Zanc vs Hampco Shootout

[choke]

I've never even seen a Zanconato in person let alone ridden one so I can't offer a comparison. I do have a lugged SB which I absolutely love so I can at least offer a pic or two.

PS: Happy, you're correct that Martin does the lugged frames.

[christian]

One thing I think is worthwhile to mention is that I am a strong believer in buying a bike that is typical of the builder's repertoire. Even though I am a big fan of their work (obviously) I would probably not buy a cx racing bike from Hampsten or a town bike from Mike Z. Not that they couldn't build it, but why.

But as you and your friend arrived at, these builders have fat-tire road bikes right in their sweet spot, and thus, you can't make a bad choice between the two. Embarrassment of riches really.

[FlashUNC]

As my grandmother would say, you're picking the fly **** out of the pepper at this point, comparing these two.

[zetroc]

Originally Posted by christian

Oh, so close, but I guess my 55.8 tt with Centaur just misses the mark!

The pistachio is one of the best fitting bikes I've had that wasn't made for me. Truly, a perfect bicycle. I'm really glad you like it

[eddief]

He'd have a well-considered and expert opinion. I still miss him.

[xeladragon]

Originally Posted by christian

Yeah, Happycampyer nails it. It's not really a shoot-out, because you've already picked two winners, and the differences are incredibly subtle.

+1 to this as well.

Had a Hampsten Crema a few years ago...



Have a Zanc now...



The Hampsten was custom for someone else, but still fit me really well. The Zanc I got straight from Mike. Despite the "budget" parts (old SRAM Force group off another bike, cheap/heavy wheelset), the Hampsten still rode great. Probably could've/should've kept it, but I sold it to a local forum member (and I'm pretty sure he's never gonna part with it; otherwise, I'd be tempted to buy it back!) to fund the Zanc. As for the Zanc, it's pretty much my perfect steel road bike.

Anyway, can't go wrong with either. Great bikes, and great people as well. Even though I didn't buy the Hampsten directly from Steve, I still emailed him a bunch before I pulled the trigger, and he was super helpful. If I remember correctly, he even helped pack and ship the bike for the original owner. As for Mike, there've been times when I posted a question here or across the hall, and Mike would email me directly with his advice/feedback. What other builder does that?

This thread needs more pics!

[geordanh]

Originally Posted by xeladragon

+1 to this as well.

Had a Hampsten Crema a few years ago...



Have a Zanc now...



The Hampsten was custom for someone else, but still fit me really well. The Zanc I got straight from Mike. Despite the "budget" parts (old SRAM Force group off another bike, cheap/heavy wheelset), the Hampsten still rode great. Probably could've/should've kept it, but I sold it to a local forum member (and I'm pretty sure he's never gonna part with it; otherwise, I'd be tempted to buy it back!) to fund the Zanc. As for the Zanc, it's pretty much my perfect steel road bike.

Anyway, can't go wrong with either. Great bikes, and great people as well. Even though I didn't buy the Hampsten directly from Steve, I still emailed him a bunch before I pulled the trigger, and he was super helpful. If I remember correctly, he even helped pack and ship the bike for the original owner. As for Mike, there've been times when I posted a question here or across the hall, and Mike would email me directly with his advice/feedback. What other builder does that?

This thread needs more pics!

Man that orange Zanc is perfect

[yashcha]

I remember that Crema and I almost bought it!!!

Originally Posted by geordanh

Man that orange Zanc is perfect

[bironi]

Originally Posted by godukes

This is like asking someone in Alaska in the middle of winter if they would rather go to Arizona or Florida.

Made me laugh. Thanks.

[bironi]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

As my grandmother would say, you're picking the fly **** out of the pepper at this point, comparing these two.

Thanks for another laugh.

[Greenpea]

This is the bestest thread ever! These 2 are at the top of my N+1

More pictures please.

[MattTuck]

Originally Posted by geordanh

man that orange zanc is perfect

+1.

[OtayBW]

Originally Posted by xeladragon

Have a Zanc now...

What is the fork on that thang?

[xeladragon]

Originally Posted by OtayBW

What is the fork on that thang?

Enve 2.0

[jmoore]

Originally Posted by matttuck

+1.

+2