If you think motorcycles are getting more and more expensive and more inaccessible for us mere mortals who don’t own a business and don’t trade stocks, then the rise of the track-only toy on the track carries the consequences. things to a new level.

Indeed, not only are these sharp special weapons the specialists of the special, you can’t even bring them home.

But that’s the point… they’re bikes that showcase a manufacturer’s innovation and instinct without having to worry about those emissions regulations and pesky mirrors.

The latest track bike to come out is the KTM RC 8C, a special 800cc sports bike from the Austrian manufacturer which honors its success in Moto2 and MotoGP. Only 100 were available and they were snapped up in less than five minutes …

In short, there is clearly a market for ultra-exclusive toys for those who can afford / justify it. Here we take a look at 10 examples of motorcycles that make no sense in everyday life in the best possible way.

* price like new

1993 Ducati Supermono [$30,000]

Much, of course, has been made of Ducati’s 916 V-twin, but less well-known is its track-based single-cylinder little brother, the 550cc single-cylinder Supermono.

Built only as a racer intended for the then popular Supermono / Sound of Singles series of the same name, it featured many innovations that featured on the 916 but was also ultra-light thanks to the heavy use of carbon fiber (as in the box air, body, subframe and even fuel tank).

With 65 hp available from a desmo four-valve single that was actually half of an 888 racing V-twin, the Supermono was fitted with the best cycle parts (Ohlins suspension, Marchesini wheels, Brembo brakes, etc. .) and is considered by many to be the purest Ducati ‘desmo’ ever built.

Unfortunately, it’s also very rare – only 67 built until 1995 – and expensive. At the time, it was $ 30,000 new. Today they typically cost over £ 70,000

2006 Harley-Davidson VRXSE V-Rod ‘Destroyer’ [$19,995]

Here’s one you probably didn’t know about. Created for the drag strip rather than the race track, the Harley-Davidson VRXSE was arguably the fastest production HD ever built.

A production drag racer (the US has a huge drag racing scene) based on the late V-Rod, the VRXSE was developed by Harley’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) with Screamin ‘Eagle (hence the bit “SE”)

It produced a decent 165 hp, could hit 144 mph, and cost $ 19,995.

Originally only 150 were to be built, but this turned out to be so popular that 600 were eventually made.

2015 Honda RC213V-S [£137,000]

Arguably the most famous and desirable production MotoGP replica of all, the Honda RC213V-S was actually sold in a street-legal version, but was necessarily emasculated at 159bhp.

However, it also came with a track-only sport kit that included a racing hose that boosted the horsepower (and noise) of the MotoGP-derived V4 to a whopping 215bhp which, with its dry weight of 170kg, made it ultra-sized. -compact and its racing specifications. suspension, brakes and wheels, really gives the closest MotoGP bike experience that mere mortals can buy.

As long as you had the requisite £ 137,000 and weren’t too put off by the harmless styling, that’s …

2015 Kawasaki H2R [£41,000]

Arguably one of the most extreme and amazing motorcycles of recent years, Kawasaki’s supercharged H2 family has been nothing short of stunning.

First launched in 2015, two models have been made available: the £ 22,000, road legal, 210bhp H2 and this one the ‘track only’ (although we still don’t know which type of track Kawasaki had in mind), completely unrestricted. , 310 hp, £ 41,000 H2R.

Not only more powerful than the road H2, the H2R is also lighter, sprinkled with carbon fiber, better equipped (with Ohlins suspension, etc.) and, unsurprisingly, faster too, capable of exceeding 200 mph.

It might not really be a racer, but as a track-only missile, few motorcycles are faster or more thrilling.

2017 BMW HP4 Race [£68,000]

Forget this year’s top-of-the-line M1000RR, the track-only HP4 Race 2017 is the ultimate S1000RR – albeit now based on the old version.

A £ 68,000 limited edition, track-only version of the RR of the day, the HP4 got the best of everything including the carbon fiber frame and bodywork, alloy tank, 2D dashboard racing, suspension and brakes fully meet WorldSBK specs, upgraded electronics and engine tuned to be, quite literally, the best S1000RR of its time.

