There’s been a lot of change in the Independent Fabrication camp over the last six months, with relocation and staff rotations. Still, it didn’t prevent the now-New Hampshire-based shop from winning the award at the 2011 NAHBS for ‘Best TIG Welded Bike’ to complement their trophy cabinet, which already includes ‘Best Track Bike’ (2007) and Best Carbon Bike (2009). Their cyclocross frames will always hold a special place in my heart: we featured one for the first ever The Spoken post.
This creation for Indy Fab’s factory cyclocross team, Team New Beige, is no exception. The construction is evidence of why the 2011 NAHBS award was so well deserved, with TIG welded seams that give a rock-solid impression. Once again, the paint is a perfect complement, and always innovative; upside down so it’s legible from the saddle. The lack of a front derailleur and secondary chain ring and, therefore, one shifter, results in an intriguingly asymmetric face reminiscent of the modern range of BMW motorbikes.
Hopefully the success of Team New Beige was equal to that of their Indy Fab steed, it’s definitely worth a place on the podium. Keep up to date on all the current events via the IF blog.
PS: I’d like to make an amendment to a previous post: The Pogliaghi Pista we featured last Thursday was actually built up by Dan Hale of Melbourne’s ShifterBikes, you can read the full story here.
