You can’t call yourself a barista until you’ve found the secret of a good crema; one that just doesn’t just look divine but tastes exceptional as well. For years, the Crema Doma from the Pfronten-based steel frame specialists has stood as their flagship bike, and while it’s undoubtedly eye-catching, can it deliver the goods on the road?
Coming as stock, this comfortable steel frame has an extremely rigid pair of Enve SES 4.5 wheels, creating a juxtaposition between the elements of comfort and precision. On long, high-speed, hair-pin laden descents, there’s a hint of a divergence between the super impulsive wheels and the composure of the steel frame. However, the geometry is super balanced so the sensation of stability isn’t affected.
In pantone cool grey, this modestly understated bike weighs in at just under 7.5 kg – a notable weight for any bike, but even more impressive considering it’s a steel steed. Add ENVE components and 25 mm Veloflex Clincher tyres in the classic skinwall look, and its aesthetics are set to rival its sensational weight.
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The hubs and headset come from Chris King, and the well-chosen Campagnolo Record groupset rounds off this pedigree bike, with the crisp mechanical shifting which creates a beautiful partnership with the immaculately hand-built-in-Barcelona frame. With Columbus and True Temper tubes with minimal sloping, the Doma’s welds have been expertly done. The comparatively oversized steel tubing lends a surprisingly nimble feel to what could have been written off as just another beautiful steel bike prioritising heritage over performance.
Lightweight carbon components do their dues, and the bike is satisfyingly agile on the climbs, willing to take a grinding. The fine-looking Crema is by no means stuck in the steel framed halls of heritage; this whip can rival virtually anything out on the roads, and has the potential to swing devout carbon fans to the other side.
Crema Doma in detail
Crema Doma specifications
- Drivetrain: Campagnolo Record 2×11 SP
- Gears: Chainrings: 50/34 | Cassette: 11-28
- Brakes: Campagnolo Record Skeloton, Dual Pivot
- Tyres: Veloflex Master 25
- Wheelset: Enve SES 4.5 with Enve Carbon-Naben
- Weight: 7.42 kg
- Price: from € 2,850
Conclusion
If you’re looking for individuality over the carbon mainstream, then the Crema Doma could be that lifelong soulmate. With distinctive steel splendor and a lively nature, it’s a bike for coffee lovers and purists keen to while away hours on the bike. Custom builds and geometry are definitely an option.
Strengths
- A look of purity
- Spectacular hand craftsmanship
- Uncompromising high-end specs
- Agile climber
Weaknesses
- On fast, hair-pin knotted descents, the bike’s handling is a little vague / undefined
For more information check the Crema Website.
About the test
With 10 test riders descending on Barcelona from across the globe, we dedicated 9 days to pushing this season’s most exclusive and exciting and exciting bikes to their limits in a one-of-a-kind group test. Each rider brought his or her own specific experience to the process, with a test team comprised of four women and six men, including former Tour de France riders, biomechanics, bike shop owners, tour guides and amateur riders. In short: a gathering of highly experienced and well-versed road riding enthusiasts. Our goal was a simple one, to give you all the information needed to make you a winner: Why? Becuase life’s too short to ride the wrong bikes.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The 10 most exclusive and exciting bikes in Test
All bikes in test: Storck Aernario Platinum G1 | Specialized S-Works Venge | Ritte Ace | Focus Izalco Max Disc“ | Festka One LT Dazzle | Cervelo C5 | Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 | Bianchi Specialissima | Trek Madone 9.9
[/emaillocker]Words: Markus Ybanez, Robin Schmitt, Emmie Collinge Photos: Constantin Gerlach, Klaus Kneist, Christoph Bayer
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