Tag Archives: BOTW

Bike of the Week: Independent Fabrication Mellow Fellow

The NYC Velo Crew was fortunate to get its hands on the limited edition, some call it a “collab”, Indy Fab Mellow Fellow bike last year which proved to be quite the crowd pleaser while in the shop. A beautiful single speed rig for the city, complete with (bag ready Nitto) racks, this bike found a happy home recently with a very pleased customer. After some test riding and a lengthy conversation about intended use, ergonomics, and riding position, the team set to work on a few “mods” to further customize the Mellow Fellow. A set of Honjo fenders, a Nordeast cruiser handlebar from Nitto, and Brooks leather handlebar tape complete the one-off package.

Originally, the Mellow Fellow was part of the Paper Labels design project uniting three crews hellbent on creating the best in their respective fields, Independent Fabrication, Bodega, and Bailey Works bags. Three bike designs were fabricated based on three color schemes that also integrated bag or rack combinations.

Paper labels of vintage and deadstock spraypaint cans were the color palette source upon which the three concept bikes’ paint colors were supplied. The color scheme and iconography of the Paper Labels bikes were derived from Bodega’s archive of discontinued vintage spraypaint. These colors were popularized by the 1980′s graffiti culture and are now coveted by spray can collectors. Krylon Aqua Turquoise #2008, Krylon O.D. Khaki #2301, and Krylon Metallic Blue #1903 serve as the foundation for the bikes color schemes.

Additional graphics for the bikes were created by referencing some designs from other old vintage can labels. Only 15 of each model were made and include matching bag(s), t-shirt and a can of spraypaint mixed and labeled for each bike.

Engineering: it’s what they do. The 2012 Scott Carbon Scale Expert 29′er

The engineers at Scott Bicycles are back at it again. Like kids set free in a toy store, these bike gurus head straight to the best tools, materials and technologies they can find to build the ultimate toys for the bike enthusiast. The 2012 Scale 29 Expert (little brother to Scott’s 899 29′er aka the lightest 29 mountain bike frame around at 899 grams) is an impossible mountain bike model to ignore given its enviable combination of cutting edge technology, extensive R&D, and affordable price.

For 2012 this softer riding hard-tail has more built-in compliance, meaning that the bike can flex vertically to absorb trail or street feedback, yet is laterally stiffer for more efficient climbing and faster acceleration — a few more steps towards the “holy grail” of ride qualities. Scott has once again raised the “laterally stiff/vertically compliant” bar for the MTB industry.

Though the 29′er wheel is larger than its cousin the 26″, the Scale’s carefully considered geometry makes it a tight and nimble handing machine, dominating rocks, trees, cars and street construction. The Scale’s nimble handling, combined with the inherent ability of the larger 29 inch wheels to roll over technical terrain, its light/efficient/compliant carbon frame, Shimano XT/SLX components, DT Swiss wheels, and Reba Rock Shox fork make this a ride we highly recommend.

Bike of the Week: Ti Factory Lightweight by IndyFab

So hot it’s not even listed on Indy Fab website, the Titanium Factory Lightweight from the new company digs in New Market, NH (just north of Boston) is this week’s BOTW (Bike Of The Week).

A brilliant integration of titanium and carbon, this Ti FLW is reflective of the most contemporary of custom frame design. With an integrated carbon fiber seat mast, custom milled seat clamp, press-fit BB30 bottom bracket shell, oversized headtube allowing for an integrated Zero Stack headset, and drilled-out titanium dropouts, the TiFLW is truly at the sharp end of the custom bike industry.



When it’s all said and done, this ride sits comfortably in the dream bike category. Some exotic bikes are built for the wall, some for show and some for the occasional loop in the park. This bike was built to ride. The customer chose components from Sram, Industry Nine, and 3T and a one-off Matte-Black-on-Ti paint job to ensure she stands out on any ride.

Bike of the Week: Parlee Z5 SL Limited Edition

As cyclists we are often tempted by the sirens’ song of the latest and greatest lightweight wheel, part or frame and fork combo. The Z5 SL Limited by Parlee is a bike that COULD be marketed solely by its breathtakingly light weight (making it very tempting indeed) but this Z5 SL is much more than just a sub 800 gram frame.



