“Made in Italy” means many issues to many individuals… at OFFICINE MATTIO (OM) it means going from fiber to tube forming to border development to color with out ever leaving Peidmont Area.

Roll south from OM’s headquarters and you’ve got the Ligurian Sea with iconic locations like Monaco and Good to the west and Portofino to the east… Within the middle, you’ll discover Genoa, and within the hills above the coast sits OM’s manufacturing facility. As ever in Europe, this can be a nondescript constructing that hides the magic inside…

As manufacturing unit visits go, this was considered one of my favorites. It took 20 minutes simply to get me to recollect we have been there for issues on two wheels versus 4… Earlier than you see the items themselves, you see of us engaged on issues considerably out of the abnormal for a body store…

Within the USA, supercars are not often pushed in something resembling anger however journey the world a bit and also you’ll discover the perfect on supply being pushed to (and past) their capability and design.

This can be a store devoted to creating among the quickest automobiles on the planet go quicker.

And when you get a bit additional into the store, you begin to perceive that they’re fairly critical about making among the greatest biking equipment on the planet. And once I say “making”, I imply going from check molds and prototypes to manufacturing molds to full-frame construct, tube by tube, piece by piece from digital scratch.

Given the method requires a few journeys to the autoclave for a little bit of bake and treatment time, time wouldn’t permit a begin to end construct with the evaluation bike. However as OM had a few initiatives in course of, we might nonetheless get a full take a look at all of the steps.

With that, we’ll roll via the method from uncooked fiber to hitting the highway with the Lemma 2.0.

Begin within the uncooked…

There’s a mountain of fiber readily available. Unidirectional sheet, a number of weave densities, and modulus, uncooked fiber, prepreg, strand… They’re dealing with so many various processes right here that it’s simple to get misplaced in all of it in case you’re the one man within the room that hasn’t been doing this for a few generations.

For the tube units being constructed up, that may imply hand slicing sheet prepreg.

These sheets for the principle tube set are layered for energy, directional assist, and a multidirectional (and aesthetic) high layer weave…

Then it’s over to customized machined molds. (OM didn’t ask for the insertion element to be eradicated, however I wish to return sooner or later, so… you get the swirl…)

There are a few steps to the prep that we’ll omit, however there may be fairly a little bit of care to orient fiber. It’s a bit like a tailor lining up the pinstripes on a go well with. The sting of the mildew helps to set the path of the skin weave.

As soon as the sting is about, it’s necessary to get rid of any air between the fiber and the mildew and it additionally helps to pack down the layers.

It’s not at all times so simple as three sheets of fiber, there could also be extra directional or assist layers inside the tube system.

In fact, not every little thing is so simple as a spherical tube.

There may be much more complexity right here to deliver compression / short-fiber molded components (say a dropout or a disc mount) collectively as part of a single construction just like the chainstays. Actually, one of many more durable bits to get proper (within the case you need a particular piece of equipment fairly than simply one other straight tube) is that this little man…

And naturally, molding forks properly has been comparatively troublesome for a lot of prior to now, and Officine Mattio makes the Lemma with an additional complication to the fork that we’ll cowl later.

Inside Pores and skin

As soon as the entire tubes are fabricated and lower to go well with, our group at OM put every little thing collectively in a jig, simply to have an eyeball take a look at what the Lemma tube set appeared like within the flesh.

As soon as issues appeared correct, OM goes into the method of becoming a member of the tubes. It’s this course of that units OM other than most builders.

Tube-to-tube customized carbon frames are comparatively comparable in course of, however OM makes use of a course of that creates one thing rather more like a monocoque mildew. The upside of monocoque molding (the place your entire body, and in some instances the complete entrance triangle is produced as a single piece in a single large mildew) is a really stable, almost jointless construction with cleaner, much less cumbersome joints than lugged or tube to tube processes. The draw back of monocoque is that the one-piece molds are costly and they also’re restricted to some inventory sizes, fairly than a course of that usually permits for full customized frames.

Officine Mattio has a course of referred to as IWS (Inner Wrap System) that produces comparable outcomes to Monocoque AND permits full customized body geometry.

