Nobody likes the C-word, but it seems as though almost everyone has to hear it eventually. Cancer, in all its various forms, is one of the biggest hurdles in modern health care and much work is needed to find treatments and cures for those suffering around the globe.
After European XC and CX racer Vlad Sabau’s mother passed away due to breast cancer, he decided he wanted to help other cancer patients. In addition to incorporating pink pieces into his race outfits (the color of breast cancer awareness), he began auctioning off his custom pink-accented bikes each season with the profits going directly to an individual who is fighting cancer.
Last year Bikerumor featured out his tricked-out Cannondale F29, and this year’s F-Si hardtail will be the fourth bike Sabau has sold. If you can’t afford to bid on the bike, there’s also a chance to buy smaller items and customized parts from supporting sponsors this year, including grips, gloves, hubs, pedals and more. The auction is open until Jan. 21st, so keep reading for all the details…
The auction bike has been raced on throughout the 2015 season, so it does have some typical wear and tear (which is not seen in the photos, the bike was photographed brand new). With race results on the line Sabau kept his steed well maintained, and it was completely torn down and rebuilt before the auction.
Sabau found some supportive sponsors to help him assemble this top-notch race machine. His personal sponsors Cannondale, Ashima, Sram, and Tune were joined by Ryde, Sapim, Xpedo and ESI grips to complete the build on this year’s bike.
First, if you intend to ride the bike rather than display it it’s important to know this is a size large frame. On the pink painted Cannondale F-S1 is a competition-level build including a Lefty 2.0 PBR fork (with a 2016 solo air piston upgrade), Sram XX1 drivetrain, Tune handlebars, seat post, saddle and hubs, Xpedo XMF08 pedals with ti spindles, and of course pink ESI grips. Many of those components feature unique color accents, and Sabau estimates the retail value of the bike at over 6000€ ($6510 USD).
Like last year, Sabau had some of his teammates autograph the frame to make the bike a true collector’s item. Cannondale factory riders Manuel Fumic, Marco Aurelio Fontana and Henrique Avancini have all penned their names to make this a very special piece of MTB memorabilia.
This year you can also help raise money by purchasing smaller items or components. A select number of pink or purple Tune hubs, pink Xpedo ti pedals, pink Mucky Nutz fenders, pink ESI grips or Grip Grab gloves can be yours, and you can even buy an autographed action photo for just 10€ ($11). Check out Sabau’s website for the full list and prices.
Please note, for the complete bike or other items the buyer is responsible for covering all shipping and duty fees. If you’re located outside the EU, you’ll have to send an inquiry to see if shipping is feasible to your country.
Every penny of the money raised will go directly to a patient who needs help in their fight against some form of cancer- the recipient is selected each year by Sabau and his family. If you’re interested in supporting the battle against cancer and owning some unique parts or a pro rider’s personal race bike, the online auction is open until January 21st and you can check it out here.
