Fit to be Toured
June 1, 2007
In the old days, competitive
cyclists routinely rebadged frames from boutique manufacturers, like Javelin,
with their team sponsor’s name. But as Javelin’s bikes—shaped by the wind tunnel
and extensive feedback from athletes—earned a following in professional and
amateur circles, the company emerged as a brand name in its own right. Says
Javelin’s owner Dave Varwig, "We serve the bespoke market—people who want
perfection."
As part of that service, Varwig recruited John Cobb for an
eponymous edition of the Javelin Lugano Riserva. Cobb—currently the chief
designer for Blackwell Research—is an aerodynamics guru whose résumé includes
helping Lance Armstrong prepare for serial Tour de France victories. He designed
the Lugano frame with the goal of creating the fastest time trial tubing on the
market; its ambitious specifications necessitate an avant-garde construction
technique that slowly bonds multiple carbon fiber layers in a labor-intensive
process. Cobb also outfitted the special edition bike with a full complement
of Blackwell Research and Campagnolo components, including a 100 mm carbon
wheelset and an additional rear disc for time trial configurations.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
"We wanted to come back with a big bang this year," says
Varwig. According to Varwig, Javelin’s customers typically expect more than
outstanding design and craftsmanship. "People want to know who races [the bike]
and if it sets records," he says. Over the last decade, Javelin has worked with
riders, like triathletes Simon Lessing and Michael Lovato, and teams, such as
Team Ford-Basis and Team TIAA-CREF. Likewise, Lugano prototypes have been placed
with athletes for testing and Javelin expects results that won’t disappoint. (Click image to enlarge)
The John Cobb Edition ($28,000) ordering process begins at a
dealer with an array of rider measurements that would make any Savile Row tailor
proud. These numbers are entered into Javelin’s CAD system and emerge with a
design that insures a dimensionally perfect custom fit for each owner. Few
factories can accommodate Javelin’s production requirements, so the Lugano is
built by a specialized Italy concern. Most bikes take about 60 days for
assembly, but if a customer requests an unusual element—say, a paint job paying
homage to Van Gogh’s The Starry
Night—delivery time can increase to 90 days
or more.
Varwig wants those who purchase the John Cobb Edition to enjoy
the same perks as the sport’s superstars; each journeys to San Diego for a final
fitting with Cobb himself. Over the course of three days and two nights, they
receive the expert attention usually reserved for competitive cyclists. "Cobb
set up Lance Armstrong in a wind tunnel, and he’ll do the same thing for the
buyers of these bikes," says Varwig. "It’s not only a bike that works perfectly
for you, but you walk away feeling really connected with the experience."
Javelin
800.814.0133
www.javbike.com
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