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Russian Rocky Roller: Toresvelo Classic Road Bike

Russian Rocky Roller: Toresvelo Classic Road Bike

Columbus used to make a lightweight tube set with a triangular profile called Ultrafoco which, according to every report, could be turned into a truly amazing frame. Ultrafoco tubes are rare, but Anton Gorbunov of Russia’s Toresvelo procured a couple for this ‘classic’ road bike, which is heading for a new home in the Rocky Mountains.

Russian Rocky Roller: Toresvelo Classic Road Bike

Superseded by the Spirit tube set, Ultrafoco was Columbus’ top-of-the-line performance tubing (barring the stainless XCr), and Anton blended it with a cocktail of Life Megatubes and Spirit for this frame. Todd, Anton’s customer, underwent several fitting sessions based on his local terrain in the Rockies.

Russian Rocky Roller: Toresvelo Classic Road Bike

As you’d imagine, the layout is inspired by prolonged climbing — and descending — but Todd referenced another road frame that Anton built as inspiration. Anton, however, evolved the design and the tubing, making the new version lighter and, with coordinated paintwork, a much smarter interpretation.

Russian Rocky Roller: Toresvelo Classic Road Bike

A similar bi-laminate construction was used around the seat tube cluster, and some natty details were also incorporated, such as the front derailleur cable guide behind the bottom bracket, the brass chain hanger, and subtle circular head tube badge. A pair of custom straight blade forks spearhead the new frame.

Russian Rocky Roller: Toresvelo Classic Road Bike

An Ultegra groupset powers the operation, ensuring many miles of reliable shifting, and it’s all topped off with a bulletproof Thomson finishing kit. Anton and Todd’s locations are roughly 9,700kms apart, a great distance that has been brought slightly closer through a passion for the handmade bicycle.

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Russian Rocky Roller: Toresvelo Classic Road Bike