Next up is our Stelbel SB/03 Silca Edition, with matching Impero Ultimate frame pump along with the original track pump used in Stelio Beletti's workshop 30 years ago!
Thanks for Stelbel for making this a special build of their renewed 2018 race model, and to the Silca boys for supporting NAHBS in a major way.
For those of you who are new to the brand, click this link for the full review of the SB/03 model from CyclingTips, which received the highest rating of any bike they have ever tested.
Builder : Stelbel
Name : Silca Track Pump Homage
Model : SB/03 [3.2 version]
Notable : Paint highlighting Silca Impero Ultimate frame pump in homage to the original track pump, from the very workshop of Stelbio Belletti, to match the redesigned edition released by Silca last year (not shown)
Features : The stiffest bike in the Stelbel range is also a winner in terms of ride quality, looks and value, making it the ideal carbon-replacement. Stelbel’s revised 2018 has lost 80 grams, gained a little comfort, and is designed with a new Columbus seat-tube/seat-stay combination, plus matching Futura Road fork
Build : Campagnolo Chorus / paint-matched Deda Superlegerra bar and stem & Superzero post / Fizik Arione R1 saddle / CeramicSpeed custom OSPW system / Stelbel T47 to Ultratorque BB / Xentis Squad 4.2 rims on Extralite hubs / Vittoria Corsa Control Competition tubulars
NAHBS Award Submission
Builder: Stelbel Telai for Blacksmith Cycle
Category: Best Road Bike / Silca Contest / Best Columbus Build
How long have you been in business?
Blacksmith Cycle is currently the exclusive Stelbel dealer for the USA and Canada. The brand was started in 1973 and recently re-vamped with the guidance of Stelio Belletti himself.
What is the retail price of this bike?
$2,595 for this SB/03 frameset including Columbus Futura Fork, including full custom geometry and paint
Is it sold to a customer or awaiting its forever rider?
It will be returning to Blacksmith Cycle, and will be available for sale!
What material did you use?
Columbus custom steel blend. Of particular note, the new 2018 seat stays and seat tube are made out of special steel alloy tubing developed in collaboration with Columbus in Italy. Matching Columbus Futura Road fork and headset too!
Why?
Stelbel has only built with Columbus steel. Enough said. At Blacksmith Cycle we are thrilled that steel has returned in a huge way, and can count about a third our current bike sales in this material. Weight is over-rated - ride quality is king! That being said, Stelbel is launching a new titanium model in 2018, the Stelbel Ti9.
Was there any in-house engineering?
Hell yes!! This is actually the FIRST new 2018 Stelbel SB/03 model in North America, code name SB3.2.
New features include: A lighter tubeset, shaving 80 grams / T47 bottom bracket standard including Stelbel's own T47-Campagnolo-Ultra-Torque BB / Tapered and stamped headtube to house matching Columbus headset and fork / custom steel blend and new stays+seat-tube in collaboration with Columbus
Finally, the semi-internal cable routing is a Stelbel highlight for mechanical groups, allowing for incredible aesthetics and clean shifting, both a customer and mechanic's dream!
Who painted the frame? Was it someone in-house or a contractor?
Stelbels are all painted in-house and available in an infinite number of colors with no added cost. Matching painted components are also available from Fizik, 3T, Deda (chosen for this build) and a few others.
Note the custom SILCA logo on the seat tube and BLACKSMITH logo on top tube, along with the famous signature of Stelio.
What unique or unusual features (such as points or fillets added to lugs) might the untrained eye miss?
Note the massive chainstays on the SB/03, along with the ultra-thin seat tube, which take a 28.4 mm FD clamp. These incrediblky size-specific tube choices contribute to the Stelbel's incrdible ride characteristics. Tubing and geometry also adjusted for each and every customer.
Also, check out the Stelbel T47 BB (for Campy!) and one-off CeramicSpeed OSPW system with Stelbel engraving on the pulley wheels!!
Was there a particular inspiration for the bike, something about the customer or their needs that makes the bike not just custom, but unique?
It's all about the pump!! The vintage Silca floor pump belonged to Stelio Belletti himself and it was in use in the original Stelbel workshop back in the day!! We unearthed this gem for NAHBS, and decided to choose an orange paint scheme inspired by this amazing relic. We matched a new Impero Ultimate frame pump with an orange pearlescent paint, and brought along the current Silca track pump to show the timeless-ness of the Silca brand and their products. And don't forget the subtle Silca logo on the downtube, forever tying this bike to NAHBS 2018.
Geometry details:
This frameset was designed to be a comfortable road-racer for the rider who wants a stiff and stable steel missile. Focus was as a stage-racer, with slightly slacker head angle and lower bottom bracket height appropriate for the more mature rider who no longer aims for crit dominance. Sloping top tube and slightly taller-than-normal stack height were primarily design considerations to allow for a greater range of riders, since this bike will be for sale post-show.
Maximum tire clearance:
30 mm of functional room for rubber. Basically limited by the brake calipers.
Thanks again to Lifeisabeautifuldetail.com for these incredible photos!!
