I just got back from Italy a few days ago, after picking up my custom-built titanium dream machine from master builder Darren Crisp. I will have a lot to say about this whole experience, so hold onto your helmets…but I’m not really ready to give a proper review yet. I could ramble a little though…

There is lots good about my Colnago C59 – in the end, I’ve been riding it for 10 years. But there is plenty wrong, too, especially the size of the frame, which is at least one size too small for me. After endless fiddling I forced it to fit (and probably forced my body to fit the bike as much as the inverse), but things like 130mm stems and back-slammed saddles did not make for a well-balanced riding machine.

The full jury is out on the Crisp (I’ll explain why later on), but I can say that the “engine room” is much better, i.e. the pedal/bottom bracket – saddle corridor. With my saddle clamped to a nice neutral position on the rails, I immediately felt like my legs were working where they should be and not trying to contort to find the pedal stroke. The new 165mm crank arms seem to help here, too. I have the feeling of ‘efficiency’ a bit more than before.

That’s all I can reveal for now because all my other thoughts are still fragmented and floating about, looking for the foothold of a conclusion. Instead, I leave you with my favorite studio photo from the many many pics and videos Darren has sent over from the ‘project’.