On stage at last week’s Rouleur event in London, Ned Boulting finally got his wish: to interview the great German champion Jan Ullrich, who won the Tour in emphatic style in 1997. Joining them both was Markus Storck, the brains behind the eponymous, lusted-after brand. Jan now rides regularly at pro-am events with Markus, the two competing on super lightweight, technically advanced Storck bikes. ‘I like the red wine too much now,’ complains Jan. ‘But he still hits 100kph no trouble,’ laughs Markus. Storck bikes have long been out of reach of mortals. But Markus has now introduced the Visioner, which enters the realms of affordabilty. The frame still features the distinctive bulged headset and massive bottom bracket, and handles brilliantly. Just don’t ride it fast downhill after a glass of red… (storck-bicycle.cc/)
Price: £1,349
Frame: carbon
Weight: 7.8kg
Gears: Shimano 105
Know your Assos from your elbow
Long before Rapha, there was Assos. The iconic Swiss brand has been tailoring for the world’s great cycling champions for 40 years, creating technical and sophisticated wear for every bike occaision. Assos is the brand that gave us both carbon-fibre frames and Lycra cycling shorts – it’s almost impossible to imagine cycling without those twin pillars – and catching sight of the famous Assos symbol on any rider’s derrière is a sure sign that they know what they are up to.
Now Assos is opening a state-of-the-art showroon on London’s Regent Street. The fact that the store will be rubbing shoulders with designer brands on one of world’s finest shopping streets shows just how cycling has reinvented itself over the past decade.
The store, in fact, is the first one outside of the company’s native Switzerland and it will be a destination of wonder for anyone who loves bikes – whether professional or amateur enthusiast.
The interior, designed by Ab Rogers (son of Lord Rogers), was partly inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey and it certainly looks futuristic. The uniquely elliptical changing room has a sample of every garment in the collection, but more importantly is built around a static bike, so you can try on everything “in the saddle” to ensure a perfect fit before you leave.
The shop opens this weekend and is at St James’ Market, 18 Regent Street, London. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll be inspired to get back on your bike…
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
