Why Selk’nam? What does the logo and brand typography represent, which we see laser-etched on Selk’nam bikes?

Selk’nam is a name that carries a rich story of meaning and connection to the roots of an extraordinary people. I chose this name in honor of the ancient Selk’nam, a tribe that once lived in Tierra del Fuego, at the far southern tip of South America. Unfortunately, their history is one of extinction and injustice, yet their indomitable spirit and deep connection to nature and the land captivated me to the point that I wanted to honor them through this brand.

The Selk’nam Cycles logo merges the alchemical elements of Earth and Fire—symbols that directly reflect the wild and rugged geography of Tierra del Fuego. The downward-pointing triangle represents Earth, while the upward-pointing triangle symbolizes Fire. These two elements are combined to create a visual synthesis that reflects the strength of nature and the essence of what the brand aims to convey.

Additionally, the logo design incorporates a reference to Selk’nam iconography, inspired by the mask of the Ulen spirit, a culturally significant figure for this people. The mask, marked by horizontal and vertical white lines on a red background, has been graphically reinterpreted to give a sense of movement and fluidity to the logo while preserving its symbolic strength.

The typography of the Selk’nam name is also deliberate. I wanted the lettering to echo the art and culture of the Selk’nam people, with lines, dots, and segments reminiscent of their ritual masks used in the Hain initiation ceremony. Each element is laser-etched on every bike, serving as a reminder that these bicycles are not just a mode of transport but a connection to history and place.

What was the inspiration behind the creation of the Xalpen?

The inspiration for the Xalpen came at a time when cycling had become more of a physical discomfort than a pleasure. I was using a bike that, due to its geometry, forced me into an overly stretched position, causing back pain and muscle fatigue. I could have simply bought a new bike, but the difficulties in finding the right model during the post-pandemic period led me to think differently, more creatively.

I began envisioning a bike that was, above all, comfortable, but also unique—something that reflected my needs and experiences. It was during a trip to the Eurobike Expo in Frankfurt that I had a true revelation: I noticed how some markets, especially the German and Dutch, were exploring technologies still little known in Italy, like the Rohloff transmission paired with a Gates belt. This setup seemed ideal for touring and adventure cycling, particularly for its low maintenance and impressive durability.

From there, the idea of creating a bike that could accompany the most demanding cyclists on long journeys across varied terrains, ensuring both comfort and performance, was born. The Xalpen is not just a bike; it’s the result of years of reflection and a desire to offer something different, a way to introduce Italian cyclists to technologies already well-proven abroad.

Why titanium?

The choice of titanium was almost inevitable after deciding to equip the bike with a Rohloff transmission and Gates belt, both known for their durability and low maintenance. A titanium frame perfectly complements this setup due to its resistance to weather, lightweight nature, and ability to absorb ground vibrations.

Titanium is renowned for being an almost eternal material due to its exceptional resistance to corrosion. Unlike steel, it doesn’t oxidize easily, making it ideal for a frame that can endure rain, mud, and dust without damage. Another key feature is its strength-to-weight ratio: although titanium isn’t as strong as steel in absolute terms, it enables much lighter frames with similar mechanical performance, resulting in a more manageable and high-performing bike.

For our frames, we use a specific alloy composed of 3% aluminum and 2.5% vanadium. This blend not only improves titanium’s workability but also enhances its mechanical strength, making the frame more robust without compromising on weight. While other titanium alloys, such as 6Al-4V, offer higher mechanical strength, we opted for 3Al-2.5V because it is better suited for cold working, being more ductile and therefore ideal for producing bicycle tubing.

Why did you choose the Rohloff hub gear for the Xalpen instead of a traditional derailleur? What advantages does this system offer in terms of maintenance, performance for bikepacking, and gravel events? And how does the Gates Carbon Drive belt integrate into the bike’s overall design compared to a traditional chain?

The choice of the Rohloff Speedhub, paired with the Gates Carbon Drive belt, stemmed from the desire to create a bike that is reliable, durable, and requires minimal maintenance—key qualities for cyclists embarking on long journeys or participating in gravel events.