The result was 215 hp, an ultralight weight of 171 kg and the best components. Of course only 750 were made, it was designed just to give BMW an edge in racing and it’s incredibly expensive, but if you want the closest experience you can buy to a full WorldSBK machine, this is ‘is all.

2019 MV Agusta F3 XX [If you have to ask, you probably canâ€t afford it…]

Italian legends of exoticism MV Agusta built their legacy on the path to success, so it’s no surprise to see him here.

The MV Agusta F3 XX is a complete and track-only version of the triple F3 800 developed by MV’s racing department, “Reparto Corse” (which literally translates to “Racing Department”).

Unsurprisingly, it is dripping carbon fiber, has a racing AiM dashboard, a special SC-Project 3: 1 pipe, a tuned engine producing a claimed 160HP, an upgraded Marzocchi fork with an Ohlins cartridge and an Ohlins TTX shock absorber. at the rear, higher- Brembo brakes and Marchesini wheels, you get the idea.

In fact, the only thing they didn’t brag about was the price, which only came to light with serious investigation. It can’t be cheap so …

2019 Aprilia RSV4 X [€39,950]

You might assume that the most extreme Italian, track-only superbikes are from Ducati or MV Agusta – but think again.

The Aprilia RSV4X was launched in 2019 as the ultimate track version of its already formidable RSV4 superbike and, with a total output of 225hp from its race-tuned 1100cc V4, a dry weight of just 165kg due the amount of carbon and the lack of road equipment. , improved electronics (they were some of the best in the first place) and the best of cycle parts, that was definitely it.

It was also ultra rare – only 10 (hence the X) were built, each available at € 39,950, but then if you want the best …

After the success of this bike, Aprilia followed it with an equally exotic and track-only version of its Tuono V4 – the Tuono V4X.

2021 Ducati Superleggara V4 [€86,000]

If you thought Ducati’s “everyday” lineup was already at the more extreme end, then the Ducati Superleggara V4 is amps up to eleven.

Technically, this is not a track-only model and those who can afford the surprisingly expensive asking price of € 86,000 will no doubt want to scroll through any rides they can find, but that’s only the track where their hypersportbike deserves to spend. his days.

Perhaps the closest thing to a MotoGP machine that you can buy without actually participating in it, the Ducati Superleggara is ultralight at 159kg, offers 234bhp skin peeling, and is packed with all kinds of tech and technology. ‘sculpted wings to keep you in the sun.

It’s not entirely uncompromising down the road, although you’ll need all the patience in the world not to be tempted to break a few laws with so many raw grunts at your fingertips.

It is up to the trail because only then can you get every penny of this huge prize.

Racing Yamaha R6 2021 [£12,099]

Here’s one that became ‘track only’ more by accident than the design – but still a tempting option for track junkies.

The Yamaha R6 has always been the fastest, most agile and arguably the best on track of any Japanese 600 super sports car and remains the machine of choice in both WSS and TT.

The latest, redesigned and improved version debuted in 2017, but slightly disappointed the road trim being necessarily limited to 116 hp, although well over 120 hp is possible with a track pipe.

For 2021, however, it has proven unable to economically reconfigure it to meet the new Euro5 regulations and has therefore been retained, in a slightly modified form (no indicators, mirrors, etc.) of some of the alternatives here. , makes it one of the most affordable “track only†bikes of all.

2021 KTM RC 8C [£31,000]

Which updates us and where we started, ie with the enticing new RC 8C from KTM. It’s based on the powerful 890 Duke R twin-cylinder engine with a bespoke frame with an adjustable head and cycle parts that inevitably include the best WP suspension and Brembo brakes.

The “meat and potatoes†of all that is 126 hp and just 140 kg, making it crisp performance by anyone’s definition.

While, with just 100 products for £ 31,000, that means they’ll still be quite exclusive.

But then, if you are looking for a runner that is mind-melted, crowd-pulling, right?

Italian exhaust specialist SC Project is known for making some of the loudest exhaust systems available on the market today. While I’m more than sure not everyone is a fan of these loud and sometimes obnoxious exhaust systems, especially when used by delighted teenagers, there is no denying that many motorcycle enthusiasts want to improve. the exhaust note of their two-wheeler. .

