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review

Cyfac Gothica CS

9
£6,999.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Light, fast sportive bike with a luxurious feel and high quality workmanship throughout
Weight: 
7,100g
Contact: 
www.velobrands.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Cyfac Gothica CS is a gorgeous bike for long days in the saddle. It's light, it's fast, and we'd say that it's one of the most stylish looking bikes we've ever had on test here at Road.cc.

Frame

The Cyfac Gothica CS isn't formed as a monocoque in a mould. It's handmade in France from high-end T800H carbon tubes that are mitred together and wrapped in carbon weave and Kevlar before being baked to form the permanent structure. There are no lugs. It's a bit like the method used for the Viner bike we tested last year /content/feature/31878-viner-maxima-rs-we-get-our-handbuilt-superbike. Cyfac reckon it takes 30 hours to produce each frame.

According to the manufacturer, 'The inspiration behind the Cyfac Gothica is the architecture of the Loire Valley's soaring Gothic cathedrals. The pointed arch, soaring lines, and vaulted shapes resonate in the tube shaping and design attributes of this masterpiece.'

Okay. Sounds a bit highfalutin to us but you have to admit that this is one stylish bike. Different strokes for different folks, each to his/her own and all those platitudes, but if you don't like the look of the Gothica CS frame you're wrong. Sorry, but it's a beautiful frame and that's all there is to it.

One of the general trends in road bikes over the past few years has been towards oversized everything. Frame tubes, headsets, bottom brackets... it's all been moving in the same direction for extra stiffness. The Gothica CS looks a lot more classic in design. The tubes are relatively slim, the head tube isn't tapered (it's 1 1/8in top and bottom), and the bottom bracket is external rather than a press fit type.

There are loads of neat features to the frame. The profile of the top tube subtly alters along its length from diamond up front to almost teardrop by the time it joins up with the seat tube, while the walls of the centre section are fluted, as they are on the down tube and the fork legs.

Everyone who sees the bike seems to love the Double-Stay back end just because it looks so smart. The seatstays are triangular in profile, joining up at the brake bridge and running parallel up the last stretch to the seat tube. The dropouts are full carbon and that's the case with Cyfac's own Forknox fork too.

The gear cables nip inside the frame at the head of the down tube and travel internally while the rear brake cable takes the internal route too. By the way, if you think zip-tying the Shimano Di2 battery in place is a bit low rent, you're absolutely right. That's how it is on our test bike because we jumped at the opportunity to get on board the Cyfac as quickly as possible. Buy one and the battery will be mounted correctly.

Geometry

The 'CS' in the name stands for 'cyclosportif'; this bike is designed for all-day comfort. Cyfac make the Gothica in a race geometry too but the CS version comes with a slightly shorter (by 0.5cm) top tube and a slightly taller (by 2cm on our 56cm/large model) head tube.

Don't go thinking that this is some kind of leisure bike set-up, though. The head tube on our test model is 18cm tall so it's still performance-orientated, it's just not quite as aggressive as a full-on race machine.

Cyfac have tried to produce a bike that's suitable for getting in the big miles quickly while keeping half an eye on comfort, and we'd say the geometry is bang on for that. Sportive rides, high-mileage weekend rides with mates, quick fitness rides... it's suitable for everything like that. I was perfectly comfortable on the Cyfac throughout long days in the saddle, no trouble at all.

That said, fit is an individual thing and if none of the five Gothica CS sizes (50-58cm) is right for your, there's always the option of going for a custom option instead. Of course, it'll jack up the price (see below).

Components

You can buy the Gothica CS as a frameset for £3,099.99 but UK distributor Velobrands http://www.velobrands.co.uk/ will build it up for you if you like.

Their Gothica CS Premo build kit consists of a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, Dura-Ace C50 wheels with Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tyres, Deda Elementi finishing kit and a Fizik Aliante K:ium saddle. That lot will cost you £6,999.99. For an extra £1,000 you can go for that custom geometry we mentioned.

Our review bike is similar to the Premo build but it has wheels comprising Chris King R45 hubs and Reynolds Attack rims.

Ride

Can you legitimately call a bike 'crisp'? If so, I'd like to say the Gothica CS is exactly that with sharp and snappy acceleration.

