Here’s a preview of a bike due through the doors of RCUK Towers in time for a month of Classics-themed content in April, when our thoughts will turn to all-things Belgian.
The Stoemper Taylör is the fruit of the labours of Todd Gardner and David Alvarez, two American cycling fanatics who this time last year rode five of the spring Classics in five days. While its origins are in Springfield, Oregon, Stoemper’s DNA, they claim, is Belgian.
Alvarez went someway to backing up their presumed association with Belgium’s none-harder cycling culture by riding the full race routes of Gent Wevelgem (230km), the Tour of Flanders (254.4km), Paris-Roubaix (258km), the Amstel Gold race (260.4km) and Liege-Bastogne-Liege (255.5km), in five days.
For a closer look at the rides, and a glimpse of the Taylör, check out the video below, and head to our Mpora sister site for more.
So what of the Taylör? It’s a machine Stoemper describe as their “wrecking ball”, a race bike made from True Temper steel, with suitably aggressive 73 degree and 73.5 degree head and seat tube angles, and short-ish 406mm chainstays (the 405mm units on the recently-tested Giant TCR Advanced SL-4 proved a notable inducement to speed).
The fork comes from the highly rated Enve Composites (we spent a satisfying month last September rolling on their 3.4 hoops, a collaboration with Simon Smart).
And of the machine heading our way? It’s the personal steed of Stoemper’s UK importer, Scott Purchas, and judging from his blog, one on which he’s cut no corners, equipping it with a Chris King headset, full Campagnolo Chorus groupset, and a full Deda finishing kit, with Selle Italia SLR saddle. The wheels are Campagnolo’s Neutron Ultra.
The Stoemper Taylör is due to take its place in next month’s test schedule alongside machines from Belgian manufacturers, Merckx and Ridley, brands with their own claim to the heritage of the Classics. It promises to be an interesting month’s testing!
Check back soon for a ‘first look’ and full review.
