From 'Cycling Plus #179, January 2006' p.88 ff

Future Stars: Five shining new examples of the quality and variety on offer for the new year

Gaansari Scorcher / Giant OCR1 / Pinarello F4:13 / Specialized Tricross / Storck Scenario C1.2

While there was little in the way of true innovations at the Eurobike show, what it did show us was that the future heralded even better value for money, a burgeoning trend for carbon fibre and a resurgence of fixies. It, and subsequent shows, also revealed a number of bikes we reckon will be major players in the coming year. These bikes have serious star quality, and to make it into the test they had to make us think they were potential 9 out of 10s, on paper at least.

So, the Gaansari Scorcher, whilst representing the current fashion for all things fixed (see www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum for fans and FAQs), also takes the concept to a whole new level by draping a retro handbuilt frame with chic but durable kit. Inspired by the original Wright Brothers racing bikes of the 1880s, this British and American collaboration combines the frame designing acumen of Gary Gaansari, the frame making skills of Mercian, the wheelbuilding experience of Paul Hewitt and the bespoke single geared enthusiasm of Hubjub. All for a rather cool £1620...

Frame Gaansari 9 / Giant 7 / Pinarello 8 / Specialized 8 / Storck 9

Mercian has long been renowned for their craftsmanship in lugged steel frames, and the Scorcher is clearly no exception. The elegant, ornate lugs were commissioned to resemble the Nervex lugsets that were popular in the 60s, albeit with improved joint strength. Tubing is Reynolds 631, a seamless cold drawn rear tube and successor to the legendary 531, with 725 at the back. It's a manufacturing choice that errs on the side of resilience and durability rather than gram saving, as testified by its 5lb weight.

Geometry is traditional in style with relaxed angles, while the steel fork features a threaded 1in steerer and plenty of rake. Campag horizontal dropouts allow easy chain tensioning and there's also clearance for wider tyres--though production models will offer more room still and better clearance between the chainring and stay. There's a pump peg, a cable runner for a rear brake, as well as two bottle mounts. Other than that, the frame is clutter-free, underlining its minimalist inclinations...

Handling Gaansari 9 / Giant 8 / Pinarello 9 / Specialized 7 / Storck 9

The first time I rode the Scorcher I didn't want the journey to end. Its superbly silky, mellow ride felt spot on for the flat Bristol to Bath cycleway. Relatively slack seat and head tube angles, along with a generous rake in the fork, helped iron out any road dimples, whilst offering stable handling that proved welcome for signalling in town. But it was out of the saddle that the frame really surprised us all. With its heritage looks, we expected it to have something of the wallowy flex of yesteryear. In fact it was quite the opposite, with a stiff tubeset that encourages and rewards a hard stomp on the pedals. And when you do open it up, the bike stays straight and true, even when swung from side to side. Handling is fluid, and there's space in the track ends to tighten it up more by ditching 'guards and pulling in the rear wheel. But to be honest, the Gaansari isn't about a scalpel sharp ride. At 65 inches, the knee-saving gearing will be too low for some -- but it will keep you warm in winter. In any case, customers can spec their own ratio depending on inclination and riding terrain. And, as with all fixers, once you're up to speed there's a wonderful sense of momentum throwing around the pedals, which is also ideal training to develop a smooth pedal stroke...

Equipment Gaansari 9 / Giant 8 / Pinarello 8 / Specialized 8 / Storck 9

Our test Scorcher came built up with handpicked boutqiue parts to Hubjub's GoldenAge spec -- and gold it certainly is. Unfortunately the vintage anodised Campy cranks are no longer available, so a high-end CNC-machined alternative (in gold) has been sourced. This is matched with a tough, chunky 1/8 chain from Izumi and one of Phil Wood's fine rear cogs. A quill stem offers plenty of height adjustability--in fact, I pulled up the groovy Nitto bars almost in line with the saddle and rode mostly on the drops. With their bell lap ends (sic) they're incredibly comfortable, and plenty stiff enough for honking out of the saddle. A single, long reach Shimano brake, along with the fixed wheel, draws you to a stop -- modulation and power is absolutely superb. There's a reliable Shimano 105 quill headset, in keeping with the traditional image, with replaceable bearings serviceable in the depths of winter. Fixies are simple breeds so there's not much more to point out, other than the elegant Gaansari seatpost, honey coloured Brooks B17, and quality SKS mudguards. If you want something (a bit) easier on your pocket, tehre's SilverAge and IronAge options (1600 and 1300) or you can mix and match to your personal whims by sifting through Hubjub's budget and boutique mix of kit...

Wheels Gaansari 9 / Giant 8 / Pinarello 7 / Specialized 7 / Storck 7

The Scorcher's wheels are built up with Ambrosio's double-eyeletted, machined-sidewall rims (gold, of course) laced with doublebutted spokes. The 120mm hubs are a real tour de force; Gaansari Goldenboys, a wide- flange, flip-flop affair made by Paul Comp in a perfect anodised finish, complete with elegant cutaways. They tighten down nice and solidly with an Allen key, which, though not as thief-deterrent as a track nut, are more practical on the road. Slender rubber comes from Continental's excellent 4 Season Grand Prix, a superb all-weather tyre.

Verdict: Gaansari 9/10 Those bitten by the fixie bug will aspire to the old-school King of Bling Scorcher

The Scorcher's the kind of bike that begs you to dig out your favourite jeans, a retro wool jersey (Rapha, preferably), and a pair of stiff-soled racing shoes. But it's certainly not an expensive bike for the sake of it, thanks to a superb build, standout looks, attention to detail and practical touches. If you're a traditionalist at heart and hanker after a silky smooth, supple ride -- and have some spare cashola -- you're in for a treat...