Our test bike hit the road.cc Scales of Justice at 7.10kg (15.62lb) without pedals, which is pretty light. You can certainly get lighter for the money – the current Dura-Ace Di2 equipment is a little heavier than a mechanical version, for a start – but this is a bike that's only too willing to pick up speed. Increase your cadence and it'll respond by instantly springing forward.

I won't go on about the wheels too much because they're not part of the standard Premo build, but the 32mm-deep Reynolds Attack rims spin beautifully on the Chris King hubs. Braking on the carbon rims can be a bit wishy-washy in wet conditions, even with Reynolds' Cryo Blue brake pads, but that's always the case with carbon. You soon adjust to that and squeeze the levers a little earlier than normal.

Oh, and while we're at the wheels, the Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tyres did a great job too. They're very lightweight (about 190g each) and quick although they're perhaps not the best choice for everyday use because, in our experience, the lack of rubber means the durability isn't that high. We didn't have any punctures at all through the six week test period so no complaints on that front although, of course, we might just have been lucky.

The Gothica CS leaps into action on the climbs. I found using the tops of the bars on the slightly taller than usual front end to be a really comfortable option when staying seated on steep inclines. When you do need to get out of the saddle, the bars are still low enough for you to control the front end easily. I don't know about you but with a super-high front end, I find it harder to get my weight forward and organize everything properly when standing on the pedals.

Can you legitimately call a bike 'crisp' and 'smooth' at the same time? If so, the Gothica CS is. It's smooth in that the frame mops up road buzz and wrings it out before it reaches you. You know how some bikes rattle about over jagged roads and give you a bit of a slapping if you take them over a slightly raised manhole cover? This bike doesn't do that. It levels things off just enough to keep you comfortable.

That's the Gothica CS's biggest strength: the ride quality is superb. There are doubtless stiffer bikes out there that'll prove a touch more solid in a sprint finish, but that's not what the Cytec is about: it feels luxurious.

The Di2 shifting adds to the smooth feel. You touch the lever and it shifts swiftly, accurately and quietly every time. You never sit there and realise that the chain is rattling on the front mech cage because the system trims its position automatically to avoid that. It's not the greatest advantage in the world but it moves the ride quality up just a touch.

The other thing I really like about the Gothica CS is that it looks cool. At least, it looks cool to me. I wouldn't buy a bike just because it looks stylish – not even close – but it does help. If you're going to spend £3,100 on a frameset to indulge your passion, I think it's perfectly legitimate that you like the look of it. With its slim tubes and neat but not over-fussy frame details, the Gothica is certainly easy on the eye, and that adds to the appeal.

Verdict

Light, fast sportive bike with a luxurious feel and high quality workmanship throughout

road.cc test report

Make and model: Cyfac Gothica CS

Size tested: 56, large

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

The frame is handmade from Toray 800 carbon fibre tubes. The joints are mitred together and wrapped in carbon and Kevlar.

Frame Cyfac Gothica CS

Fork Cyfac Forknox (full carbon, 1 1/8in steerer)

Chainset Shimano Dura-Ace 53/39

Cassette Shimano Dura-Ace 12-27

Shifters Shimano Dura-Ace Di2

Front mech Shimano Dura-Ace Di2

Rear mech Shimano Dura-Ace Di2

Brake callipers Shimano Dura-Ace

Rims Reynolds Attack (carbon)

Hubs Chris King R45

Tyres Schwalbe Ultremo ZX

Spokes 24 rear, 20 front, bladed

Seatpost Deda Zero 100

Saddle Fizik Aliante

Stem Deda Zero 100

Handlebar Deda Zero 100

Bottom bracket Shimano Dura-Ace external

Bar tape Widget Components

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

The CS stands for 'cyclosportif'. This is a bike with a slightly more relaxed riding position than you'll get on a full-on race bike but it's still very much a performance-orientated machine.

Cyfac say, "Corresponding to the needs of the enthusiast cyclist, the all-new GOTHICA CS features a taller head tube and shortened top tube for optimal all-day comfort. Precise handling and performance characteristics. Lightweight. Handcrafted, lug-less design. Multiple finish options. T800H IM carbon fibre. Full carbon rear dropouts. Pass-through derailleur and internal rear brake cable routing. 100% Full-Carbon (including the drop-outs) fork with integrated headset."

