Pasculli Altissimo Ltd
21.01.16 18:20 4132016-01-21T18:20:00+01:00Text: NoPainPhotos: Erwin Haiden, ForstusStiffness before weight: Bike build of a made-to-measure Altissimo with Shimano, Fizik, Power2Max, Fabric, Praxis Works, TRP parts and Mavic Cosmic Carbone 40T tubulars.21.01.16 18:20 5422016-01-21T18:20:00+01:00Pasculli Altissimo Ltd
21.01.16 18:20 5422016-01-21T18:20:00+01:00 NoPain Erwin Haiden, ForstusStiffness before weight: Bike build of a made-to-measure Altissimo with Shimano, Fizik, Power2Max, Fabric, Praxis Works, TRP parts and Mavic Cosmic Carbone 40T tubulars.21.01.16 18:20 5422016-01-21T18:20:00+01:00
For a long time I was able to resist the urge to purchase another road bike for the sake of my wallet. How many bicycles does one need? Especially if it's your job doing long term tests for a magazine, which means you're getting all the hot new stuff on a regular basis?
Excerpt from my Pasculli Altissimo test report:
"After three weeks of training on Gran Canaria - including steep uphills, speedy downhills, as well as all out experiences in the Valley of Tears - I couldn't get this super lightweight made to measure frame out of my head. I tried to fight this unreasonable need, but in vain - I ended up stealing my daughter's piggy bank to afford it."
The dream becomes reality: Pasculli Altissimo Limited
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1. A made to measure frame including custom setup is a playground for pros (or customers of a trustworthy bike store). Planning, shopping and assembling without compromises - only limited by one's imagination or financial capacities.
Rule #26 // Make your bike photogenic. Against the current trend towards lightweight design, I wanted to go for a super stiff roadbike, one that runs like a train on tracks, and one that is perfectly capable to handle daily life. At the same time it should meet my optical expectations. On the subject of painting I also decided to neglect the lightweight trend, having my frame coated with extensive layers of paint. The result - matte-black-glossy - is stunning and makes it easy to get over the extra 100 grams.
Rahmen und Gabel
Rule #45 // Slam your stem. While I can still tolerate a 5 mm spacer above the stem, anything else is practical but butt-ugly. Made to measure frames give you the opportunity to choose your stem's height, making further spacers unnecessary. Since I feel most comfortable with a stem height of 160 mm, I ordered the head tube with a length of 145 mm (145 mm head tube + 15 mm FSA dust cover = 160 mm stem stack).
Regarding geometry I pragmatically decided to let myself be guided by the recent Scott Addict but went for a flatter head tube angle of 72 degrees. The result: sporty, stoic, sufficient agility, and I'm not pounding my toes due to toe overlap.
Wheels, group and parts
Rule #666 // Stiffness before weight. Since I knew that I would solely use the super stiff BB386Evo cranks (FSA K-Force Light or Rotor 3D+) I favored modern, 86,5 mm wide Pressfit bottom brackets to optimize the 30 mm spindle. Stiff components by Fizik (stem, bar, and seatpost) as well as the Mavic Cosmic Carbone 40 Tubulars rounded off the set.
Photo gallery of the assambled bike
Rule #8 // Saddles, bars, and tires shall be carefully matched. All components were tuned to match in color as much as possible: matte-black, black, glossy, small accents in Mavic-yellow as well as some "bronze" on the saddle, seatpost and crankset. The exclusive Fabric ALM Shallow Limited saddle and what is possibly the most decadent handlebar tape of all times helped pushing the setup to the limit in terms of color and style.
Altissimo Limited
| Frame | Altissimo Tube-to-Tube, UD-Carbon, matte-glossy-black | Bottom bracket | FSA BB386Evo PF30 BB-PF6000/CZ |
| Size | Made to measure (frame size 55 cm, reach 386 mm) | Crankset | FSA K-Force Light BB386Evo 130 BCD |
| Headset | FSA No.42 1 1/8 - 1 1/2", UD, drop in | Chain rings | Praxis Works 53/39 |
| Fork | Columbus Grammy, 1 1/8 - 1 1/2", tapered | Powermeter | Power2Max Type S |
| Stem | Fizik Cyrano R1, 120 mm, 7°, 31.8 | Cog Set | Shimano CS-6800 Cassette 11-25 |
| Handlebar | Fizik Cyrano 00 Chamaeleon Carbon, 42 cm | Chain | Shimano XTR CN-HG900-11 |
| Bar tape | Fabric ALM, schwarz | Shifters | Shimano Ultegra Di2 ST-6870 STI 2x11 |
| Seatpost | Fizik Cyrano R1 Carbon, 31.6, 330 mm | Rear derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD-6870-GS 2x11 |
| Saddle | Fabric ALM Shallow LTD Edition | Front derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 FD-6870 2x11 |
| Wheels | Mavic Cosmic Carbone CC 40 T | Tires | Mavic Yksion Pro GripLink & PowerLink T 23 mm |
| Weight | 6,74 kg (w/o pedals) | Brakes | TRP R970 EQ |
On the road
At full speed, the Altissimo follows the unwritten principle of silence: no creaking, no squeaking, no chain sounds are being heard, nothing but the reassuring hum of tires on asphalt, steady pedaling and the even rhythm of your breath.
My Pasculli - a deep black racer with ideal geometry including perfect handling with strong acceleration, quiet during high velocity, all while staying precise and agile in tight turns.
Bonus: Pimp my ride (with Fizik parts)
Rule #65 // Maintain and respect your machine
Velominati - Keepers of the cog
| The dream becomes reality: Pasculli Altissimo Limited |
| Rahmen und Gabel |
| Wheels, group and parts |
| Photo gallery of the assambled bike |
| Altissimo Limited |
| On the road |
| Bonus: Pimp my ride (with Fizik parts) |
| Links |
