got on it, I enjoyed the responsiveness. In comparison, all of the carbon bikes feel like you are riding a plastic bike. Carbon gives a stiff, dead-feeling ride. You can also win the TdF on carbon, and it is lighter and can look sexier than steel. But steel just feels better.

That said, we're really only talking about bikes here - if you spend $7000 plus on any road bike, you're bound to love it.

I don't recommend this bike to someone who races all the time - just get a carbon bike and replace it every two years.

I recommend this bike for someone who plans to keep it for at least five or ten years; carbon bikes go out of style after a few years (there is always something newer and better), but this is timeless.

Strengths:
Any custom bike is sweet, and a nice upgrade from off-the-rack bikes.

Weaknesses:
Stupid expensive. Some amount of snob factor (which might be strength if that's what you're in to). Then again, IF is a small brand and fairly cool.

The "stainless" steel can stain. It won't rust, but just like a Leatherman, it can get stained. I need to wipe it down all the time.

Price Paid:  $3300.00 at Pro Peloton, Boulder

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Campy Record and Chorus mix. Serotta F10 fork (These forks are magical, custom made by Reynolds), FSA compact bar, Ritchey stem, moots seatpost, Fizik saddle, Time pedals

Summary:
2008 SSR. I purchased it with a 58 virtual top tube. Has about a 6 degree sloping top tube and 56 seat tube. I am just under 200 lbs. This frame is a very nice Ti substitute. However, the stainless material in this tube diameter is currently not very ideal for this frame-size. There is a lot of lateral flex from the head tube to the seat tube. If you sprint in this frame and torque on the bars, you will see tremendous flex in the frame. If you are a gentle rider and aware of this, you will very much enjoy the ride quality. Similar to ti, but crisper. Has a lovely ability to soak up the road chatter. It is disappointing that there is no means to test one so you try it out for yourself.

Strengths:
Light, springy like steel

Weaknesses:
because of the thin tube wall thickness and the small tube diameters currently available, large frames will demonstrate significant lateral flex from head tube to seat tube, which will result in bottom bracket deflection, and loss energy transfer to the wheel.

Similar Products Used:
Merlin Extralight, Pegoretti Marcelo and Duende, Cannondale Synapse, Parlee Z1, Jamis Eclipse, Mondonico, Cinelli, Merlin C110, Stowe, Bianchi Stelvio,

Price Paid:  $8900.00 at The Bike Hub

Favorite Ride:
Independent Fabrication SSR

Bike Setup:
Campy Record Groupset
Reynolds Assault Wheels
Deda Newton Bars, Zero100 stem and post
Fizik Arione Carbon Flex Seat
Dura-Ace pedals
Conti 4000 tires
Tacx Carbon Cages

Summary:
Smooth, fast and light.  Really an incredible ride.

Strengths:
Lightweight. Approximately 15lbs.  Handling is responsive but not nervous our twitchy.  The craftsmanship is amazing and it looks incredible.

Weaknesses:
Not a single one.

Similar Products Used:
Seven Elium. It is a nice bike, but heavier than my SSR. It doesn't ride as smooth, nor does it handle as well.

Price Paid:  $5685.00 at Freewheeling Bicycle

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Campanolo Centaur Components and DTSwiss 1450 wheels.

Summary:
Frame is made of Reynolds 953 steel (i.e. stainless steel). Frame is built up with Campanolo Centaur components and DTSwiss wheels.

Strengths:
Uniqueness, ride quality, looks, and performance

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Serotta Colorado III