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
9/10

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

Absolutely superb.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

The CS version of the Gothica gets a slightly shorter top tube than the race model and a longer head tube, but the ride position isn't all that relaxed in the overall scheme of things. The ride position isn't nearly as upright as you'll find on many sportive bikes.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

The 56cm model has a 55.5cm top tube and an 18cm head tube. The top tube is 0.5cm shorter than on Cyfac's race version of this bike while the head tube is 2cm taller.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Very smooth and comfortable, yes. That's probably this bike's biggest strength: it feels beautiful to ride.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

It felt stiff. You perhaps don't get the ultimate stiffness that you get with a BB30 bottom bracket and an oversized head tube, but this bike is unlikely to be duking it out in a mass sprint finish.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Efficient, yes.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?

There was a small amount of overlap - not a lot. Only experienced it when turning sharply at very low speeds so not a problem.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively, neutral or unresponsive? Neutral

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

Pretty stable, I thought.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

I got on pretty well with the Fizik Aliante saddle. The Deda bars (150mm drop) have a good amount of rearward extension and the Dura-Ace lever hoods make a comfortable perch for your hands.

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
9/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
 
7/10

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels and tyres for performance:
 
8/10

Very light and quick but not the best braking in wet conditions

Rate the wheels and tyres for durability:
 
7/10

I don't find the Schwalbe tyres that durable

Rate the wheels and tyres for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for value:
 
7/10

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the controls for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the controls for value:
 
7/10

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Very much

Would you consider buying the bike? A lot of cash, but if I was in the market for something at this price, it's a winner

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes, without hesitation.

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
7/10

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 41  Height: 190cm  Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

 

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

Add new comment

20 comments

Avatar
pedalpowerDC | 12 years ago
0 likes

Tire clearance on the rear looks exceptionally tight. I'm surprised Cyfac wasn't a little more generous there. It seems that a CS bike ought to fit at least 25mm tires.

Avatar
ridesabikefastorslow | 12 years ago
0 likes

I am by my own admission unfit I got 5 top ten strava time on this bike one of them was Peak hill from the sidmouth side.  16

Avatar
HarveyMorcombe | 12 years ago
0 likes

Its a horrible looking bike  31

Avatar
alg | 12 years ago
0 likes

I'm puzzled by all the chat about components. This is a frameset - and pure silk it is too. Dress it to taste with appropriate quality. Gorgeous!!

Avatar
arrieredupeleton | 12 years ago
0 likes

Ahem**Cough**

Second to last picture. There's a ding/stone chip in the driveside of the downtube near the battery. Who's going to own up to Cyfac you've broke their bike?? It looks beyond repair. I'll dispose of it if you like.

Also, white WHITE zip tie for the battery on a £7k bike? Really.

Avatar
Mat Brett replied to arrieredupeleton | 12 years ago
0 likes
arrieredupeleton wrote:

Also, white WHITE zip tie for the battery on a £7k bike? Really.

We supply the words for nowt. We can't read them out to you as well.

Avatar
arrieredupeleton replied to Mat Brett | 12 years ago
0 likes
Mat Brett wrote:
arrieredupeleton wrote:

Also, white WHITE zip tie for the battery on a £7k bike? Really.

We supply the words for nowt. We can't read them out to you as well.

It was more a tongue in cheek comment about the lack of colour coordination. What about the ding in the downtube??

Avatar
notfastenough | 12 years ago
0 likes

Fair point. £600 for mech ultegra, £300 for Dave's beloved pro-lite bracciano's, £100 for speedplays, £300 for finishing kit and it's more or less my dream bike. Still, £4.4k. Add £300 and it could be Ultegra DI2.

Here's a question: is it brash to turn up on the club run with really flash kit - say, electronic shifting?

Avatar
dave atkinson replied to notfastenough | 12 years ago
0 likes
notfastenough wrote:

Here's a question: is it brash to turn up on the club run with really flash kit - say, electronic shifting?

it is until 2013, when 105 Di2 comes out and we can all get on with our lives  4

Avatar
mathewshotbolt | 12 years ago
0 likes

don't like the price?
don't put £2700 dura ace di2 and £2000 Reynolds carbon
hoops on it!

