Project 37 — Human Impulse

The story begins on the quays of Lausanne, almost by chance. Béatrice — the proud owner of Project 39 — strikes up a conversation with a young man who tells her about a completely mad dream: to travel round the world using only human power!
No aeroplanes, no cargo ships… but entirely under human power. Crossing continents by bike. Rowing across the oceans. Travelling between lands without ever relying on an engine!  
His name: Louis Margot .
His Project : Human Impulse .

The Guinness World Record stands at 5 years and 11 days. Louis is aiming for less. The journey will begin on 3 September 2023. At the time of our meeting, Louis already had his rowing machine, but he was still missing his bike.
When Béatrice rang us to tell us about him, she simply said: “You should meet him. ”  The rest fell into place naturally. 
Louis wasn’t looking for a spectacular bike. He was looking for a machine capable of withstanding the kilometres, the weather, mechanical mishaps and moments of solitude. A bike that could be repaired in the middle of nowhere, that remained consistent in its technical design, and that would go the distance.

Building a bike for a round-the-world trip is a special responsibility. It is no longer just a question of geometry or components. It is a question of trust.
We have designed his Zafi Roots not only as a tool for endurance, but also as a symbol: a frame crafted in Europe by European artisans, to accompany a man who is linking continents using only human power.

Simon has designed a frame with stability and long-term comfort in mind, because as the kilometres tick by and weeks turn into months, every little bit of extra comfort counts. Wood, thanks to its natural ability to absorb bumps, offers a smooth ride that you may not always notice straight away, but which you really appreciate after long days in the saddle.
The marine varnish applied by Cédric protects the material and brings out the grain of the wood. This bike won’t be treated with kid gloves. It will be loaded up, left out in the open, transported and, at times, given a rough ride. It will be exposed to dust, damp, knocks and wear and tear. But that’s exactly what it was designed for.
The build has been thought through with clarity. Nothing over the top, nothing superfluous!   Shimano GRX 2×11-speed drivetrain for its versatility and proven reliability.  Fulcrum Rapid Red aluminium wheels for their robustness and ease of maintenance.  Ritchey carbon gravel fork for precise handling and shock absorption.  Ritchey Comp components, simple and effective.  And a Brooks B17 saddle, because after hours in the saddle, comfort is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

You can follow the full project here.