I've written this about 50 times on the Carbonara product page, but this bike is unique in more ways than one.

With Carbonara you can let your imagination and creativity run wild.

Besides geometry, design and peripherals, you can also choose the character of your bike.

Maxime understood this well. The request was perfectly clear:

" I want a super versatile bike, capable of accepting 40mm tires while being fast on the road. A great toy to spread on all terrains and with which I can take on the Traka ."

The frame and fork

So it's Carbonara.

Handcrafted from round-section carbon fiber tubes, the frame was built for Maxime following his postural study.

Broadly speaking, it's the same geometry as the Scapada in 56cm with some adjustments to the front triangle, particularly in terms of reach.

To move the tires to 40 mm, it was necessary to use specific seat stays slightly arched outwards.

So yes, I'm the guy who will defend to the death that the best material for a Gravel bike is aluminum.

But hey, when you love something, why deprive yourself of it?

For the bottom bracket, at Massacan, whatever the bike, we respect each other. So there is a T47 threaded properly in 68 mm width.

In terms of color, a little snub with a gray… aluminum paint.

The transmission

So Shimano or SRAM? SRAM or Shimano?

Well this time it's SRAM who's doing it.

Personally, I'm more of a Shimano-Bro, but I have to say that the latest Red group is still brilliant. It basically corrects all the faults that could be found in SRAM road groups, namely chainring changes and braking.

The front derailleur has been completely redesigned. Changing chainrings is a snap, and the risk of chain drops is now close to zero.

A lot of work has gone into the braking system. The calipers have been revised, and the lever pivot point positioning is completely new.

Now, braking with one finger when descending a hill is completely possible.

No, it's really cool.

Maxime's bike has a power sensor integrated into the crankset.

It's really well done and, to some extent, superior to what Shimano can offer.

And then there's another thing where SRAM has the advantage. It's ease of assembly. No cables to route and connect. It's super cool and intuitive.

So good that in the end, well at the time I'm writing this article, there's a Japanese component brand whose name begins with "Shima" and ends with "no" that is preparing to present a similar system where each derailleur has its own battery.

In short, Maxou had fun and he did well!

Carbon levers

Sram RED is NOT DEAD

It's slowing down!

Double chainring, threaded housing

We don't deny ourselves anything

These curves!!!

It takes that much to slide the 40mm tires

The wheels

Well, Max didn't stutter there either.

The wheels are the Miche Graff Evo. The top of the line gravel wheels from the brand.

The specs are really cool: 37mm profile, 25mm internal width, super smooth SKF bearings and all for just over 1400 grams. Honestly, it's very strong!

For the tires, the Hutchinson Caracals are in the game.

They are extremely easy to roll and are designed to roll on all types of roads, but not only!

Except in the very fat, no path resists it.

Even when stopped, it goes fast!

Nothing stops the Hutchinson Caracal!

* Apart from the mud

Peripherals

Everything comes from Vision.

It's a great value for money.

The stem is the all-new SMR II. With its -10° angle, it's mega aggressive. And then there's the aero bar cover and all that. The look is crazy.

As for the handlebars, well, your trained eye will surely have noticed that there's something fishy. And yes, the handlebars are "just a vulgar" Vision Alu.

The final carbon handlebar had not yet arrived at the time of assembly.

Maxime will come back in a few weeks and we will install it for him.

We will take the opportunity to integrate the hoses through the stem!

A cockpit that doesn't joke around!

-10°

And it's not a temperature

In conclusion

Who better than the lucky owner to talk about it?

Massacan : First of all, how did you find out about us at the very beginning?

Maxime : A little over two years ago, I was looking for an Allroad/Gravel, I came across Paula (the same name as my grandmother). I really liked the shape of the frame and the spirit around the brand.

Massacan : You were riding a Specialized Crux, and now you're switching to a full custom bike from Massacan... What went through your head?

Maxime : Riding a Massacan was even more on my mind with Scapada. It was hard to resist a road bike in addition to the Crux.

At the launch of Carbonara, we crossed paths in Nice, we talked a lot (Matthieu must be a bit chatty). The turning point was being able to have a 40mm tire change.

The rest is a real favorite, moments discussing geography, peripherals and the editing at 7 a.m. at the Rifugio, the day after the Monaco Gravel Race.

Massacan : Why us?

Maxime : Being in Nice, I think it's really cool to ride a local brand. I really like the fact that the circuit is very short, and the handmade production in Italy plays a big role in the environmental aspect of the bike.

If we add the affinity created over time at the Rifugio and on the bike, it's incredible to ride for a brand with real people and values behind it.

Massacan : Why Carbonara?

Maxime : It's obvious, a carbon frame with a custom color, adapted geometry, a custom wheel arch and handmade in Italy.

Beyond the love for carbon, the shape is incredible. I love the style of the frame, it's well balanced and it's the fastest bike in the world, right?

Massacan : What exactly did you want a bike for?

Maxime : I'm in favor of a bike that can do everything, and playing with a second pair of wheels to go on all terrains.

It will allow me to climb a few passes on the road, do my training, accompany me on my bike commute and go fast in gravel races. I plan to take it to the Traka this year.

Massacan : And then, just for fun: what does cycling represent for you, in one sentence?

Maxime : Cycling represents everything I love: discovering incredible new places, sharing moments with friends, and also the competitive and performance spirit.