The Rohloff Speedhub is a 14-speed hub gear system that operates in a fully sealed, oil-immersed environment. This means it’s entirely protected from the elements—water, mud, dust, and sand—all of which are common challenges in bikepacking and mixed-terrain racing. Unlike traditional derailleurs, which are exposed and can easily be damaged by impact, the Rohloff is safely enclosed within the wheel spokes, making it much more resilient.

The Gates Carbon Drive belt also plays a significant role in the overall design of the Xalpen. Unlike a traditional chain, the belt requires no lubrication, eliminating the risk of contamination from dirt or mud. This makes the belt not only cleaner but also much easier to maintain—just rinse it with water, or if you want to be thorough, use a bit of mild soap. To further protect its performance, a silicone spray can be applied to help repel dust and dirt.

In terms of maintenance, the Rohloff only needs an oil change once a year or every 5,000 km, a task that can be done in about 20 minutes at a low cost of around 15 euros for the kit. The Gates belt also boasts extraordinary durability, lasting two to three times longer than a traditional chain. Moreover, the Rohloff Speedhub’s sealed design contributes to its longevity, with documented cases of hubs exceeding 100,000 km without requiring extensive repairs.

This setup also offers a significant advantage in efficiency. While the Rohloff adds a bit of weight to the overall setup, it is about 200g lighter than the Pinion gearbox at the bottom bracket and has a power loss to the wheel of only about 5%, similar to traditional chain-driven systems but much more efficient than other internal gear hubs (source: Cycling About). This is a key consideration for those seeking consistent high performance over long distances.

Ultimately, the Rohloff and Gates combination makes the Xalpen ideal for adventure cyclists who want a bike capable of handling all types of terrain with minimal maintenance, allowing them to focus on the pure joy of riding.

In terms of performance, while this setup does weigh more than a classic chain/crank/cassette setup, the Rohloff hub alone is still about 200g lighter than the Pinion gearbox at the bottom bracket. As for pedaling efficiency, the power loss to the wheel from the pedal is estimated to be around 5%, much less than the roughly 10% observed for Pinion units and on par with standard chain systems, which can also incur about a 5% power loss, especially as chainlines become increasingly angled with single-chainring systems.

How important is comfort in the design of the Xalpen, and how did you work to optimize the riding position?

When designing the Xalpen, the comfort of the cyclist was one of the primary aspects I focused on. Riding long distances demands a riding position that doesn’t excessively strain the body, and every detail of the frame has been carefully considered to ensure a natural and relaxed posture.

The frame geometry is designed to distribute weight evenly between the saddle and the handlebars, preventing the cyclist from overloading their back, shoulders, and wrists. The reach has been kept relatively short to allow for a more upright torso position, while the stack is higher to enhance hand support and reduce tension on the shoulders and neck. Additionally, the Surly Moloko handlebars, with their multiple grips and ergonomic angle, provide cyclists with various options to change their grip and alleviate stress on their hands during long rides.

The titanium frame plays a crucial role in ensuring comfort, thanks to its ability to absorb vibrations from the terrain. Compared to steel, titanium has a lower elastic modulus, which means it tends to “flex” slightly under stress, absorbing shocks without directly transferring them to the cyclist.

What are the advantages of handcrafted titanium frames compared to mass production?

Each Selk’nam frame is handmade, which distinctly sets us apart from industrial mass production. Titanium requires very precise and delicate handling, which can only be performed by skilled hands. Each frame is welded in a protected atmosphere to avoid contamination that could compromise the material’s quality. This process, although longer and more expensive than automated welding, ensures that every bicycle is built to the highest quality standards.

The visible welds are one of the trademarks of Selk’nam titanium bicycles. Each weld is carefully polished and inspected to ensure there are no imperfections. This is not just an aesthetic consideration; well-executed welds are essential to guarantee that the frame is robust and durable, able to withstand the stresses of intensive use on rugged terrain.