When you go for an aftermarket exhaust, you usually have two options: a full system exhaust and a slip-on. Full system exhausts usually offer the most performance gains, but they also add a lot, and I mean a lot of noise. As such, slip-on systems are a cheaper, quieter, and easier way to upgrade your bike’s stock exhaust system. SC Project recently launched a new slip-on system for the BMW S 1000 R. This high-performance naked motorcycle shares the same engine as the S 1000 RR sports motorcycle and is also one of the most powerful naked motorcycles currently in production.

The SC Project CR-T muffler uses the unmistakable style of exhaust systems found in GP racing motorcycles. In fact, the CR-T is the same exhaust pipe used by some Moto2 machines. For street bikes, however, the CR-T offers sporty styling, substantial weight savings, and just a little bit more power and response. SC Project states that the CR-T was designed “to give a sporty and racing character to your BMW S 1000 R with a deep and dark sound”. You have the choice between the Titanium or Carbon Fiber options, both priced at 525 euros, or the equivalent of $ 620.

The SC Project CR-T slip-on for the BMW S 1000 R is fully approved for the road and approved for Euro5. SC Project claims an overall improvement in throttle response, as well as an increase of 0.6 horsepower at 9,400 rpm. The kit includes the threaded pipe, all springs, screws and hardware needed to install the pipe, heat-resistant exhaust sealant, a warranty booklet, and a certification card verifying it for use in the field. Street.

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Driving the 2021 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo it was possible to forget all that Italian performance heritage and think you were behind the wheel of a quieter luxury sedan. Why? Because the car is surprisingly docile when engaged in everyday driving.

Yes, there is a powerful boost when the throttle is pressed. According to Maserati, the Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeos are “Maserati’s fastest on-road sedans of all time.” Top speed is an astounding 203 miles per hour, and the Ghibli’s 60 mph dash takes just four seconds.

Good news for all those Daniel Ricciardo fans in his home country who cared about a McLaren 720S: You can now purchase a special edition Honey Badger (unfortunately not its official name) courtesy of MSO.

Yes, McLaren’s Special Ops division have decided to celebrate Danny Ric’s recent victory at Monza with a limited edition 720S. Imagine if McLaren / Merc had done this with Lewis Hamilton’s wins, there wouldn’t be any other cars on the road.

PHOTO BY McLaren

PHOTO BY McLaren

Anyway, just three Daniel Ricciardo editions will be built, each with the same Papaya Orange and Burton Blue paintwork as this season’s MCL35M Formula 1 car. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? There are also carbon fiber sills adorned with Ricciardo’s signature, along with a few Australian flags and his race number on the doors.

All three cars will be sold in Australia, and they are unlikely to get any performance improvements, although the standard 710hp and a 0-100 km / h time of 2.9 seconds should be enough …

PHOTO BY McLaren

PHOTO BY McLaren

PHOTO BY McLaren

PHOTO BY McLaren

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor changes have been made.

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We have nothing but love for the builders who will take a modern motorcycle and turn it into a rolling, retro-style work of art. At the same time, there is just something about the design cues found on an old school endurance racing bike that has always fascinated us, so we were rather intrigued to stumble upon the heavily reworked 2006 Honda CBR600RR from Francis Von Tuto.

The Italian craftsman is proud of more than two decades of experience in the motorcycle industry, but his pure passion for custom feats only came to light a few years ago, when Francis was living in Australia. He’s recently returned to Italy, and the beast you see here is the latest project this guy has done on Australian soil, where he’s been living for eight years.

You should buckle up and take a deep breath, because the extent to which this CBR has been personalized is simply mind-boggling. With its lightweight construction, a healthy top speed of 160 mph (257 km / h) and no less than 117 wild ponies to the test, Honda’s Mechanical Samurai is a heck of a starting point for an exceptional business that will weaken gearboxes. at the knees. .

As the Japanese superstar hadn’t driven in quite a while, Von Tuto began by gracing its 599cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine with full service. Once the engine work was done and the suspension refurbished, the doctor’s bike moved on to cosmetics. After inspecting the many spare clothes housed in his (old) workshop, Francis found a replica of the Ducati 900SS fiberglass front fairing developed by Paul Borowinski.

