So, we played hooky on Friday, and it was beautiful day. I decided to call up a guy who was painting a fork for my solo bike, and ask if we could come pick it up. He is located in Marina, CA. So, around an 86 mile drive along the mountains and coast. He said sure.
I knew that Calfee's HQ was along the way, so I gave them a call, and asked if we could check it out. They said sure!
We got there a little after 3 pm and it was a beautiful day. Their location was right near the coast, very nice. Steve was very helpful and showed us around the shop, where frames were being built, checked over, painted, etc...
We got to see all the processes, carbon lug wrapping, assembly, as well as all the bamboo frame building steps.
I forgot to bring our pedals/shoes, and regret it, because they let us test ride some bikes!
They got out some platform pedals and away we went.
We got to ride:
- A bamboo tandem with Topolinos
- A CF Tetra tandem with a gates belt drive.
They both soaked up the bumps SO much better than our older steel Santana... and the CF tandem... man we both stood and sprinted for a bit and it felt so fast.
We spoiled ourselves that day, and now we notice the flaws of our bike more.
We went up and down Mt. Hamilton yesterday on our tandem. There is a pretty bumpy and technical descent in the first section, coming down from the summit. We were both like DAMN I wish we were on the Calfee right now
Anyway the guys at Calfee were very nice. We got to meet Craig Calfee just before the end of the visit, he showed up right as we were getting ready to take out the CF tandem.
If you are in the area... definitely take the chance to visit. Those bamboo bikes are gorgeous in person.