Last year the original Z5 was the lightest frame in the closely watched German Tour magazine frame test, however, light weight is not the defining characteristic of this machine. It’s the ride quality that makes this bike so desirable. Building upon their experience with the very first Z1, the Z5 SL Limited is a bike designed and built for a lifetime of sublime riding without the compromises often found in what others ache to call the “lightest”

With no rider weight limits, no reduction of (lifetime) warranty, no reduction in function or fit, the Parlee Z5 SL Limited is a machine that inspires long rides and fast race days any day of the week.

This one, recently sold to a very happy customer of ours, is spec’d with Reynolds Assault carbon clincher wheels, SRAM Red components, Edge (now Enve) and 3T components.

Available in 12 Flex-Fit sizes to suit all riding styles. The SL in the SL Limited Edition means 100-150 (size dependent) grams of weight savings over Parlee’s (already light weight) Z5.

“We ride many superb bikes. But once in a while, one comes along that shines a little brighter. The Parlee’s Z5 SL ” – Bicycling Magazine

Bike of the Week: Parlee Z4

Tour of California. Fitchburg. Gila. Redlands. Beauce. Herald Sun Tour. Super Week. For those who have ever pinned a number to your back, these names will ring a bell. Haven’t heard of those races? No worry as the Z4, aside from being a race worthy competitor, is simply a brilliant riding bike on any country road, path, city street or race course. No need to be a world-class competitor to appreciate its superior ride qualities . For anyone looking for a bike with proven pedigree, the Z4 is it – Parlee’s vision for a perfect road machine.

Since its introduction, the Z4 has been ridden and raced millions of miles. With classic, race proven geometry and handling, the Z4 is at home on any ride, regardless of rider ambition. With real-world weights rivaling bikes twice the price, the Z4 offers a lifetime of real world durability all-day cruising comfort and the crisp power transfer needed from a race bike without the typical bone-jarring stiffness. Forget the disposable, one-season-wonder bikes (this bike has a lifetime warranty), Z4 owners fully enjoy and appreciate the precision and attention to detail in each iteration of this bike. This very Z4 (see photos) came to us recently from Parlee for a customer who I’m sure (at his moment) is enjoying every penny spent.

Bike Of The Week: Responsorium by Dario Pegoretti

For those who aren’t familiar with this true Italian master frame builder, Dario Pegoretti‘s works are coveted the world over, by collectors, enthusiasts and all who appreciate the highest available level of quality and workmanship. Tucked away at the base of the Dolomite mountains, outside the town of Trento, one finds Caldonazzo and the studio of Dario Pegoretti. A pioneer of TIG welded steel (often hand painted – with a brush), Dario’s frames are a true dialogue between design, art and craftsmanship (form, function and aesthetics). Combining the truly artigiano tradition of hand building road bike frames one at a time, with the most sought after, state of the art steel tubing, Pegoretti remains both progressive and influential in the evolution of contemporary custom frame building.

Recently, Pegoretti’s work (and influence on his peers) was honored at The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City. He is an award winning builder who’s bikes have been ride proven by world champion riders.
But, how does this bike ride? Pegoretti maximizes the influence he has over the ride quality (compliance), comfort and performance of each frame by utilizing custom designed triple butted steel tubing. This means the frame will flex where it is needed – for comfort – and be stiff and responsive where those attributes are desired. Long comfortable rides with easy climbing and a fast (if you like) finish!

This brings us to the reason for this post … this week’s BOTW (Bike of the Week) – the Reponsorium by Dario Pegoretti. This specific frame, 55cm stainless steel (triple butted) was selected by Dario exclusively as part of his booth at NAHBS (National Hand-Built Bike Show) 2011 this past February in Austin, TX. The 2012 Responsorium is built with an oversized headtube, allowing for a better surface for Dario to weld the oversized stainless steel downtube. Consequently, the frame requires an oversized headset, luckily, Chris King makes an appropriate headset to fit the new headtube.

With its unique paint job, and though it is not strictly a custom frame (based on a potential buyer/collectors physical geometry) it is a one of a kind. Looked at, coveted and lusted over by the thousands who attended NAHBS 2011, this frame now resides here at NYC VELO, where it retails for $4500.00 (including the fork and custom Chris King headset).

