For our test bike, Günter Krautscheid mixed the steel "Spirit" tubeset from Columbus with a good portion of carbon fibre. The fork, parts of the head tube and seat tube as well as the seat and chain stays are made of carbon fibre. Apart from a significant weight saving, the material mix does not offer any technical advantages. The steering head stiffness reaches the level of a lugged steel classic made from Columbus' SL tube.
But Krautscheid was not interested in setting records on the test bench. His goal was to combine classic and modern frame construction. To achieve this, he drew on all the experience of his more than 30 years in the business. To insert the carbon seat tube, he first had to solder the entire front frame triangle. He then cut out the centre section of the seat tube and replaced it with a carbon tube inserted from above. Similarly on the head tube, where a glued-in carbon sleeve replaces the piece of tube wall that was cut out. Unfortunately, the frame builder made a mishap when painting. White paint from the head tube ran onto the carbon sleeve and was not completely removed - this takes away some of the effect of the otherwise very cleanly executed jeweller's work.
To complete the 7.6-kilo racer, Campa fan Krautscheid chose the new Super Record groupset from the Italians. The geometry - steep angles, short wheelbase, little trail - is a delight for lovers of manoeuvrable suspension.
PLUSrelatively light; good spring comfort on the saddle
MINUSsufficient driving stability only for light drivers
Web: www.krabo.de