There’s no images of this proprietary a part of OM’s manufacturing course of… It’s simply too completely different from what’s being accomplished elsewhere.

What I can present you’re a few footage from the skin wanting into a few the joints that characteristic the method. That is the highest tube / headtube, wanting down from the highest.

This appears comparatively seamless inside, and the skin joint is a a lot smaller radius transition (much less materials across the tubes as they arrive collectively). Inside, this IWS body appears fairly a bit like a monocoque (which is molded with inner strain, urgent the carbon out towards the mildew).
That is completely different than the everyday tube-to-tube joint course of, the place tubes are bonded collectively in a jig, then wrapped externally, then bagged, and at last pressurized (and heated) from the skin.

Take a look on the backside finish as properly. Right here, the BB shell is lower to the form of the chainstay items and the wrap comes into the BB shell from the chainstay.

The good thing about IWS isn’t simply beauty.  Normally phrases, the longer the carbon fibers attain into the 2 items being joined, the stronger the joint will probably be. YES, layering and fiber path are additionally necessary as is the general quantity (thickness) of fiber. The correct quantity of strain (on the appropriate temp) can be necessary to compress the supplies collectively and push out any area/air between fiber layers.  IWS provides you lengthy fiber stretching into each items being joined and applies excessive forming strain to compress the supplies each inside and outdoors of the joint. And observe that I stated “into”, as a result of when carbon fiber is correctly molded and runs via a joint uncut, it turns into an built-in a part of each items of that construction.

When all of this in-house love, going from uncooked fiber to tube crafting to border composition is completed properly, the outcomes are fairly rattling good…

The Lemma 2.0 is OM’s newest model aero all-rounder. This can be a Kam tail principal tube and all of the cables are almost utterly inner (Bar, stem, fork, body) to assist with the airflow.

The down tube cross-section is a bit powerful to select as Kamm (particularly in black), nonetheless, the profiling is there particularly when you consider the angle the air flows diagonally throughout the form.

You possibly can see the vanguard form a bit extra via the fork…

You may also see how simply the 30 part tire matches on the Lemma’s fork… There’s comparable area out again and the Lemma will maintain a 35 part tire on most wheels.

Add the tire capability to having the ability to spec geometry for any self-discipline and acknowledge the spherical head and seat tubes and the Lemma appears to be extra of an exceptionally clear wanting all-rounder.

A part of that clean-up course of is a slick hose/cable routing arrange for the fork…

The entrance of the fork is open for routing the entrance brake line into the steer tube, down via the crown, and into/out of the leg…

The steer tube itself additionally has channels for extra routing out via the highest and down tubes.

Roll out to the again, and the seat cluster can be very tidy…

Hidden binders usually are not new, however you don’t usually see them in as little area as is offered on the Lemma… Officine Mattio deal with this with a compression screw pushing a block in opposition to the seat submit contained in the seat tube.

You may discover a really slight bulge on the high tube / seat tube joint as that is one space the place the complete assist for the joint is exterior wrapping. No cables or brakes to go via right here because the seat submit is a regular inserted unit, and there’s not a lot level in operating fiber contained in the seat tube simply to should ream it out so the seat submit matches. This further slight little bit of bulk additionally permits for the room to suit the seat binding arrange.

A part of that slight bulge can be relative to the wide-flat part of the highest tube…

The form expands to three instances the quantity on the head tube the place its operate is to withstand twist/facet flex…

The down tube joint on the head tube is among the higher examples of simply how tight/compact the IWS joint is. There is no such thing as a extra materials wanted with inner/exterior reinforcement.

The down tube form stays static because it strikes away from the top tube. A clear joint and inner routing means nothing breaks the strains of the down tube. It’s form stays unchanged just about the complete size.

Down under, we now have the underside bracket / seat tube/ down tube and stays… The massive daddy of joints.

That is additionally a good construction with IWS on the joints and the necessity for minimal exterior exterior wrap extending simply an inch or two up the tubes.

The chain stays are molded with rear drops (and disc mounts) in a single shot. (Although the proto was not constructed with customary QR drops).

