There’s only a few test bikes that have passed though the RCUK offices that I’ve truly wanted to keep, but the Scapin is the first bike that I think I’ve fallen in love with. It’s crazy I know, but there’s just something about the Italian steed that makes it stand out from the bunch. And this is even before I’ve taken it for a spin.

Scapin began business in 1957, and is a relatively unknown brand on these shores. They’ve built their reputation on producing some of the best steel frames in the world, but they’ve recently taken the plunge into the world of plastic, with carbon fibre frames now featuring big in their range. A brave move perhaps, but not a foolish one, the designers have opted for high grade carbon fibre, in the case of the S8 3K (3000 threads per metre) weave Mizuno Carbon, constructed in the Mizuno factory in Taiwan. The frame weighs just 895g.

The highest quality finish, construction and fine craftsmanship matter a great deal to Scapin, so you get a frame which has been made with the highest degree of perfection you should expect at this level. Designer Stefano Scapin likes attention to detail, and we particulary like the seat clamp, designed in a way to put less stress on a carbon post and avoid slippage.

There’s curves in all the right places, and the carbon weave fades into the lush deep black gloss finish just so. The integrated headset continues the smooth lines, as do the ridged seat stays which flow around the back wheel from the wishbone, with big fat and straight as a cue chain stays. The frame is a stunner and a genuine head turner.

And to ensure the frames stiff, the oval down tube twists halfway along its length so there’s maximum contact area both at the bottom bracket and headset. Forks are Scapin’s in-house design, the aero shaped FK SL in this instance. We were fortunate that our test bike came with an upgraded wheelset. The S8 by default comes with Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels, but Mavic Cosmic Carbon wheels are available as an option, which our test bike has fitted – they certainly add something to the overall look.

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Colours: Gloss Black
• Frame Price:
• Frame, FK-S LX fork and FSA headset retail price £1099, with full bikes starting from £2099 with an Ultegra, FSA SLK Mega Exo cranks and Mavic Ksyrium Equipe spec.
• Bike as tested: £4000

Pictures

FSA Compact	Carbon all over	All carbon specification
Big BB	Carbon rails too	Mavic’s Cosmic Carbones