Italian company Scapin aren't well known in the UK or US, but their latest Eleanor and Nope models look like they're going to put offerings from some of the bigger brands to shame.
Eleanor
Scapin say the Eleanor road frame is aimed at riders who consider the bike "not a means of competition, but of leisure, pleasure, fitness and also – why not? – a way to show off".
Crafted from Columbus Spirit steel, this retro ride boasts chrome-plated soldered lugs and a 1in custom fork. It's available as a frame or framekit, in four colours and 13 sizes. Custom frames are also available. Claimed weight is 1,650g (3.6lb). Prices start at €1,170 (approx £1,055/US$1,750).
Nope
When we tested Scapin's Nope mountain bike back in 2006, we were impressed, describing it as "a beautiful ride born from cutting edge technology and Italian artistry". The latest D8 model looks just as good.
The 2010 Nope is made from oversized Columbus Spirit steel tubes, with a 3k carbon fibre seat tube joint and Scapin's CFS (ComfortFlexSystem) stays. Other features include a unique double plate seat collar system to prevent seatpost slippage.
Nope is available in six stock sizes (XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL), or Scapin can build you a custom frame. Claimed frame weight is 1,630g (3.6lb). There are five colour options. Eight complete builds are available, with a choice of Shimano or SRAM groupsets, and RockShox or RST forks. Prices TBC.
For more details on both these bikes, see www.scapin.com. Scapin bikes are distributed by Global Trails Cycling Imports in the US. They don't have a UK importer at present.
