|
Introducing the lightest frame on the planet! If you're thinking of winning the King of the Mountains jersey at next years Tour de Qinghai Lake then cyclingnewsasia has found the frame that will give a distinct advantage!
What bicycle part is hanging from this scale. . .?
Canadian bike maker Guru has released its newest frame; The Photon, for the first time today at the 2009 Interbike show in Las Vegas. Weighing in at 747 grams (frame and headset) it is the lightest frame on the market. The frame uses a new form of carbon fibre construction and according to Chief Designer and Head Engineer, Mike McGinn, its exact nature is a closely guarded secret with the process and materials only recently released from the US Ministry of Defence. An obviously very proud Mike said:
“We didn't think we could get the bike this light when we started. We do everything in house from design, manufacturing and production giving us very high quality control. We weren’t aiming to make a climbing bike as the frame is designed and suitable for general racing. The Photon is 20% stiffer than our last model but also 40% lighter.”
In this corner the World Lightweight Champion. . . .The Guru Photon
The bike on display is under 5 kilograms and could easily be a lot less with the addition of specialist light weight components. At approximately 34,000 RMB (4,900 USD) it is not cheap but it will save you money on excess luggage fines when flying.
On show at the Guru booth - complete with Zipp Zuma cranks, Zipp 303's and SRAM Red - under 5kg
Also on show was the new Time Trial bike, the Chrono 2.0. Mc Ginn also designed the Chrono 2.0 but official specifications have not been released. Mc Ginn mentioned his longer term goal is to build a sub 1,100 grams TT frame but they are not quite there yet. The Chrono 2.0 frame would retail for around 32,000 RMB (4,560 USD).
Red is for fast. . . The Guru Chrono 2.0
Both the Chrono2.0 and the Photon are custom made to your specifications. Guru does not have any bikes dealers in Asia yet but are experienced in selling via the internet or over the telephone.
The Asia market is certainly an important one to Guru. At this price you will be guaranteed of being the only one riding a Guru Photon in Asia whether you are racing up the mountains at the Tour of Qinghai Lake or your next group ride into the local hills.
More information at www.gurubikes.com
|
