I come home from work the other day, only to find out that I received a package in the mail. Oh? I was curious as to what it was since I have not ordered anything for a while… Opened up the package, and there were two products I forgot I was getting from Selcof.
Selcof was founded at the end of WWII and until 1985 the main activity was the manufacturing of metallic parts for the saddles of motorcycle, touring and racing bikes. In the meantime other additional activities developed contributed to the growth of the company.Today the complete range of seat posts consist of 30 models, many of which are available in 34 different diameters.SELCOF is especially attentive to quality thanks to constant inspections of the manufactured pieces and to the homologation of all the products according to the norms UNI,ISO and AFNOR.
Many Professional racing teams assist with product testing of Selcof products. Thanks to the most up-to date computerized technology, each new design is virtually tested to fix the structural limits and to verify security, lightness and quality specifications. All products are tested by independent laboratories that certify physical and structural characteristics. All this work allows Selcof to offer products to all cyclists from professional champions to leisure enthusiasts.
I have heard that Selcof manufacturing has recently been reassigned like all other proud companies to the far east. Not sure about this, but I would not think of them any less if so.
To review these, I replaced my Bontrager 70mm 2-Bolt post (165g), and the 600mm wide Bontrager Big Sweep 15* bar (270g).
Selcof’s aluminumKA04W 70mm 25.4 stem and580mm 25.4 handlebar weighed 320g, so roughly 140g for the stem, and 180g for the handlebar.
The KP14W handlebar reminds me of a Ritchey WCS handlebar. the walls are butted, and wonderfully thin and light. Losing 0.4 inches on the end of each side of the handlebar (0.8in. in total) is different, but I am sure I will get used to it.
The stem is moderately light, heavily painted and the bolts even came lubricated! When I stated that the stem was highly painted, it was sort of overpainted, which lead to the threads of the bolts being tough to tighten. It is a really pretty stem, though. 🙂
Summary:
These are going to be light, welcoming items on the trails ahead, yet personal preferences disallow me to give a completely unbiased review.
Handlebar: 4.5/5
Stem: 4/5
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