After cutting it, the solo artist outfitted the fairing with a tinted windshield and an eccentric Koito H4 headlight. The predator’s original subframe was then amputated to make way for an aluminum alternative that houses the bike’s electricity, a pair of versatile LED taillights, and a lithium battery.

Additionally, a beautiful rear section can be seen in the spotlight atop the new subframe, complete with a tiny license plate holder and a simple, but equally gorgeous, seat upholstered by David Webster. You’ll also notice hand-shaped side panels and a reused carbon fiber front fender that comes from a 2010 MY CBR600RR.

In terms of powertrain settings, the standard exhaust system has been replaced with a modified four-into-two Moriwaki element, which expires via custom mufflers. Rear-mounted footrests have been fitted to provide a harder riding position, suitable for an endurance runner. The CBR’s three-spoke wheels were retained, but their rims are now wrapped in high-quality Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires from Pirelli’s inventory.

Finally, the final touch is a timeless color scheme that adorns the machine from head to toe. It incorporates a stealthy black base, which comes with a delicious mix of yellow and silver accents. With projects like this jaw-dropping wonder, I think it’s pretty safe to say that Francis Von Tuto left his mark on the Australian custom motorcycle realm. We can’t wait to see what he will come up with after his move to Italy!

Following the start of the voting process for the BikeBiz Awards 2021 in association with Tannus Tires, we will highlight each finalist from our list of accolades prepared by experts.

The final decision will be in the hands of those who know best – the professionals who work daily in the industry and the avid cycling prosumers. Online voting will end on Friday December 3 and the results will determine the winners.

Today we present the brand’s awards: Bike Brand of the Year and P&A Brand of the Year. Vote for all categories here.

Bike Brand of the Year

Gocycle
“In April, the pioneer brand of urban electric bikes Gocycle launched its new innovative Generation Four range. The quick-folding G4, G4i and G4i + entered the market with the promise of setting a new standard for lightweight design, innovation and performance in the portable urban e-bike segment.

“The new models debuted with Gocycle’s new smooth and quiet G4drive electric motor that provides more torque and low-speed starting, an all-new lightweight carbon fiber midframe and improved single-sided front fork for improve dynamic performance, New MotoGP-inspired tires with tread, integrated USB port and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity as part of a host of pioneering advancements. ‘

Mondraker
“Mondraker is a bicycle brand like no other. Since its inception, the brand has focused on innovation, high quality production and exceptional performance, all driven by a passion for sports. Never sitting down or following others, they tore up the rulebook of mountain biking geometry when they introduced “advanced geometry” and came up with bikes with longer top tubes and shorter stems for more. better off-road handling almost ten years ago. A practice now common in mountain biking.

“The brand also raised the bar for DH bike weight with the introduction of the lightweight Summum and was one of the first brands to introduce a full line of e-bikes which continues to dominate the market to this day. 2022 sees the shift to a direct distribution model in the UK, but thanks to a strong UK team and an excellent dealer network, it appears to be the most important for the Spanish brand. Offering a wide range of muscle and electric bikes for off-road and city riding, there is a Mondraker for almost everyone, whether you want a World Cup winning DH bike, an Olympic-level XC racing bike. or a full carbon fiber electric bike with the latest BOSCH power.

Orbéa
“I have seen my turnover increase tenfold in just 3 years within the company. This is all because consumers appreciate and buy the innovative, high performing and mind blowing product (across the full range) that has truly taken the UK and UK market by storm.

“Not to mention our FREE MYO customization program, lifetime warranty and competitive pricing, we have a real advantage over other leading manufacturers in the market. Models like ‘Rise’ for 2021 were (and still are) a cutting edge innovation with nothing else on the market to match! “

Cadence cycles
‘Pace is a family business that has been making bicycles for over 30 years. Starting in an alleyway basement in Bradford, UK, original founders Adrian Carter and Duncan Macdonald design some of the world’s first bicycle products. Pace plays a crucial role in the history of mountain biking with its innovative designs that are still fresh over 30 years later.

