The Fairlight Cycles Strael 2.0 is the perfect long distance audax bike. The steel frame is very comfortable and it’s the perfect size for me.
Colour: Putty
Frame material: Steel
Wheels: Custom built by Firth Cycles, Queensbury
Lights: SON Edelux II / SON Rear dynamo
Dynamo: SON Delux 12 disc
Frame bag: Apidura
Mudguards: Kinesis Fend Off
Tyres: Continental GP5000 tubeless
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8000 hydraulic
Size: 51T
Purchased: July 2018
Website: https://fairlightcycles.com/
The custom wheels were built by Firth Cycles in Queensbury. The hubs are SON Delux 12 disc dynamo (front) and Hope RS4 Centre lock (rear), with FALCON rims from Light Bicycle in 55mm and 65mm depths.
The dynamo lights are incredibly convenient on long distance audax rides. When I do stop, I can concentrate on keeping my GPS and mobile phone power topped up instead, and largely forget about them. As a consequence of this, the USB power bank I carry in my saddle bag is relatively small. Whilst riding, the drag from the dynamo is not noticable.
The frame has some rack mounts for panniers, but I have been using the Apidura saddle bag (small) for recent rides where I needed baggage.
In terms of pure speed, my Trek Emonda SLR is probably faster but at the expense of long term comfort. Over an audax distance, I think I’d almost always finish earlier on the Fairlight.
Fastest moving speed: 17.3mph over 378.55 miles (600km).
