I am really excited about this frame, as it symbolizes the beginning of the Big Forest Frameworks Factory Racing Team! I built this road bike steel frame for Nica, who races for BRC Endspurt in Berlin. Over the past few years, Nica has participated in many races and has often stood on the podium. She is a fan of steel frames, and I am looking forward to see what she can achieve in the 2017 season with this Big Forest Frameworks road bike.

The frame is a fillet-brazed mix of Columbus Spirit and Life tubes. Almost all of the tubes are specially shaped to enhance performance and create the unique look I envisioned for this frame. The ‘bi-oval’ down tube increases the stiffness between the bottom bracket and the head tube, improving power transfer and handling. It also gives the appearance of a larger tube without the associated higher weight. Additionally, it provides a wonderful ‘flow’ aesthetic along the frame, which I really like. The head tube is tapered, saving weight, as is the top tube.

The steel frame road bike features many nice details. The Big Forest Framework tree in brass is brazed onto the seat tube. The frame number, selected by Nica, is also made of brass and brazed onto the inside of the chainstay. The shifting adjusters on the down tube are also made of brass. On the seat tube, you’ll find my own stainless steel adapters for the front derailleur and seat post clamp. They protect the black metallic paint and bring the diameter up to the standard of 31.7mm.

The road bike has a Campagnolo Chorus groupset (which looks great on a steel frame), a 3T fork, stem, and seat post, 50/60mm carbon tubeless tires, and handlebar tape from Minelli. It looks amazing, doesn’t it? Have fun with it, Nica!