“Their original RC100 bike with its unique custom-designed, externally machined square-section aluminum frame, Bullseye fixed arm cranks, direct-fit Magura hydraulic brakes, integrated stem steerer and the first headset without thread. It was all truly revolutionary, putting British bike design on the world map since 1987. ‘

Buckwheat
“Saracen made the decision to switch to direct-to-consumer sales in 2021 for a variety of reasons, one of which is to focus on better quality bikes. They have worked closely with the manufacturers to try and ensure a higher standard of bikes for riders to enjoy on the trails. Before being sent to customers, bikes are assembled and PDI to ensure they are of the best quality and safe for riders to use virtually immediately after delivery. They have used the new silent hubs on a few of their bikes which has been a huge success for the customers because it is such an innovative product in the market.

“The Ariel range in particular has been incredibly popular for park, enduro and trail riders because the bikes are incredibly versatile and responsive on a ride. The new Ariel 50-E range is also a huge hit in the e-bike industry, empowering riders to go beyond what they could have been before. ‘

Sterne Bikes
Tern Bicycles has launched a succession of innovative new models, which not only set the trend in their field, but lead all competitors in terms of build quality, testing, accessory ecosystem, sales and after-service. sale.

P&A Brand of the Year

Cat eye
“New for 2021: the new ViZ tail light family with a range of 4 models, including 300 degree visibility, allowing cyclists to be more visible than ever on the roads. Starting at just £ 24.99 for the ViZ100, the ViZ range also has a simple and versatile mounting system. Additionally, the new entry-level AMPP 100 and 200 front lights now round out the base lighting range which starts at just £ 19.99.

“CatEye continues to excel in the quality and value of its line of lamps and computers and this year also expanded its line of accessories, including new bells, with the Habiki brass bell at the top of the line. . CatEye and ZyroFisher have worked in partnership for over 25 years. This close relationship has created a range of lights and computers suitable for the UK market and representing a strong and reliable supply chain of high quality products. ‘

Lezyne
“Lezyne’s head office is located in Reno, Nevada, United States, with offices in San Luis Obispo, California, United States, Berlin, Germany and Taichung, Taiwan; all of their products are manufactured and assembled at their factory in Taichung, Taiwan, or by working closely with nearby suppliers who produce parts exclusively for Lezyne. An internal quality control team, made up of engineers who oversee the construction, is also part of the factory team.

“This site also supports a warehouse from which Lezyne ships its products to distributors around the world. While you don’t have to be an avid cyclist, many Lezyne employees are passionate about cycling and enjoy testing Lezyne products before they go into production. In addition, Lezyne is proud to sponsor top athletes, including the Lotto-Soudal team, Cedric Gracia, Danny MacAskill and many more. ‘

MET helmets
‘MET Helmets creates iconic designs that inspire confidence and enhance the cycling experience. Throughout their 25 years of in-house manufacturing, they understand their product and have a close relationship with each generation. With many of their products tested and approved by professional World Enduro cyclists at UCI World Tours. MET helmets meet the highest quality and safety standards, designed and manufactured in the Italian Alps, bringing a flair for aesthetics and a deep-rooted passion for cycling.

“In 2021, MET launched its most versatile helmet, the Veleno MIPS, which is suitable for mountain biking, cross-country, gravel and road. Be safe and protective on the track but light and airy for long bike rides on or off road. The Veleno is MET’s first all-in-one helmet perfectly suited to all cycling disciplines. ‘

Driving concepts
“Ride Concepts was born out of a family need for better fitting, performance shoes for aggressive riding. However, what started out as finding a solution to a minor family dilemma quickly turned into something much, much bigger… In the fall of 2018, they became the first bicycle specific footwear company. mountain to offer a full range of technical and tailor-made footwear, products for men, women and young people. Their mission: to make the most comfortable, durable and reliable mountain bike shoes.

“Designed by the pilot. Property of the rider. A backup product with a solid warranty, a team of factory pros, but also everyday riders who live for that uncompromising ride. Following the success of the LiveWire shoe, Ride Concepts continued to develop a full line of shoes with varying levels of their legendary DST grip, making shoes for all cyclist needs.

