First shapes: The cockpit
It is not yet clear exactly what THE SUPERFAST will look like. A few surveys are still pending. Your feedback will decide what maximum tire width you want. Whether the frame should be painted or unpainted. And what shape the seat post should have, round or D-shape. The only thing that is certain at the moment is that THE SUPERFAST will be a race gravel bike.
For our engineer Michael, who is responsible for the design of the cockpit, the decision for the category was the starting signal. Normally, insights into development are secret at almost all companies. But with our project, you are right in the middle of it. So here are a few exclusive pictures.
It was clear to us right from the start that THE SUPERFAST would have a cockpit. In other words, a handlebar-stem unit that fits symbiotically with the frame. The only question was: How precise should the geometry of this unit be? What is the radius of the handlebar curve, known as the drop? Should the handlebars have flare, i.e. a flared lower link? And if so, how much flare is optimal?
“I spent weeks analyzing the market. What geometries are there? What are the most popular? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? What could be solved better?” says Michael. One of the aims of the development was to make the geometry suitable for a wide range of uses. From gravel biking to road cycling. After all, gravel bikes are also ridden a lot on the road. Even at the Gravel World Championships, a large part of the route was on asphalt. Michael has now found the optimum handlebar geometry.
The drop will be 120 mm and thus have enough space in the bend for gripping.
The flare will be moderate at 12 degrees. Race-like and just right for relaxed riding in the lower link position in off-road passages.
The planned stem lengths: 88 mm, 99 mm, 111 mm, 122 mm
We can't yet say exactly how heavy the cockpit will be. But it will be light. Very light, in fact.
The geometry is finished. Does that clarify everything? Of course not. The design plays a decisive role. For the visual connection with the frame. But also for the emotion. A bike must fan the flames of enthusiasm. Every time you look at the bike. Our cockpit should not only be a technical masterpiece, but also a visual one. Michael has created a unique design. And so that we can get a real impression straight away and test the feel, we made the first samples with the 3D printer. You can't really ride the model. It would break. But you can touch it, you can see the curves and lines.
FUN FACT: The 3D material is obtained from renewable, organic sources such as corn starch or sugar cane. It is polylactic acid, called PLA. A thermoplastic monomer that is biodegradable. Our model handlebars can therefore theoretically be composted. But hey, the maggots and bacteria should eat something else. They won't get our nice prototype. At most, it will end up in a display case.
Not much time has passed between the initial idea and the 3D model. That's the advantage of a manufactory. We can do all the steps in-house. We can do everything in-house. The mold can soon be ordered for lamination. We'll report back when we have news.
What do you think of our cockpit? Write to us. We are curious.
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