Storck

Scentron Road Electronic Bike Frame - 2012

Whether you call Storck an obsessive or a perfectionist is irrelevant. Why? Because Storck's palmares for carbon mastery exceed the values of mere words, transcending beyond the descriptive and into the physicality of experience. More simply put, riding a Storck breeds a lifelong pursuit of Storck. Case in point is its electronic shifting-oriented Scentron Road Bike Frame - 2012.

As Storck puts it, the Scentron is a high-end frameset with a middle class price. And perhaps we may have missed something in translation, as our German is a little rusty, but this principle statement suitably summarizes the essence of the Scentron. However, we feel it worth noting that 'high-end' carries a far different meaning for Storck. Let us demonstrate.

Starting with the carbon fiber itself, the Scentron was constructed from Storck's own CFR/UD carbon fiber, with the UD designating 'uni-directional.' Why uni-directional? Well, compared to a woven carbon fabric, uni-directional carbon is oriented as it sounds, with one direction, or on one axis. And while this makes the production process incredibly complex in regard to load path and force direction determination, the payout is worth it to Storck. You see, compared to woven layups, uni-directional fibers tend to better stiffen frames, while also improving vibration dampening. And, this is achieved at a much lower overall weight. However, Storck was far from finished in any of these regards.

Let's approach the Storck layup process in a short series of steps. First off, Storck begins the design with 3D CAD imaging. This digital process provides Storck with the precise data and dimensions necessary for the development of the mold. From there, the CFR/UD fibers are soaked in resin and hand-placed into the computer-generated mold. Once placed in the mold, the fibers are heated and pressed into place with an air channeling tool. Afterwards, the fibers are smoothed over by hand, ensuring an unprecedented level of preciseness and detail to the layup.

It's worth noting that the Scentron is, in fact, molded in a monocoque. This means that the Scentron is comprised of specific modulus carbon fibers throughout the frame, or in other words, it features a one-piece molded construction. This eliminates excess weight by requiring less carbon and resin application at the tube junctures of the frame. As a result, at around 1090 grams, the entry-level Scentron is lighter than most companies' top-tier frame offerings.

Moving into frame specifics, you'll find a standard 68mm English bottom bracket juncture that efficiently transfers power to the rear triangle. And not surprisingly, we see the reoccurring theme at work again of increased weight reduction coming as a result of increased power transfer. At the seatstays, Storck gracefully originates them from a solid box-section above the brake caliper. And again, this results in increased comfort via vertical compliance, however, it also directly equates to a higher level of lateral rigidity. Additionally, you'll find that the Scentron is one of the most painstakingly rider-tuned frames on the market. This is due, in part, to Storck's proportional tubing concept, where every frame size uses adapted dimensions, wall thickness, tube diameter, and tapering to ensure the exactly intended ride quality regardless of size. Rounding out the construction is the Scentron's defining feature, electronic-specific internal cable routing.

For the fork, Storck incorporated its latest iteration of the trend-setting and award winning Stiletto, the Stiletto 340. The first version of the Stiletto was introduced in 1999, and was widely hailed as the lightest fork on the planet. And while the Stiletto Light only tipped the scales at 280 grams, the 340 gram Stiletto found here is still lighter than most of the featherweight, aftermarket forks. The 340 features a tapered design that's been mated to a carbon reinforced heat tube and a 1-1/8 - 1-1/4 inch integrated headset.

Altogether, these technologies, paired with an unrelenting dedication to hand-built perfection, create a frame that's balanced, lightweight, compliant, and most importantly, fast.

The Storck Scentron Road Bike Frame - 2012 is available in the color Blue/white/carbon and in six odd sizes from 47 to 63cm. Please note that this frame features a 68mm English bottom bracket, a 36.6mm seatpost collar, and a CNC-machine aluminum derailleur hanger. Additionally, the Scentron is only compatible with electronic drivetrains.