BOTW Jim Fifty One

Jim's FiftyOne Disc

Build Kit

Frameset

FiftyOne Custom Road

Groupset

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12 speed

Cockpit

Custom-painted ENVE

Wheelset

Lightweight Meilenstein EVO

This week’s bike of the week is a stunning new FiftyOne Custom Road, all the way from Dublin, Ireland.

Jim has been a serious rider for many years and has owned more than a couple nice bikes, but this is his first venture into full custom. His previous bike was giving him some fit issues and it was clear he would benefit from made-to-measure geometry.

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FiftyOne was an easy choice for Jim – he loved their custom projects and he was blown away by the amazing, flawless paint work. The orange honeycomb scheme that he chose – the way that it fades into nude carbon at the end of each section is testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the painter.

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FiftyOne Custom models are handmade in Dublin using a proprietary construction process. First, the tubes are cut to each client's predetermined length and mitred with a diamond-tipped hole saw. The tubes are then inserted into the jig to check their fit. The tighter the fit, the stronger the joint and the joints are sanded by hand to achieve the tightest fit possible. After removing the tubes from the jig, the frame builder prepares the surface to ensure a good bond. In step one of a three-step process, a high-strength adhesive is used to bond the tubes and infrared is used to aid the cure.

Before the joints are wrapped with prepreg, a fillet is built up around them that adds additional strength and ensures a smooth transition from one tube to next, avoiding acute angles in the fibers and removing potential weak spots. Once the joints are wrapped, the frame is vacuum-bagged and cured under pressure. The temperature, pressure and duration of the cure vary depending on the carbon used. FiftyOne can vary lay-up and use different weights of carbon fiber depending on the rider's size and riding style, and this also means the ride characteristics of the frame can be fine-tuned. Meticulous attention to detail is a crucial part of every custom FiftyOne bike.

When the frame has cooled and the bagging material removed, there is a thorough inspection of fiber compaction. The small flash line is removed with some light sanding and the frame is then ready for the painters to work their magic – and Jim’s paint is truly spellbinding.

The build spec is truly befitting of a no-compromise custom machine. The Lightweight Meilenstein EVO wheels are the perfect weapon of choice for anyone who has a need for speed. Top of the line Shimano Dura-Ace components complement the build with an angular, almost brutalist aesthetic while the ENVE cockpit is custom painted to match the frame. Topping it off, the Selle Italia saddle is just as ergonomic as it is good looking.

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During the handover process, a big smile spread across Jim’s face when he saw his finished FiftyOne for the first time. As soon as he sat on his new bike, his smile grew even bigger.

We wish Jim many years of happy riding on his new dream machine and we thank him for the opportunity to make his riding experience the best it can be.