Avatar
bencolem | 12 years ago
0 likes

I've got one I and have to say that it's everything and more that the review says. I used to like riding my BMC SLC01. It now feels like junk, wobbly like jelly and uncomfortable. I actually find it a very subtle bike to ride - no single characteristic jumps out, you just suddenly realise you've gone a whole lot further (or a whole lot faster) for the same effort. Reminds me very much of my old Serotta Meivici but a bit stiffer. The 'Sportive' label is a bit of a pigeon hole too - its a fantastic distance bike that can do it all. Oh and there's something really wonderful about a carbon frame that you know has been lovingly made by hand as opposed to simply baked in an oven in a mould in a production run of thousands. I was in that budget for something new surely a 'boutique' frame set that is designed to be ridden distance with the minimum of hassle is far more sensible for a non-professional racer than the latest Venge or Foil or whatever that writes all sorts of (loud!) cheques that owners can't cash. Think Aston Martin vs a Ferrari race car?

Avatar
russyparkin | 12 years ago
0 likes

a mad bike, but i have to say i have seen lots of pics of the loire and this bike looks nothing like the local buildings.

it does look like a nice bike though

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andyspaceman | 12 years ago
0 likes

I disagree that this is a sportive bike. Something like this would be my dream do-everything bike - with the exception of winter and commuting duties.

I rarely ride sportives, and while I concede that this would be great for riding sportives on, it would also be ideal for pretty much everything else that I do:

Fast club runs - check
20-mile evening blasts - check
Lake Geneva to the Med along the Route des Grandes Alpes this coming September - check
Long hilly training rides down into the Chilterns - check
Putting the hammer down on your mates into a stiff headwind on the flats - check

Aside from a slightly slack seat angle, the geometry on this bike is probably closer to what most people need for most of the above - the longer head tube just means they don't need the stack of spacers beneath the stem.

If you're a flexible Cat1 racer that needs to get down low for your evening Crit series, then this isn't going to be the bike for you (that'd be the beautiful Cyfac Absolu).

But that's the minority of people riding road bikes. Bikes with these kind of measurements should be much more popular - because they are a lot closer to what people actually need for the majority of riding that is done on British roads.

Avatar
arrieredupeleton | 12 years ago
0 likes

...for a Sportive bike!!

OK, a question. At which sportive are you most likely to find the 'its social like golf, but it keeps me fitter' MAMILs on a bike like this? My guess is the Cheshire Cat. There's plenty MAMIL money in the leafy lanes of Cheshire at the end of March each year.

Any others?

Avatar
notfastenough | 12 years ago
0 likes

I can go along with a top end race bike costing this much, but 7k for a Sportive bike does seem to be overcooking it a little.

So enters the comparisons with golf.

Avatar
dave atkinson replied to notfastenough | 12 years ago
0 likes
notfastenough wrote:

I can go along with a top end race bike costing this much, but 7k for a Sportive bike does seem to be overcooking it a little.

So enters the comparisons with golf.

the realist in me would contend that the people with £7k to spend on a bike are much more likely to be at the dragon than the dengie marshes  1

Avatar
andyspaceman | 12 years ago
0 likes

I've had my eye on one of these for a year or so now - but am sadly no closer to being able to afford one than I was when I first saw it.

The CS geometry is spot-on for us long-leg-short-body types.

Glad to see a full test & review that only enhances the positives I'd already heard about the bike.

Still want, still can't afford...

Avatar
mathewshotbolt | 12 years ago
0 likes

It depends how you justify your purchases.

To me a fully customisable geometry made with top end materials and with my choice of finish is worth the money.

Not everybody fits off the peg bikes.

Avatar
jezzzer | 12 years ago
0 likes

HMYCBACFTMTDATTP!!! *

*howmuchyoucouldbuyacarforthatmanufacturersthesedaysaretakingthep...

Let's get that over and done with. Lovely bike, I'd happily have one.

Avatar
The _Kaner replied to jezzzer | 12 years ago
0 likes
jezzzer wrote:

HMYCBACFTMTDATTP!!! *

*howmuchyoucouldbuyacarforthatmanufacturersthesedaysaretakingthep...

Let's get that over and done with. Lovely bike, I'd happily have one.

I did...(just buy a car..for that) not justifiable in my books....there can't be that much technology in a bike costing that much that would make me any better of a rider...wouldn't pay 1/2 that... (well wouldn't actually pay 1/3 of that)....

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