For followers of street racing, the urge to personal a motorbike similar to the professionals might be sturdy. So sturdy in actual fact that it’s been recognized (wink, wink) for a few of us to finish up with a motorbike we will neither actually afford or trip comfortably. Nevertheless it doesn’t should be this manner. This week we function two bikes that look similar to one thing you’ll see fly by within the peloton throughout this 12 months’s Tour de France however with two important variations that make them higher suited to the plenty.
The primary up is Bianchi’s latest electrical bike, the e-Oltre. It does a stellar impression of the bike ridden by the Arkéa–B&B Accommodations crew however has a rear hub motor that permits us mere mortals to make it up the climbs. Then there’s the Colnago V4. It borrows a lot from Tadej’s V4Rs however is extra sensibly priced for these of us who’ve to truly pay for our bikes.
Then there are two parts you overlook at your peril, a saddle and a tire. One is customized made to make sure the very best match in your wants, the opposite is a year-round curler that will not break the financial institution.
The knock on electrical street bikes was once that they had been just too heavy. For these accustomed to driving a sub-8kg climbing machine, the concept of shoehorning a motor into one thing designed to be inherently modern was virtually sacrilegious. However occasions have modified. E-bike motors have developed and maybe with it our opinions, too.
Take the brand new e-Oltre from Bianchi. It appears to be like similar to the Italian model’s flagship street bike, the Oltre RC. And in some ways it’s. Its full carbon frameset shares most of the aerodynamic enhancements of the analog unique, together with deep tube shapes and inner cable routing. It’s geared up with 50mm deep Velomann Plutonium carbon wheels and a alternative of three Shimano 12-speed groupsets, together with Dura-Ace Di2.
(Picture credit score: Bianchi)
The distinction naturally lies with the motor and battery. To maintain the e-Oltre gentle – the Dura-Ace model has a claimed weight of simply 11kg for a dimension 55 – Bianchi has teamed up with Mahle, utilizing its X30 rear hub and iX2 battery. Mixed they’ve a weight of simply 3.5kg, with the motor delivering the equal torque of a mid-drive unit rated at 45Nm, and the 250Wh battery has a claimed vary of 90km. An extender can enhance this by an additional 55km.
Within the quest for a practical trip really feel, the bike’s BB is fitted with a Mahle torque sensor, designed to immediately match your efforts. Riders can select from three ranges of help, operated by way of the ANT+ and Bluetooth suitable head unit (positioned on the highest tube) or distant shifters fitted to the drop bars.
Costs begin at €4,999 for the 12kg Shimano 105 geared up mannequin and go as much as €9,999 for the range-topper with Dura-Ace Di2.
A extra accessable Colnago
(Picture credit score: Colnago)
If you wish to trip the identical bike as Tadej Pogačar however can’t stretch to the VR4s, Colnago would possibly effectively have the answer. Meet the V4. The Italian marque says it launched the bike to ship “the identical thrills of the V4Rs, however with a extra accessible configuration”. So what does this seem like precisely?
In line with Colnago, the V4’s monocoque chassis “enjoys the identical carbon layup R&D and aerodynamic research that led to the conclusion of the V4Rs”. Geometry numbers are an identical between the 2 fashions. On paper not less than this could equate to a motorbike that mirrors, to a point, the velocity and stiffness of the originator. Tire clearance can also be the identical because the V4Rs, at a quoted 30mm.
(Picture credit score: Colnago)
The variations then lie largely within the specs which might be designed to make the V4 a extra inexpensive Colnago. It comes with both a Deda Zero2 DCR handlebar or the Colnago R41 handlebar, Fulcrum RAcing 600 wheels and a alternative of groupsets relying on the area – SRAM Rival or Shimano 105 Di2 in Europe plus an Ultegra Di2 possibility within the UK and US, which comes with a price ticket of £5,500 / $6,250.
Fizik One-to-One saddle service
(Picture credit score: Fizik)
Discovering the fitting saddle would possibly simply be biking’s Holy Grail. In the event you’re fortunate you’ll uncover the fitting perch shortly, however for some it’s an extended journey of discomfort to each their physique and their financial institution stability. To assist along with your quest for consolation Italian saddle guru Fizik has launched its One-to-One customized service.
Created as a part of Fizik’s Ideas analysis program it delivers a personalised measuring session at one of many model’s choose dealerships, which matches you to a mannequin from its adaptive saddle vary. A strain mapping session follows, which captures biometric information to see how forces are distributed throughout the saddle throughout a spread of driving positions. The concept right here, Fizik says, is to focus on “peak strain spots, instabilities and asymmetries”.
(Picture credit score: Fizik)
All the information is analysed to create a bespoke 3D printed padding construction and Kium rail. As soon as the saddle has been delivered and arrange, the rider can then return to the dealership for a last session evaluating the brand new saddle with the outdated. Unsurprisingly this stage of element comes with a price, with costs beginning at £459 / $499.
Michelin’s newest tire combines sturdiness and worth
(Picture credit score: Michelin)
Maybe no single element half could make extra distinction to your trip than the tire. However a stability is normally required for almost all of us. Whereas light-weight tires with an excellent supple casing will probably really feel nice, they’re extra vulnerable to each punctures and normal put on. So if longevity is of concern, then Michelin’s latest addition to its Lithion vary is likely to be of curiosity.
The Lithion 4 is designed as a year-round street tire, one that may deal with loads of miles with out sacrificing an excessive amount of rolling resistance. In reality Michelin claims that impartial checks carried out by Wheel Power confirmed a 6% enchancment in rolling effectivity over the Lithion 3 mannequin.
(Picture credit score: Michelin)
As for the tire’s sturdiness, the tread sample has been redesigned and mixed with a 4×60 TPI ply casing development for higher power. Grip is taken care of by stated tread sample and the model’s Magi-X compound. Once more Michelin says Unbiased testing exhibits a 9% enchancment in grip and moist climate grip in comparison with the outgoing mannequin.
The Lithion 4 is available in 4 sizes – 25, 28, 30 and 32mm – and two kinds, black or basic, all of that are priced at £29.99 per tire.
