Introducing RASO Marble, a unique tube-level finish option for the Sarto Raso.


If you thought that paint was the only way to affect the look of a frame, prepare to think again. With Black Marble, a new finish option released today exclusively for the Sarto Raso, we went below the surface to the very fibre of the tubes to develop a finish that's part of the frame itself.

One look at the pictures, and you'll see why marble came to mind. But look again at another frame with the same treatment, and you'll note that it's no facsimile. That's because the technique we use to create Black Marble isn't just unique; it also renders a unique look every time. You might call it the Sarto 'surprise me' option.

In keeping with Sarto's commitment to customisation, Black Marble is available in raw black (as per the name) but also overlaid with transparent ink, which introduces a semblance of colour while revealing everything underneath, allowing the treatment to appear as if it were on the surface. For even more control, you can choose to have the entire frame or specific sections rendered with Black Marble.

      Speaking about the new finish, our CEO, Enrico Sarto, said: "We're always thinking of ways we can play with the look of our frames, with elements that perhaps only we can innovate as fibre-to-finish bike makers. As we produce everything here in our HQ, we are uniquely positioned to push the boundaries of what's possible with composite materials.

      photo
      photo

      "During several sessions, we experimented with adding an outer layer of unidirectional carbon fibre, BU45, to the tube moulds to test out a new aesthetic concept we had in mind. Like all the composite materials we use at Sarto, the material was manufactured by one of our local partners here in Italy. When we opened the moulds after they were cured in the autoclave, we saw the beautiful, marble-like finish of the tubes, just as we had anticipated.

      "However, the more we experimented, the more we realised how much the effect varied each time, which added to the enjoyment of the process and reflected the unique nature of each Sarto." 

      photo

      Enrico also notes that the effect is not purely visual. "As the Black Marble process involves adding a layer of unidirectional fibre to the existing moulds, the treatment also enhances tube strength and vibration resistance - a welcome bonus."


      Visit the Raso page and the Paint Finish section to learn more. 

          Article by Pete Harrington | August 24