Skunkworks: Carbon

• The TATI Skunkworks department has been working overtime this winter preparing the third prong of the shop's custom frame offerings. Look for a comprehensive overview of the 2008 lineup soon. But until then, here is a quick peek and review.

  Since March 2007, TATI has offered all varieties of steel framesets, ranging from 3.6lb lightweight roadies to nimble cross frames to Sturmey Archer-specific, relaxed geometry city bikes. In September, the titanium range was launched. These are full custom geometry framesets, and we've seen audax, touring, crit, triathlon, and track examples come through in the past several months. The titanium offerings are still in my mind the optimal solution for most folks most of the time.

  That said, I may ride a 24 year old lugged steel road bike, but I'm not a luddite. I recognize that carbon fiber has its place and as long as customers are fully aware of the material's strengths and weaknesses, I accept that it's an option for certain builds. The biggest drawback to carbon fiber is that you really can't have custom geometry without getting into stratospheric prices. And so the Skunkworks searched high and low for a small and select range of frame templates representing a range of geometries and stiffness profiles for riders of different abilities and riding styles.

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  The Time Trialist
  You are an age-grouper triathlete or time trialist who believes in the benefits of deep profile rims and a frameset that looks like an aeroplane wing. 1200g.

  The Century Rider
  You ride far and fast, and will sooner be sprinting for a stop sign that a finish line. Your body tells you that a little bit of comfort would be nicer than super aggressive cornering capabilities on your next frame. 1100g.

  The Road Racer
  You are young and strong and want a frame that is built for maximum agility and power transfer. Square tubes? Love 'em! Massive bottom bracket? Naturally. 1000g.

  The Featherweight
  You are a smaller and/or lighter rider who has never broken, bent, or otherwise mangled a bicycle under normal operating conditions. This may be Chicago, but you were born to climb. You might sprint from time to time, but it's not your bread and butter. 850g.

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  All carbon frames will receive a custom paint job of your choice (over 500 colors!). Prices start at only $1,000 for a frame, fork, headset, and custom paint. All purchases include the standard TATI 3-stage fit process and unlimited bar/stem/saddle swap policy. UCVC pro deals applicable. Lead time is only 2 weeks for most models.