Imagine all of the build possibilities as you gaze into it’s yellow eyes!

THE FIRST MODERN CARBON CROSS BIKE – PARLEE BRINGS IT LIGHT, SMOOTH AND FAST

Bringing the performance and durability of PARLEE’s road bikes to the dirt, the CX is the perfect cyclocross machine (handmade in Beverly Mass with a lifetime warranty). The CX is feathery light, sucks up the terrain and dives into tight corners with the flick of a wrist.

Like its road counterparts, the CX’s carbon fiber construction make it the perfect blend of forgiveness and rigidity, making it adept at racing or linking together miles of back country roads. The wishbone mono-stay eliminates seat stay flex under braking. Ample tire clearance makes it perfect in all conditions from the dry hardpack of September to the muddy slop of November. With its light weight and top mounted cable stays, shouldering is almost literally a breeze.

Press-Fit 30 bottom bracket now available as a no-charge option! Semi-Custom frame and fork = $5900 : Full Custom frame and fork = $6900 (all made to order.) The CX is available in 5 FLEX-FIT options as well as complete custom bikes.

Bike of the Week: Scott F01L

Your next bike very well may be at NYC Velo right now.

The new Scott (F01L) FOIL is nestled appropriately between the Addict and Plasma in its road bike lineup. The FOIL takes all the performance characteristics of the Addict (stiff, light race geometry) and combines it with their accumulated wind tunnel knowledge, creating a perfect balance of Lightweight, Aero and Stiffness resulting in what SCOTT is calling “the most advanced Road Racing bike available.”

This is a highly awaited bike from Scott that first showed its head-tube as a prototype in the 2010 Tour de France, winning stage 5 while strapped to the legs of Mark Cavendish. According to Scott, the Project F01 (its code name while still a prototype) weighs just five percent more than an Addict (while retaining the same stiffness) yet frame drag is reduced by 20-30 percent. As a result of the drag reduction says Scott, this will allow the ” rider to put out roughly 4% to 5% less power to maintain the same speed.”

With an impressive 840g bare frame weight (or a 1,277g fuselage weight with frame, fork, seatpost and clamp) that should satisfy even finicky climbers but also a significant 20W power saving at speed (based on a 300W output). According to Scott, this means the FO1L is not only faster and more aerodynamic than the Cervélo S3 but also substantially lighter and more efficient under power.

A full size run of F01L bikes are available to test ride at NYC Velo, stop by to ride one for yourself!

Bike of the Week: Martin’s Steamroller

This week’s BOTW comes from none other than our very own Martin Werneth. Both Martin and bike (a re-branded/boston-baked-beaned Surly Steamroller) recently landed in New York City (via San Francisco) and, could the bike speak, it would have some stories indeed.

This Steamroller graduated from the Surly production line in 2001, making it a pretty old alumnus of the marque. Still kicking (these bikes are built to last), but now around the mean streets of Brook-hattan, this commuter/everyday bike has served Martin well. “She was my baby, now she’s my baby carrier” says Martin. Baby Seven, Martin’s one year old, can also be seen cruising in top-tube position around those same mean streets.

The bike’s latest component spec is the result of its participation in the (fabled) underground off road race known as the Soil Saloon. Martin (a founding father of Soil Saloon) and bike will hopefully be seen in an east coast version of the event – Stay Tuned!

BOTW: Parlee Z5

The Z5, a 5th generation frameset for Parlee is one of the lightest framesets ever built, yet still possesses the famous quick-acceleration-tendencies, lively road feel, and comfort that are the hallmarks of Parlee frames. The Z5 combines the best qualities of the custom Z1 and stock Z4 by using the latest mold techniques and carbon layup processes. Without sacrificing performance, comfort or durability, Parlee is able to mold the whole main frame section in a single contiguous piece. This bike was ordered for a (current Landshark owner) customer who wants to move from steel to a carbon bike that according to him “has some life in it.” His opinion is that most production carbon bikes are dull in character and he’s looking for a carbon bike with real spirit. Well sir, no dull carbon ride here and plenty of spirit!

STAY TUNED for info on our upcoming shop ride and Q&A night with Mr. Bob Parlee himself !! That’s right !!