The Lemma readily available is By way of-axle, and observe that the compression factors are steel. (only a little bit of exterior wrap right here, and no IWS).

The stays are giant field part and ribbed (each side) so as to add TUBE quantity & lateral stiffness with out blowing up the scale of the tube (retaining the refined aesthetic).

They give the impression of being a bit nicer on the completed product (loaded with the proper components in fact).

Seats stays are a one-piece set, they’re bonded and wrapped at each ends – the rear drops inserting into the bottoms.

The stays are extra spherical on the high and drops and flatten towards the center…

The Equipment

CAMPAGNOLO’S Tremendous Document 12…

The rear mech’s precision motion and outsized pulleys, The entrance’s close to on the spot adjustments and the flexibility to trim, The hood shapes refined, The levers adjustable to go well with… And it’s lovely.

Operationally, Campagnolo’s disc braking modulation is the present benchmark (Tremendous Document via the vary…). As mechanical shifting goes, Campagnolo’s 12 velocity system is todays equal to an ideal battle set off. I discover Shimano {smooth}, so {smooth} it’s obscure on a number of shifts or feathering single upshifts. Campagnolo’s Tremendous Document, Document, Refrain shift simply, however the indexing provides you stable suggestions gear by gear. Single shifts or a number of, your thumb can snap 1-2-3 gears and also you by no means seize greater than supposed. Rolling again up the cassette you additionally get suggestions between gears.

Sure electronics are nice, however I like Campagnolo’s Mechanical in the identical means I like Omega’s Velocity and Sea Masters… You do your job, they do theirs, nothing unintended, no exterior assist wanted, by no means want a battery.

(That stated, the Lemma and comparatively EVERYTHING else is less complicated to construct with electronics…)

And whereas I almost at all times go for Campagnolo’s wheels (and have a set right here to swap to the Lemma if wanted), I used to be additionally fairly happy with the bling that got here within the type of OM’s Home wheels.

And on this case, it must be PIRELLI’s Race TLR…

These are tubeless prepared, with a subdued end and graphics that match the construct. OM construct these in home and have hub mixtures accessible to fit your wants. On this case, the matching gold OM brand’s and Gold Carbon Ti Hubs combine with refined graphics so as to add a splash of a shade so usually over-done. Actually most folk miss the little message on the stays…
“Perfetta come l’acqua – solida come la roccia – leggera come il vento”

Do we actually want to debate the experience?

Officine Mattio is run by a person (third from proper under) with a rider’s coronary heart and staffed solely by bike individuals who all have the same aim of making the nicest equipment they will handle (they usually can handle fairly properly), they usually wish to do comparatively ALL OF IT with out leaving Italy.

Their paint/ending staff is simply down the highway and it’s generations of expertise in a model new facility.

The carbon fiber crew can be within the Piedmont and likewise multigenerational, run by Sergio (second from proper under) who’s frankly a genius with fiber (carbon, Kevlar, wooden, it actually wouldn’t shock me if he might construct a body from no matter is rising close to, or strolling across the stream behind the store…).

Even the distributor right here within the US has possible ridden extra miles throughout Europe and might be quicker in his 50’s than just about everybody that can learn this evaluation… (he’s the man on the far proper above).

This can be a group that, at the start, is aware of bicycles. Officine Mattio’s complete lineup is lust-worthy, from their carbon fiber to lugged metal, Stainless, Ti… They’ve a complete lineup of issues made to measure (and inventory) that share an identical minimalist aesthetic that permit the substance of the body stand out.

The Lemma 2.0? It’s now the bike getting probably the most miles in the home, by selection.

It’s secure, carries it’s weight low and handles properly.

The look is extremely clear.

Take away the bottle cages and it’s nearly bought a monitor bike-like refined look. Simply a few inches of cable displaying on a full mechanical construct.

There’s no overt tech on the Lemma aimed toward vibe or bump damping. No suspension or crazy-shaped tubes, and OM use excessive mod carbon and comparatively excessive compression molding (partly as a result of IWS course of) all through the body and fork.

