Well, after an amazing day visiting the
Storck Bicycles factory in Idstein, Germany I am thrilled to share a few shots with the Blacksmith crew!
Markus Storck and Helena were such fabulous hosts, showing off all sorts of amazing technology, and absolutely confirming the German stereotype of advanced engineering and attention to detail...
- The Storck test centre, where models, prototypes, and even competitors can be immediately tested in-house for BB and head-tube stiffness and deflection, as well as an excrutiating life-cycle test of 100,000 pedal strokes! Most other brands hqve to outsource this testing, leading to delays and unreliable data.
- Their assembly room, where a single technician meticulously hand-builds each complete bicycle from beginning to end (including a Campy EPS build that was ongoing), and their packing facility, which is equally impressive in terms of quality control.
- Some new prototype models, including the triple-butted Di2-compatible Visioner alloy road bike (arriving in May) , a revised braking system on their Aero 2 is and Fascenario 0.6 bikes, and some other extreme developments that Adrian promised would lead to my untimely death if revealed!
The graciousness of my hosts was much appreciated, not to mention all the cool bikes! Keep in mind we have most 2012 Storck models in stock right now, including the outsanding Ultegra Di2-equipped Scentron ($4,600) shown here...
After a short meal (schnitzel again!) I hopped on the Autobahn for what should have been a 4-and-a-half our drive to Bruge. Less than 4 hours later, and after setting a new VW Golf land-speed record, I arrived in the beautiful medieval Belgian town.
Tired, but satisfied, I hit the sack before an off day to explore the canals, churches and cobbled streets of this historic city. For more pictures, click on my Day 2 album here:
http://photobucket.com/StorckVisit
And check back tomorrow morning for Day 3...In Bruges ;)
- Mike The Bike Elf
- Their assembly room, where a single technician meticulously hand-builds each complete bicycle from beginning to end (including a Campy EPS build that was ongoing), and their packing facility, which is equally impressive in terms of quality control.
- Some new prototype models, including the triple-butted Di2-compatible Visioner alloy road bike (arriving in May) , a revised braking system on their Aero 2 is and Fascenario 0.6 bikes, and some other extreme developments that Adrian promised would lead to my untimely death if revealed!
The graciousness of my hosts was much appreciated, not to mention all the cool bikes! Keep in mind we have most 2012 Storck models in stock right now, including the outsanding Ultegra Di2-equipped Scentron ($4,600) shown here...
After a short meal (schnitzel again!) I hopped on the Autobahn for what should have been a 4-and-a-half our drive to Bruge. Less than 4 hours later, and after setting a new VW Golf land-speed record, I arrived in the beautiful medieval Belgian town.
Tired, but satisfied, I hit the sack before an off day to explore the canals, churches and cobbled streets of this historic city. For more pictures, click on my Day 2 album here:
http://photobucket.com/StorckVisit
And check back tomorrow morning for Day 3...In Bruges ;)
- Mike The Bike Elf
