Scapin Hysak
The Scapin hit their target in designing a bike that is balanced enough to be capable of winning in a variety of situations.
Components Campagnolo Super Record 11
Wheels Enve Composite tubular
Sizes S, M, L, XL
MSRP $3,699 (frameset)
With roots going back to 1957, Scapin is a bicycle brand that stretched across multiple generations. Founded by Umberto Scapin, a former pro rider, the brand became known for its attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. But it wasn’t until 2005 when new owners came along and invested heavily in research and development that the brand was revived. In North America, it took until this year for Scapin to become widely available and it’s through the Toronto-based Stage-Race Distribution that the company has resumed selling modern versions of its bikes.
Scapin’s Hysak model sits second in their lineup just behind the slightly ligthter and custom-sized Fazer. The Hysak’s frame is a carbon monocoque with full internal cable routing and a fork featuring a tapered steerer tube. The bike also has an integrated seatpost with a cleverly-designed S-shaped seat clamp and a press-fit bottom bracket. The result is a bike that is everything you might expect from an Italian superbike, but at a more affordable price.
The Hysak is imported into North America as a frameset only for $3,699 and riders can then have it built to their needs. Our test model was built in appropriately-Italian fashion with a Campagnolo Super Record 11 groupset and a Fi’zi:k Arione CX saddle. We tested the bike in a variety of situations including climbing and descending wet rural roads and on some longer rides, and the bike responded to everything that was asked of it. Like many high-end bikes, the Hysak seemed to keep getting better the harder it was pushed.
Riding at a leisurely pace, the bike had a bit of a harsh ride. Road vibration was muted, as you’d expect from a carbon frame, but the stiff front end and integrated seatmast didn’t offer much compliance. When pushed harder however, the stiff frame seemed to float over the road and it responded quickly to accelerations. We felt the Hysak was a versatile racing bike – whether it’s for a block criterium or hilly road races.
The Campagnolo drivetrain on our test machine was also impressive. Every shift was performed flawlessly, even under load, and the look of the Super Record group is unmistakably Campy – flashy and classic all at the same time. Braking was above average even on the Enve carbon tubular wheels that were spec’ed on our build.
The Hysak is a bit more race-oriented than some riders might need, but Scapin hit their target in designing a bike that is balanced enough to be capable of winning in a variety of situations.
The company also did a good job in its design. Gentle curves and flowing lines, combined with bold colours, make for an attractive bike reflective of the brand’s Italian heritage. If you’re in the market for a premium frameset and like the Italian styling, the Hysak should on the list of bikes to consider.
