Project 36 – Marie’s endurance companion

Marie was looking for a companion to continue her explorations. As a passionate trail runner, she is no stranger to sustained effort, unstable terrain, and those moments where mental grit takes over. While the podium finishes keep coming, they are never her true motivation. What matters is the line drawn on the map, the relief of the landscape, and the distance ahead.
Her gravel bike had to match that level of commitment.”
Marie has already tackled demanding routes such as the Route des Grandes Alpes and the Peru Divide. She wanted a bike capable of soaking up long climbs, remaining stable on descents, and maintaining comfort as the miles stack up.
A bike that is reliable. Precise. Durable. This Zafi was not designed to stay clean. It was made for the dust, the long days, and the early starts.
We crafted her bike around an ash frame
Ash offers a rare balance: it naturally absorbs vibrations while retaining a true liveliness. On rough, broken trails, it filters the terrain. When accelerating, it responds.

The black walnut inlays are a deliberate aesthetic choice. While they serve no structural purpose, they create contrast, visual depth, and a powerful identity—a signature that is at once discreet and assertive.
Simon carefully shaped the frame sections to achieve a balanced ride: lateral stiffness for efficiency, paired with vertical compliance for endurance.

For the build, Marie sought simplicity and reliability. The SRAM Rival 1×11 drivetrain was a natural choice: a single chainring for mechanical clarity, instant efficiency, and a wide gear range for sustained climbing.
TRP HY/RD hydro-mechanical brakes provide both power and modulation. In the mountains, braking confidence changes everything. It is a purposeful build, designed to be truly ridden.

Technical Specifications:

  • Model: Zafi Roots
  • Frame: Ash featuring black walnut inlay detailing
  • Finition : Vernis brillant
  • Drivetrain: SRAM Rival 1×11
    Brakes: TRP HY/RD hydro-mechanical
  • Frame Builder: Simon
  • Varnish & Finish: Cédric
Order your Zafi Roots