First look: Scapin Anouk

Scapin’s brand new Anouk is the evolutionary descendent of the Eys that we tested last year, with a redesigned carbon-fibre frame claimed to be 100g lighter, updated internal cable routing and a 27.2mm seatpost. This is Scapin's most affordable carbon bike, with complete bike prices starting from £1,892.

The frame is subtly different from the discontinued Eys, a bike we found to offer “excellent handling manners” when we reviewed it last year. This new Anouk has a more angular frame, with a flat-sided box section down tube and oversized chainstays - small changes but ones that give it a more modern appearance. Scapin has taken inspiration from sister company Olympia’s 849, with some of the design and construction methods being shared on this new frame.

They’ve used some of that expertise to shed some weight in the frame. A size medium is claimed to weigh 1,090g, down from the 1,190g of the old Eys. Though it's 'only' 100g, it makes the frame more competitive with many of the newer rivals in this price bracket. The frame is constructed from unidirectional T700 and T800 carbon fibre with a T700 carbon fork. It’s available in five sizes from XS to XL.

The new frame carries over the same PressFit 85.6mm shell, with a machined alloy sleeve to ensure precise alignment when pushing the bearings into place, along with the tapered 1 1/8in to 1 1/2in head tube. One significant change, and one that should contribute a bit more comfort, is the switch from a 31.6mm seatpost to a 27.2mm post. That’s a move we’re seeing many manufacturers make with their latest bikes in the pursuit of a bit of deflection.

The Eys used external cable routing for mechanical groupsets, and internal for electronic. The new Anouk moves completely to internal cable routing with 'dual-fit', which accepts both mechanical and electronic groupsets. The internal cable routing features tubes which while adding a bit of weight, should prevent cables or wires rattling inside the frame.

Like all Scapin frames, the Anouk is hand-painted in Italy. This one is finished in the company’s signature colours: a simple red, grey and white paint job.

The bike pictured here costs £2,963 and is built with a Shimano Ultegra 11-speed brake levers and derailleurs, FSA caliper brakes and an FSA Gossamer compact 50/34 chainset. FSA also supply the Compact handlebars, Afterburner stem and seatpost topped with a Scapin-branded saddle. Mavic’s Kysrium Elite S wheels with Mavic tyres and an Elite bottle cage complete the bike.

While some manufacturers might use one frame for more affordable builds, and another the higher up the componentry ladder you go, Scapin offer the same frame with a Campagnolo Veloce groupset for £1,892 all the way up to a £7,785 Dura-Ace Di2 and Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLE build.

Scapin say the Anouk “has been designed to offer the best possible balance of lightweight, efficiency, durability, ride comfort and value,” and adding it's “fast enough to impress on a sunny Sunday morning, comfortable enough to ride long sportives and durable enough to commute and withstand UK winters.”

We’ll hopefully get to swing a leg over one soon to see if that is indeed the case. 

More info at www.scapin.com and UK distributor www.poshbikes.com