Vittoria
“A distribution agreement was announced between Vittoria Tires and Madison at IceBike * 2021 after Vittoria had previously been directly with dealers and since working with them they have worked together to support dealers and deliver innovative technology to the cycling industry Their flat tire foam insert technology is something I have never seen before and it is amazing to think it has never been done before!

“It will surely give the riders more confidence knowing that they can always go back to their car, home etc. if their tubeless tires puncture the road, trails, etc. never seen personally before and the way they present them at events is an incredible way to give users and dealers an insight into tire function and performance.

welding
2021 has proven to be a pivotal year for Weldtite, the North Lincolnshire-based bicycle maintenance manufacturer. During a difficult year, the brand’s manufacturing capabilities have ensured a consistent and reliable supply of high quality products to trade here in the UK and around the world, with strong growth in emerging markets.

“On-site manufacturing has enabled Weldtite to quickly remove a significant amount of virgin plastic from the supply chain through innovative packaging design and by making boxes of puncture repair kits from at least 30% recycled content. Partnerships with national teams like Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling and at World Tour level with Team DSM have matured, resulting in improved products eg Citrus Degreaser, Ceramic Lube & Dry Wax at unbeatable prices. ‘

Read more: BikeBiz Awards: Vote now for the distributors’ trophies

Read More: BikeBiz Awards: Vote Now for Retailer Trophies

Tannus Tires will act as the main sponsor of this year’s Awards, which returns for its 13th iteration in a digital format. The winners will be announced online at Friday December 10. Vote for all categories here.

For sponsorship and promotion opportunities, please contact Richard Setters.

www.bikebizawards.com
www.tannus.co.uk

In 2020, gravel bikes were one of the fastest growing categories in the personal mobility segment. This was in part due to the pandemic and people’s desire to explore the world of the outdoors. And also because traditional bike makers aimed to design one bike to rule them all. Among them we have the Italian 3T Bike bicycle market. The name may sound familiar to BMW fans since in 2020 they unveiled their first collaboration with the Bavarian brand. The 3T for BMW Exploro has been touted as one of the fastest and most aerodynamic gravel bikes on the market. We had the chance to test its sister bike – L’Exploro PRO – in 2020 and came back impressed.

Meet the 3T RaceMax

Fast forward to 2021 and a new bike has joined my team – the 3T Exploro RaceMax. The Italian bicycle market describes the RaceMax as a bicycle that “looks like a road bike, rolls like a road bike and rips through gravelâ€. If you’ve been cycling for long enough, you may have heard the term “n + 1†before. The principle describes the correct number of bikes one should own, which is usually one more than what you have. So the 3T RaceMax aims to change that, and not only to simplify your wallet life, but also to offer a versatile bike without any compromise.

Some of you might be wondering why a bike review on an automotive website. And that would be a good question. But as we learned last year, biking is often your last mile transportation. The pandemic has brought many restrictions inside and, in particular, severe restrictions in the world of transport. So some of us started to consider transportation alternatives and different ways to be entertained. And nothing beats owning and riding a bike. It’s not only extremely fun – and sometimes quick – but it’s also a great way to hit those daily or weekly cardio goals.

A lot of my recent road trips have married a BMW car and the 3T RaceMax. The idea was that at the end of a long road trip, I could get on the gravel bike and explore this destination behind a handlebar. And on an occasion or two, even take part in amateur competitions over difficult terrain and landscapes. Of course, most of the time the 3T RaceMax was also our daily tank.

Built for aero

From grocery shopping to visiting friends across town, the RaceMax can easily fill the role of a comfortable cruiser with bursts of speed when needed. And that’s easily achievable, thanks to a new aerodynamic frame. The bike is an evolution of the original 3T Exploro, but it can now accommodate larger tires. Of course, the carbon fiber frame improves the handling and speed of the Exploro PRO, and it’s even more aerodynamic.

The downtube is wider than on the Exploro PRO, but its narrower section intelligently manages the airflow. The head tube has a slim profile which further enhances the aerodynamic qualities of the RaceMax. For the bike connoisseur, there is also a multi-shape fork and aero details ranging from the seatstays to the seat post and the armored water bottle to the direct mount brake mounts. In short, this bike was built for speed, but without sacrificing versatility.