Regardless of this, the Lemma has a whole-frame sort of damping to it that feels much more like a motorcycle that weighs one other 5 kilos… It’s that 20 pound Ti bike from the late 90’s, smoooothing its means down the highway.  BUT step on the gasoline or dive right into a nook and it additionally jogs my memory of the very first 13-14 pound carbon body and ultra-light wheels I bear in mind. The Lemma 2 has a really stiff/environment friendly backside finish but it refuses to rattle your enamel or chatter throughout uneven pavement as in case you have been driving a Theragun massager. Lots of bikes this stiff within the drive appear skittish in corners, however this simply feels planted however with suggestions, you admire when pushing issues.

A considerable a part of this experience high quality is all the way down to tubeless 30 part PIRELLIS at low strain (a new-ish development that’s mainly screwing up 30 years of consolation benchmarks for me).

And as you consider that tire measurement, you understand you may be operating a few sizes bigger and in case your geometry is correct, this can be a stonking good Gravel Race bike? Toss on a smaller profile/lighter wheel (and go away the 30’s on or drop to 27’s) and right here’s your climbing rig… Add 60 part wheels and 27-tubeless (or Campagnolo’s latest Shamal, that are a FANTASTIC all-around wheelset), and you’ve got a deadly-smooth rolling Aero bike.

I’ve performed the wheel and tire mixture sport with the Lemma 2 and I’m simply fortunately confused.

I requested the geometry towards impartial (actually near OM’s inventory) and one Lemma 2 (with a couple of completely different wheels) is mainly two or three of the nicest bike I personal.

Now if solely I might afford that Ferrari 812 GTS… I might order OM’s SL mannequin and have them ship it over together with a customized aero bundle for that and the 458 and get all of it delivered on the identical time, in the identical colorway…

Cash, Time and Supply

The Lemma 2.0 Body, Fork, a really good one-piece Bar/Stem (not proven on this evaluation), and small components in inventory sizes is $7,499, full customized is $8,499 in inventory end/graphics. In fact, that can change past the customized geometry as you might spec finishes or thrives properly past the inventory graphics and construct.

Lead time immediately (11/1/2021) is 90 days for customized and 30 days for inventory (relying on end).

Earlier than you get too cross-eyed at these quantities, bear in mind that is much like what a variety of Halo-level European bikes value that provide almost no customization AND are about as Italian as the garments and purses offered on eBay or at your native swap meet. At the least these Asian knock-offs of Italian High quality on eBay have the decency to value 50-75-90% low cost, however the Far japanese bikes with Euro labels seize comparable {dollars} to OM’s greatest.

Greenback for greenback, I do not know why individuals purchase off the rack labels as a substitute of bespoke.

The whole lot in regards to the Lemma goes from sheets of carbon to complete to color with out ever leaving the Piedmont Area, AND within the case you go along with the inventory graphics, you possibly can decide the colours (even on the inventory sizes).

A number of construct kits can be found in addition to OM’s personal wheelsets (the wheelsets may also be custom-made for label shade and you’ve got a couple of hub selections). You could wish to fluctuate the elements so full pricing needs to be mentioned immediately with the retail supply.

You’ll find extra at: https://officinemattio.com/

Officine Mattio’s unique North American Importer is Soren Krebs at Velo-Italia.
E-mail: [email protected]
Cellphone: +1 312 479 2478.

Purple Lantern Cycles
883 Santa Cruz Ave
Unit #3
Menlo Park, CA 94025
P +1 650 853 3051

Critical Biking
29041 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
P +1 818 597 8330

Critical Biking
19600 Plummer Avenue
Suite #100
Northridge, CA 91324
P +1 818 597 8330

Cyclologic (Retail,Efficiency Optimization and movement analytics schooling)
9376 E Bahia Dr – STE D104
Scottsdale AZ 85260
480-699-5358

Officine Mattio and Velo Italia are happy to share that they’re within the strategy of increasing their retail Associate community. To fulfill buyer demand the place no Officine Mattio Companions are established, Officine Mattio frames might be bought by contacting Velo-Italia immediately and or by reaching out to the retailers above.

Have Enjoyable,

Phrases and images by Charles Manantan.
[email protected]

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