Independent Fabrication SSR: 13 Years With My Gentleman's Whip
The Commission: Why It Had to Be an Independent Fabrication
I'd had this bike for 13 years. I'd dreamt about having an IndyFab for many years before that. I got this bike when I was part of the team that opened Kinoko Cycles in Golden Square, Soho.
When I spoke to Jesse from Independent Fabrication about what I wanted from the bike, the main thing was that it had to be a forever bike rideable when I was older and less flexible, and timeless in the way it looked.
It's featured in Rouleur, been in brand adverts, and travelled all over the world with me.
The Original Build vs. Now
Initially it had Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 with the external battery groupset, and I had custom Enves with silver spokes and Chris King hubs. Now we have Sram Red AXS and Force. In my mind there’s still room for some tweaking, full Sram Red AXS mechs and Chris King R45 hubs and then we’re done.
Why Rim Brakes, Still
Disc brakes weren't a thing back then, so I had no choice but to go rim brake. Never once have I wished for discs on a bike like this even when I was guiding in the high mountains for six seasons.
What a Bike Like This Still Means
I still think there's a place for bikes like this, even if the industry and market doesn't. It makes me feel a certain way a gentleman cyclist, older, refined, stylish, and an independent thinker. I don’t see myself ever hanging my wheels up, I won’t need the tech when I’m in my 70’s, all I want is to be able to enjoy the outdoors and regular cafe rides.
I'm not for one second saying that modern bikes aren't faster, lighter, and maybe even better in a lot of circumstances. But nothing makes me feel the way this does. The more advanced and technical bikes get, the more I love this, we'll age together, slow down and enjoy life, sipping espressos and fingers crossed retiring to somewhere sunny living “la vita lenta” (the slow life).
It's gone through many groupsets, wheels and more. The Chris King headset is the original and still mint, it's why, wherever I can, I use their products. The sterling silver head tube badge is a lovely touch; modern brands just don't do things like that anymore.
There's something special about designing and buying a custom bike — having input in the ride, the fit, and the way it looks. The sentimental value and love for this bike cannot be matched by a modern carbon race bike. You'll be replacing that in a few years and won't spare a second thinking about it, or shed any tears when it goes. This bike has been a rare constant and for those that know me it’s helped get me through some incredibly challenging times and go to some amazing places.
I love this bike, I love hand made, hand painted, craft and skill and the joy it’s given me.
Full Spec: Independent Fabrication SSR Stainless
Independent Fabrications SSR — Stainless Columbus XCR
SRAM Force AXS shifters and mechs, with Red AXS chainset and brakes
CeramicSpeed OSPW
Enve bars and seatpost
Enve 3.4 SES wheels
Continental GP5000 TR 28mm
Chris King headset and bottom bracket
Prologo saddle
Silca x Rapha frame pump
Spur Cycle x Chris King bell (sorry not sorry)
Wahoo Stainless pedals
You can see some of the builds and “Forever Bikes” I’ve put together for friends and customers over in some of the galleries. Bike Porn and Bike Builds. Everything from Sworks Tarmacs to Argonaut Cycles, Factor Bikes, Pegoretti and more.