The weight of the RaceMax varies depending on the drivetrain used and, of course, the configuration of the wheels and tires. In my case, the 3T RaceMax comes with the Campagnolo EKAR 1×13 drivetrain and standard Fulcrum Rapid Red 900, 700c wheels wrapped in Panaracer Graveling SK + 38 tires. This setup brings the weight of the bike to around 19.5 pounds ( 8.8 kilograms). It’s definitely not as light as some road bikes but in the usual range of fast gravel bikes.

Campagnolo transmission 1 × 13

Speaking of drivetrain, this 3T RaceMax comes with a 1 × 13 gear configuration, a first in the Campagnolo drivetrain family. Most of the riders in my group are still fascinated by 2X setups which in many cases allow for wider gear ratios. But in my case the 1 × 13 EKAR covers most driving situations. The dedicated 1x mechanical shift transmission is mated to a 13-speed 9-42T cassette. My previous Exploro PRO used a Shimano 1 × 11 GRX setup with an 11-42 cassette, so a total range of 382%. In comparison, the 1 × 13 EKAR has a range of 467%.

Now, if I were to compare it to a Shimano 2 × 11 GRX, the total range is pretty similar: 467 versus 479 percent. Therefore, you get a similar speed range but without the complexity of a 2x setup. If you don’t like repairing or maintaining your own bikes, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of the EKAR drivetrain. Of course, if most of your rides take you to high altitudes, the extra gear range of a SRAM Force Wide 3x will come in handy.

For such a fast bike, braking is just as important, which is why a Campagnolo EKAR hydraulic disc set with a Campagnolo 160mm rotor has been fitted to the RaceMax. The brakes are superb, in both dry and wet conditions, and they’ve come in handy on several occasions.

On the paved trails surrounding Chicago, the 3T RaceMax is blazingly fast and can easily keep pace with dedicated road bikes. Of course, the surfaces are mostly flat which also level the playing field between a super fit runner and a laid back runner. The riding position is quite aggressive, but of course, the drop handlebars allow you to adjust your position. The ride can be firm on the pavement and the frame is stiff, so I highly recommend having a separate wheel / tire setup. Not only will the ride become more comfortable, but you’ll be even faster and lighter. I tried light wheels with 28c tires and the difference in speed and comfort was obvious. If you want a beefier riding feel, you can put on some 650 studs and you’ll get a different bike.

In the end, it all comes down to this: If you want to go fast on smoother surfaces, go for a 700c wheel. If you’re on rough terrain, the 650b will do the job better.

The EKAR’s gear casts are short and fairly smooth, but of course, being a mechanical setup, they’re solid and sounding loud. If you’re looking for quiet shifting, an electronic transmission might make more sense. On flat roads the gear ratio was enough not to skid, but on high speed descents the drivetrain limit only came into effect at around 30-35 mph. I also had a lot of gear on some of the gravel trails with steeper climbs, but if you, say, want to tackle the Alps, the limitations of the 1 × 13 setup will likely come into play.

“Off-road†is where the 3T RaceMax absolutely shines. Proper configuration of the gravel tires will allow you to go at high speeds while maintaining good grip, even in tight turns on gravel and mud surfaces. The lower PSI in the tires will help smooth out any bumps in the road, making the ride more comfortable. EKAR brakes offer excellent modulation, they are exceptional and they are also extremely smooth on dirt roads.

I also recommend trying different saddles, especially if you ride a variety of surfaces. The ones I found the most comfortable for me were the Specialized Power Pro Elaston with MIMIC and the Bontrager Aeolus Elite. They are shorter than other saddles, but wide enough to accommodate riders with a wider frame. I keep going back and forth between them, and they both do a good job on the road and on the gravel trails.

From a design standpoint, the 3T RaceMax is a beauty. In a sea of ​​Giant, Canyon, Cannondale or Specialized bikes, the 3T offerings certainly stand out. It’s not only their unique aerodynamic design, but also the color choices. I was initially torn between an orange / gray or red / white color scheme, but ended up going with the latter which pays homage to the iconic 3T Strada road bike. If you’re looking to stand out, this color combination will put you on the map.

