Boulder City, NV - The phrases "inspired by German engineering" or “see what German engineering can do for you,” have usually been reserved for those in the automotive industry. But in 1995, Markus Storck changed all that when he founded Storck Bicycles.
Based in Bad Camberg, Germany (but soon to move into a new headquarters in Idstein), Storck Bicycle quickly put the bicycle market on notice just a year after its launch when Bart Brentjens struck gold at the ’96 Summer Olympics on a Storck mountain bike. Since then the brand has enjoyed tremendous growth in Europe and is now gaining popularity in the US despite its high price point.
So how has a company the size of Storck Bicycle enjoyed so much success when the economy is suffering and the industry overall appears to be shrinking and consolidating?
Like most smallish companies, Storck Bicycle is focused on offering customers and dealers the best products possible. “Being small allows Storck to concentrate on delivering truly extraordinary quality and innovation – without compromise. Whereas other companies water-down their products to reach a broader audience, Storck bicycles are all created to set new standards in design and technology. Those who can afford a Storck ride with confidence knowing that they have the best product available.”
"Markus Storck was the first to develop, patent and introduce an all-carbon crankset (Powerarms) – all the way back in 1995. Storck was also the first to introduce an integrated headset. Storck holds numerous other patents, including the remarkable VVC process (Vacuum Void Control). Used by the aerospace industry for carbon fiber, the VVC process actually results in lighter and stronger carbon fiber. Other bike companies would love to get their hands on this technology.
Storck Bicycles are designed and manufactured to exceed all existing quality standards. It is understood that people who purchase this caliber of product expect it to last a very long time. This is why Storck Bicycle has its own EFBe testing machine – just one of seven in the entire world. This machine allows Storck to test frames for both stiffness and fatigue. Doing so allows Storck to create bikes that perform as well at 75,000 miles as they do at the first mile."
During Interbike, Storck made their bicycles, including one of their flagships, the Fascenario 0.7, available during Outdoor Demo Days. Having read numerous magazine reviews that deemed the 0.7 one of the lightest and most noteworthy bicycles produced, I wasn’t about to pass on the opportunity to take it out for a spin.
The 0.7 name refers to the frame weight, which start at 790g. "In a 2008 test, the 0.7 was rated the 2nd lightest and stiffest bike in the world (second only to the Storck 0.7 IS). It uses an ultra high-end 1K carbon weave and the VVC process. The result is a remarkably stiff and light bike, but also a very comfortable bike."
The 0.7 was kitted out with its “pro” build, which included the Storck custom Zipp 69 wheelset, Syntace seatpost, stem, and handlebars, Dura Ace components, a Selle Italia Flight saddle, and the 350g Stiletto Race SL carbon fork.The ride quality was impeccably comfortable, but attentive. The 0.7 jumped forward when I asked and made climbing back up to the Outdoor Expo effortless. It was by far the best ride I tried out there, and everyone I went by who had likewise taken a spin on the 0.7 echoed a similar sentiment.
A typical 0.7 sells for approximately $10,000 with a “pro” build-kit. In this down turned economy, you would be hard pressed to justify buying one, unless of course you’re replacing your automobile for a greener alternative. If that’s the case, the ride quality and the sheer exhilaration that Storck’s Fascenario 0.7 will give you will probably have you wondering why you didn’t trade in your car earlier.
Storck bicycles may cost more than other brands, but those that ride it truly understand that you get what you pay for.
Photos: Leonard Basobas
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