The FiftyOne SIKA is a factory bike, built different.
Harnessing data from a network of Bike Fitters and employing their expertise in custom frame building, coupled with a deep understanding and application of premium composite materials; FiftyOne have designed "the best stock sized road bike in the market."
A bold claim.
The Sika is designed to fulfill the remit that so many modern riders seek: that of a high performance, superlight, fast, confident bike that can accommodate bigger tyres and that has a real-world stack height.
A cutting-edge road bike that delivers top-level performance in a package tailored for real riders, not for pros. It combines superlight construction, high stiffness and sleek aero but with a less extreme position, confident handling, and clearance for 40mm tyres.
On average, FiftyOne develop 10 unique new road bikes every month, more than most big brands do in a decade. What’s more, they work with the world’s best bike fitters to fit clients for their custom frames; and FiftyOne consulted with all of them to shape the positioning of the Sika.
Real people, real data - real ride.
We see it everyday here at 700. Aside from the Pinarello X series - a modern, progressive geometry - few people can comfortably pick an off-the-peg bike and have it fit perfectly. Even then - off the peg is not custom so there is an element of mis-alignment (also partnered with many riders' desire to ride what the pros ride - even if it is crushingly painful) - which means compromise is necessary.
The SIKA aims to close the gap between accessible fit - something that has historically assumed a lack of need for high performance - and a lightweight, stiff and emminently racy feeling bike.
As a rider better fitted to a women's geometry or more traditional "endurance road" geos, I have (post racing and with the advancing arthritis in my shoulders) sought out bikes that delivered the feel of the race bikes I was used to, in a position that didn't cause serious pain - especially over long, multi-day adventures where the real fun is. My options have been slim. Indeed - I now ride a Dogma X to tick those boxes - but that was before the SIKA was revealed.
Just because a bike isn’t made with input from pros to be raced at the Tour de France, that doesn’t automatically make it an endurance bike. The Sika is the new definition of the modern performance road bike.
Ideal for riders like me, who want to ride all day in comfort on a mix of roads while enjoying top-tier performance, but have grown tired of the limitations of bikes designed purely for racing. Common sense essentially.
It's fair to say that manufacturers are starting to revise their approaches (Pinarello a case in point) - but they are vast and slow to change. FiftyOne are agile. The SIKA is a superb choice for the modern rider seeking, low weight, functional aero, tyre clearance and all the bells and whistles from an aesthetic and functional perspective.
FiftyOne are no stranger to quality composites and carbon and the SIKA is made with an especially high-grade mix of Toray carbon fibres (the exact blend is a secret) - each one used according to its particular qualities. This allows 51 to deliver a frame that weighs in at just 690g in a size medium. That's a solid foundation for a sub-7kg build (with pedals), and it is achieved without compromising on lateral and torsional stiffness, and all with aero optimised tubing.
While not an aero bike, the Sika is optimised to reduce drag within the confines of an all-rounder in a way that doesn't compromise on ride quality or weight. Around 80% of effort on the flat goes into fighting drag - so even on a non-race bike, it is a key design area and one that needs to be apparent in order to lock in poerformance.
This balanced approach yields a ride quality that keeps you engaged, all-day, on all roads. The rear triangle is closely derived from FiftyOne's Custom bike approach and it delivers an exceptional smoothness to the ride of the SIKA, especially when coupled with a traditional 27.2mm seatpost that is able to deflect, a compliant fork and the capacity for high volume tyres (up to 40mm). Let's face it, few of us are riding glass smooth roads. Yet despite this comfrtable ride, the performance and racing heart are evident - largely thans to the masterful layup of high grade carbon as touched upon. Frame shapes play a key role too. An aggressively trunctaed downtube profile delivers weight savings and the compliance and stiffness of a round tube, but with aero benefits and the bottom bracket is optimised for power transfer to keep the Sika spritely and quick to accelerate.
Handling is assured. With a short trail and longer chainstays - the Sika is stable and precise, a confidence inspiring marriage that delivers assertive but planted handling regardless of whether you are bouncing across broken tarmac or swinging through switchbacks on an alpine descent.
The Sika is well considered throughout. A T47 bottom bracket makes crank choice a cinch while keeping performance to the fore, the 27.2 post keeps after market choice broad and an external clamp is refreshingly simple - both from a maintenance and adjustment perspective, but avoids the chances of a creaky, clicking internal wedge assembly too. A UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) makes sourcing spares simple too. A lifetime warranty backs up the craftsmanship so you can ride in confidence.
To capitalise on the lack of unsightly spacer stack, FiftyOne supply the Sika with their own proprietary one-piece carbon cockpit. Ergonomically and aerodynamically harmonised, the bar is internally routed and shaped with proven NACA progiles for exceptional aero, while the tops sweep backwards by 3 degrees for a more natural hand-to-bar interface.
Given the quality of construction and exceptional finsh - currently available in Black Ops black and Interstella White - and the inclusion of a one piece carbon cockpit, it is perhaps most remarkable that the Sika comes in significantly cheaper than many other bike frames of comparable calibre. Factor that the Sika is shaped to be comfortable for the vast majority of riders, without requiring an unsightly stack of spacers or ruining the bike’s elegant proportions, and the Sika becomes an extremely appealing proposition for those looking to build something special.
"The Sika is a pure road bike for everyday use. Using realistic stack heights allows riders to ride for longer, engage more power and ensure that every ride will be their best ride. But don’t for one minute think this is an Endurance bike. The Sika has the same DNA as our custom model and is made to inspire confidence on corners and descents. It's assertive, nimble and engaging. In short, this will corner like an F1 car but with the comfort of a Bentley.”
Aidan Duff - Founder of FiftyOne Bikes