0
0
Bike: Baum Orbix
Groupset: Sram Etap AXS 12 speed
Wheels: Schmolke TLO45 Disk Brake
Pedals: Garmin Vector 3
Saddle: Prologo
Other: Enve RD Forks, SRAM HDR Disc Brakes, 3T Handlebars and Enve Stem, Elite Bottle cages, Garmin 520 computer and Zero Friction chain
Weight: 7.6kg
When did you buy it?
I ordered this bike in May 2019 after much deliberation after inheriting some money from my Grandmother. She had always encouraged me to do my best, while still having fun, it was here philosphy that kept her young at heart. So having dreamed of owning a hand-made bike for years, I thought what better way to remember my Nan, than getting a custom bike made by craftsmen and adorning it with her name. Being hand made it would take a while before it would be ready, and so in mid-December 2019 my Baum was born.
What modifications/additions have you done?
After reading about Stefan Schmolke in 2003, I decided that it would be great to have something made by this entrepreneurial engineer. My Grandfather had been a precision engineer (before becoming a professional magician) and enduced a love and appreciation of engineering in me. Knowing these wheels were made by hand by a cycling legend, they were a great fit for Mr Baums creation. Hence I bought Schmolke TLO45 disk brake wheel-set, light, strong and worth-it.
What components are you running?
SRAM Etap AXS 12 Speed. After a serious bike crash in 2016 I moved to SRAM Etap Red22. It was a good move from a mechanical groupset and one I would never go back, and now with the AXS gearing it’s even better! Spinal Tap could only go upto 11, I can go upto 12!!!
How many kilometers do you do in a year?
Its varying, alas. Especially with kids, but anywhere between 8000-12000 kilometers per year.
What do you love about this bike?
I love the feel, it’s different to my carbon road bikes, the movement sharp and responsive and the ride smooth and almost silent. Being titanium, this bike will outlive me! It’s certainly more indestructible, which is a good thing being accident prone. Weightwise it’s almost the same as my trusty De Rosa 888s. The frame may be heavier, but the wheels and groupset offset that. Did I mention that I have 12?!
Favorite ride?
My favorite ride is the Maratona in Italia. It must be the worlds most beatiful loop. I’ve ridden it several times and hope to do it again on this steed – time will tell.
Favorite riding experience on your bike?
My most memorable riding experience… a difficult choice. I’ve ridden across the Sahara Desert 4 times on mountain bikes including getting lost in Chad. I cycled from London to Sydney with my wife on recumbent bikes and ridden most of the iconic race routes in Europe and many other rides. But cycling from London (my home city) to Brighton on a 5 speed Concorde road bike at the age of 13 is probably my favourite and instilled a love of cycling and being free. Though I did get into a lot of trouble with my Grandmother.
Future upgrades?
Hmm.. Busyman Bicycles bespoke saddle and bartape? They do some lovely work with leather and it would compliment the bike.
Any last words?
Safe cycling…
Oh.. and I have 12!