There are a lot more technical details to share about the bike, but I usually leave them out for professional cycling magazines. The 3T RaceMax is still a leisure bike for me, which perfectly matches my level of fitness and the different types of riding activities. It has also become a great addition to my road trips with BMW cars where I can now have fun on both two and four wheels.

There aren’t many similarities between cars and bikes, but it’s fair to say that the 3T RaceMax looks like the SUV of bikes. It’s a complete set that can get the job done all year round without too much compromise. It’s a great all-terrain machine for the trails, but also a fast, hassle-free road bike. Ultimately the 3T RaceMax is a super capable adventure bike and in my case it solves the “n + 1” conundrum.

Work has started on a brand new Bianchi factory and headquarters in Italy’s Treviglio region, the company’s CEO Fabrizio Scalzotto said on Thursday.

Plans for a 325,000 square foot facility include 180,000 square meters for the production of bicycles and the establishment of an on-site Bianchi Museum aimed at attracting tourists to the area. The work is expected to be completed in 2023 and is expected to cost around £ 35million.

The new site will employ more than 250 people, with the project hoping to revitalize one of northern Italy’s traditional industrial centers by relocating the bulk of Bianchi’s carbon fiber frame production to Italian soil. The company hopes to increase its Italy-based production from 250 bikes per day to over 1,000 units per shift.

Earlier this year, Scalzotto claimed it was ‘now or never’ when it came to returning control of the manufacturing process to Italy, as logistical disruptions from Covid-19 and the trade war American-Chinese have seen order times stretching from 500 to 700 days. .

“Key to Bianchi’s vision and strategy is the start of a relocation process, bringing back to Italy the technical and production capacities that had been outsourced outside of Europe in previous decades,” said Thursday Scalzotto.

The president and owner of Bianchi, Salvatore Grimaldi, reaffirmed this commitment to local production by declaring: “The growth and development of businesses is the challenge that fascinates me more than any other, and today we embrace a new one. : to create at Bianchi one of the bicycle manufacturing factories in the world. We are proud to have chosen Treviglio for this renewal and for our future. Treviglio will not only house a technology and design factory, but also a leading and ambitious company with a global vision. “

Ares Design wants to do for bicycles what it does for cars.

The Italian firm has just unveiled its first fully electric bicycle, the Bici LE Super Lèggerà. It’s a magnificent piece of engineering, as you would expect from the brand, but even more intriguing is the company’s claim that it is the lightest electric bike in the world with only 19.8 lbs.

Electric bikes have grown in popularity since the start of the pandemic and it’s easy to see why – they’re much more powerful than a traditional two-wheeler. A bicycle with an electric motor can reach its destination faster and help you through the more strenuous parts of your journey. But there is a very big downside to these motors: they are heavy. Due to its motor and other high-tech features, the average e-bike tips the scale from 38 to 70 pounds (although road bikes can drop as much as 26 pounds). These aren’t the kinds of things you’re going to want to lug around a staircase or six.

Ares’ bike, which was built in collaboration with High Performance Systems (HPS), however weighs a fraction of that. The main reason for this is an ultra-compact, lightweight drivetrain – consisting of a motor, battery, and electronic control unit – which is still powerful enough to deliver 200 watts of “invisible assist,” according to the company. company. (Sadly, no other performance specs have been made available.) Combine the system with a carbon fiber frame and you end up with a bike that somehow weighs under 20 pounds. It is an incredible achievement.

As impressive as the bike’s weight is, it’s also a real beauty, just as you’d expect from the store responsible for the supercar Panther ProgettoUno and S1 Project. It looks like a regular road bike and with the exception of a small amount of bulb where the saddle and down tubes meet, you’d never know it has an electric motor. It also features aero-style handlebars wrapped in beige leather grips and a matching leather seat, and is finished in a vintage cream color.

The striking look of the Bici LE Super Lèggerà isn’t the only thing it shares with Ares custom cars. It also has an exorbitant price tag of € 18,950, or roughly $ 22,210. If that’s not enough to put you off, you’ll want to contact Ares right away, as the company plans to build just 24 examples as part of its production.