This couple’s dream bike journey started with a bike fit. Once in the shop, we realized they came from near where my parents lived, and before long, what was a straight fit turned into a long and lovely chat.
His and hers bikes are not as uncommon as you might think. Many couples ride together and want to experience the same performance, comfort and speed. So why not the same frame and build? In this case, the handmade carbon fiber Raso from our Italian partners, Sarto, complemented by a raft of top-tier components.
We graced both bikes with one of our all-time favorite groupsets, the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed system. And yes, we know you technically can’t have more than one favorite. Some people might not like the slightly wired nature of the system (the battery and wires in the seat post, etc.), but in return, you get perfectly-sized front and rear derailleurs free of battery housings and quick shifting courtesy of the high-capacity battery in the frame. Plus, it’s a bulletproof groupset. Both riders are Wahoo pedal fans (Speedplay, in the past), so each Raso received the familiar round platform, with ‘his’ bike benefiting from the Power version of the pedals.
Sticking with the drivetrain, both builds feature a range of Ceramicspeed upgrades, from the bottom bracket to the headset and derailleur pulleys.
Ceramicspeed goodies appear at the wheels, too, but we didn’t put them there - the Danish brand’s hub bearings come stock with the Partington R-Series MKII wheelset, which we recommended as a natural partner to the frame. Schwalbe and Continental tires for him and her, respectively, complete the wheels.
On Sarto’s Raso, there’s not a lot of room for customization at the cockpit, what with the stem and bar (a lovely flared model that’s comfort personified) coming as a one-piece unit. However, it’s still noteworthy because it is such a beautiful unit. Saddles come courtesy of a Fizik Antares 00 Adaptive for him and an Infinity Elite Series for her.
To finish, a generous helping of titanium bolts throughout set both bikes on the road to a lifetime of adventure.
THE BUILD
- Frameset: Sarto Raso
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed
- Power Meter: Wahoo Power Pedals (his)
- Wheels: Partington R-Series Mark II c/w stock Ceramicspeed hub bearings
- Tires: Schwalbe (his), Continental (hers)
- Saddle: Fizik Antares 00 Adaptive (his), Infinity Elite Series (hers - shot with a Bjorn Setka)
- Ceramic: Ceramicspeed headsets, bottom brackets and derailleur pulleys
- Titanium: Stem, water bottle, seat, binder bolts - every bolt that can be
- Pedals: Wahoo Power Pedals (his) Non-power Wahoo (hers)
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