A rare sighting...the Prova Speciale Integrale.
With Mark Hester building only about 50 frames per year, worldwide, we don’t get to dive into these as much as we’d like. This is an example of how we do it at Above Category. 
This is more than a titanium frame with a carbon seat tube. For starters, the frame consists of seven titanium tubes, all custom formed and butted. Those are attached to some of the most beautifully printed parts. The top of the head tube, top tube to seat stay junction and dropouts are all printed in shapes very unique to a Prova. The seat mast topper, headset top cap cover and front derailleur clamp are also printed titanium.
The fork, bar/stem and seat post guts are all ENVE. While it’s not unusual to see a metal bike with a carbon seat tube, it’s rare to have one that is handmade by the builder using a mold made by the same person.
We went with the Bjorn Setka carbon and 3D printed saddle and the ENVE In-Route aero stem and Aero bar. Wheels are the new Lightweight Meilenstein ART’s wrapped in Continental GP5000 rubber. Lastly, the bottles are kept in place with Bjorn’s new version of their Skoba cage.
The meeting point of carbon and titanium is where this bike truly stands apart. Perfectly fitted, beautifully resolved, unmistakably Prova.
The frame color comes from Rivian and was laid down perfectly by Velocraft in Australia.
For the groupset we have the latest Campagnolo 13 speed Super Record with Campagnolo’s power meter. We have yet to put many proper miles on the group but at first glance, it sets up better and is more aesthetically pleasing. We’ll have more information on this after I get my group mounted to my Sarto Raso.
What else can we say? It was a hard bike to see go and we can’t wait to see what the next build brings us!
If you're interested in creating your own custom build, drop us a line.
- Chad
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