eolson124
02-10-2013, 10:45 AM
Last year I purchased Alliance Bicycle's "Project Bike," which Erik Rolf displayed at the 2012 North American Handmade Bicycle Show. After putting two thousand miles on my new acquisition, I wanted to provide feedback to the cycling community.
In his Project Bike, Erik demonstrated innovative design, skillful framebuilding, adroit componentry selection, and superior attention to detail. The bike is a joy to ride.
The frame design hits a sweet spot that is missed by both road racing bikes and cyclocross bikes. The Project Bike combines the essential elements of a road racing frame with certain characteristics of a cyclocross bike. While remaining torsionally stiff and responsive, the frame has clearance for larger tires and has a slightly higher bottom bracket. This combination provides a supple road-bike-like ride on city streets and across washboard. My only comment is the frame does not have braze-ons for disk brakes.
Erik cut no corners in his componentry selection. Although I'm a Campy Record guy, the Dura-Ace group is silky smooth. The compact crank and 11-28 cassette permit me to climb the steepest hills. The Chris King hubs and bottom bracket are top of the line. The Ritchey post, stem, and handlebars are light, strong, and comfortable. The Grand-Cru brakes are responsive, never mushy, and stop in the rain. Although I would have selected a more traditional rim, the Stan's No Tubes rims provide a smooth ride on rough roads. I replaced the Fizik Arione seat with a Brooks Team Professional leather saddle (which I ride on all of my bikes).
The Project Bike is aesthetically pleasing. In the sun, the paint job sparkles and jumps. The red spoke nipples and red cable caps show the pride that Erik takes in his work.
Communication with Erik regarding my purchase was straightforward and problem free. He shipped the bike as promised and there were no surprises. Based on my experience with his Project Bike, I recommend without hesitation Erik Rolf for your bike and framebuilding needs.
In his Project Bike, Erik demonstrated innovative design, skillful framebuilding, adroit componentry selection, and superior attention to detail. The bike is a joy to ride.
The frame design hits a sweet spot that is missed by both road racing bikes and cyclocross bikes. The Project Bike combines the essential elements of a road racing frame with certain characteristics of a cyclocross bike. While remaining torsionally stiff and responsive, the frame has clearance for larger tires and has a slightly higher bottom bracket. This combination provides a supple road-bike-like ride on city streets and across washboard. My only comment is the frame does not have braze-ons for disk brakes.
Erik cut no corners in his componentry selection. Although I'm a Campy Record guy, the Dura-Ace group is silky smooth. The compact crank and 11-28 cassette permit me to climb the steepest hills. The Chris King hubs and bottom bracket are top of the line. The Ritchey post, stem, and handlebars are light, strong, and comfortable. The Grand-Cru brakes are responsive, never mushy, and stop in the rain. Although I would have selected a more traditional rim, the Stan's No Tubes rims provide a smooth ride on rough roads. I replaced the Fizik Arione seat with a Brooks Team Professional leather saddle (which I ride on all of my bikes).
The Project Bike is aesthetically pleasing. In the sun, the paint job sparkles and jumps. The red spoke nipples and red cable caps show the pride that Erik takes in his work.
Communication with Erik regarding my purchase was straightforward and problem free. He shipped the bike as promised and there were no surprises. Based on my experience with his Project Bike, I recommend without hesitation Erik Rolf for your bike and framebuilding needs.