Taiwanese are burning! And it's not even about any jumping up, as for example here http://water-games.ru/category/blobs/. It's about weight! Their new bike The Merida Scultura 9000 LTD is the bike that lifted the previous Lightest Bike title holder, the Trek Emonda SLR, off the pedestal. Their new bike, the Merida Scultura 9000 LTD, is the lightest bike in the world. Or on this street. Or just the lightest serial. This is if without emotion.

In the city of San Remo, Merida cynically took advantage of the large number of cycling people and unveiled their new Scultura 9000 LTD. According to them, this is the lightest serial road bike.

Even before yesterday the most light bike was Trek Emonda SLR. Frame weight - total 690 gram. Now Merida declares weight loss, when compared with a competitor, by 10 gram. The Scultura 9000 LTD has a 680 gram frame and is a lightweight version of the popular 750 gram frame.

The Scultura 9000 LTD frame does not give the impression that it is "saving for the sake of weight loss". Merida's technologists have woven flax fibers into the carbon fiber to reduce vibration. And the seat posts are flat for increased rigidity. The rear brake is located under the bottom bracket, which is cool and fits on many aerodynamic bikes. This also allowed the Merida to get rid of the brake bridge - the bridge between the rear stays.

The head tubes have also been redesigned and received a truncated profile, which improves the bike's aerodynamics and makes the Merida Scultura 9000 LTD look like a Reacto bike. Understandably, the internal cable / cable routing and tapered headset should also reduce the drag on the bike.

Well, the weight of a full bike - 4,55 kg. Which is more than cool!

What else? Wheels. Carbon 870g Tune Skyliners. Cranks, stem, handlebars, saddle and seat from ax-lightness. SRAM Red Crossover, Shimano Dura Ace rear, SRAM front - this is because SRAM doesn't make direct-mount brakes for road bikes yet.

It will be possible to buy the Merida Scultura 9000 LTD bike at the end of summer for symbolic $ 15 000 .

This bike first appeared at the Critérium du Dauphiné - French road race which is often used to test new cycling products before releasing them to the Tour de France arena. The bike weighs only 640 grams (with a frame size of 56 centimeters) and is the lightest of all models of the manufacturer.

Trek plans to launch this miracle into serial production. The Emonda could thus become the world's first lightest production road bike. Weight with all components - 4.65 kilograms.

Nuance: only bikes weighing 6.8 kilograms or more can take part in the Tour. So the engineers still have a place to “roam”.

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX

This bike is perhaps the best balance of weight and aerodynamics, which plays a decisive role in road cycling. All thanks to the wind tunnels that make up the frame of this time trial horse from Canyon.

Source: feedthehabit.com

Specialized S-Works McLaren Tarmac

The brand new S-Works first appeared before the start of the Giro d "Italia (the Italian analogue of the French Tour). And its modification by McLaren was presented a few days before the start of the Tour de France 2014. The peculiarity of the latter is that it is made of a special alloy of carbon fiber. this makes the bike frame 10% lighter than the standard bike frame.

• EE Cycleworks brakes;
• Roval CLX40R wheelset;
• Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 hardware.

Source: cyclefit.co.uk

Merida Reacto KOM

The Taiwanese company Merida, specializing in the production of bicycles, also tried to combine the successful aerodynamics and a light weight... The result is a bike that, when fully loaded (along with the Shimano Dura-Ace attachments and the Fulcrum Racing Speed ​​XLR wheelset), gained 6.8 kilograms.

Today there are only 3 such bicycles. One of them belongs to Rui Costa, a Portuguese professional cyclist, 3-time winner of the Tour of Switzerland, winner of 3 stages of the Tour de France, world champion in a group race (not to be confused with Rui Costa, a former Portuguese footballer) ...

Source: thaimtb.com

Pinarello dogma f8

The development of this road wonder was a collaboration between Pinarello and Jaguar. The result is a road bike that:

“12% stiffer, 16% more balanced, and 42% more aerodynamic. And we saved 120 grams in weight “- say the engineers at Pinarello, an Italian sports bike manufacturer.

The fate of Jaguar is also far from the last: British automakers carried out an aerodynamic examination of the frame in a special wind tunnel.

There are many different models of this type of transport in the world, but the most expensive of them are those with the least weight. The lighter the bike, the higher the price.

This is due to the fact that the lightweight construction is made of very expensive, high-quality and durable materials that can boast not only their lightness, but also their ability to withstand heavy loads.

The lightest models

One of the lightest models, one might even say that this is a record model, is a bicycle called SpinLight. This transport is unique in that its weight is 2 kilograms and 700 grams. This is the lightest bike in the world and costs more than 45 thousand dollars. Such a model has 20 speeds and can accelerate to maximum speed in just a matter of seconds, which makes it attractive for absolutely all athletes who are fond of fast driving in this type of transport. It is not foldable, but very compact. Many people around the world have tried to make prototypes of this bike, but no one has succeeded in inventing a bike easier than this one. This arrangement makes this device even more unique and makes it even more popular among people who cannot imagine their life without iron two-wheeled comrades. Made entirely of carbon fiber, this material is the finest of all lightweight materials used to make bicycles. The frame is strong and can withstand incredible loads. Also, the bike has 10 sprockets, which allows it to gain the highest speed in a very a short time... As for the design, it is made in a sophisticated style, the black color with a patterned coating gives it the opportunity not to get dirty in bad weather and maintain its visual appeal for a long time. The comfortable steering wheel and seat make the user feel comfortable and at ease while driving.

In addition to expensive devices, there are also designs related to a more economical option. As a rule, these are folding bicycles. They also do not have much heavy weight, but also, plus everything, can be convenient for transportation and transportation. Their speed, of course, is slightly less than that of the light bike, but, nevertheless, such specimens are also worthy of paying attention to them and even purchasing, if necessary. Having such a unique function, they occupy an honorable place in the world market and are in great demand among people who love to ride a bike, as well as engage in this sport at the level of an amateur or even a professional. Also, they are well suited for those who have an additional car. vehicle, in which you can safely put your bike and go on a longer journey.

Based on the above, you can see that this device has an incredible number of advantages, and almost no disadvantages. Its biggest drawback is, in fact, the cost, because for such money not everyone, even a person who loves bicycles, can afford a vehicle. But, if you look from the other side, you cannot fail to notice that specifications fully justify such a cost, because once having spent a large amount of money on a good thing, you can no longer worry that it may break or become unusable. Such a bike will be a reliable friend for many years, and it will also bring a lot of fun while riding.

It has a huge impact on the dynamics of its acceleration and ease of pedaling, but when buying, many beginners do not pay enough attention to this factor. They usually buy a bike after being tempted by a bright appearance, attractive price or seemingly advanced equipment. This is especially true for parents who choose their first adult bike for their grown-up children. As a result, you can often see a child vainly trying to gain speed on a heavy structure with two suspensions made of thick steel pipes, although this task is beyond the strength of even physically strong men. Often this leads to bitter disappointment, and the two-wheeled horse moves to the farthest corner of the garage, where it gathers dust until it is sold to another amateur or scrapped. To understand what weight will be optimal for certain cases, you need to consider the main popular options.

Sport bikes

The heaviest element of the bike is its frame, therefore materials are used to ensure the necessary structural strength with minimal weight. For a long time it was alloy steel, then it was replaced by aluminum and titanium alloys, and in recent decades carbon fiber has become the undisputed leader.

Professional record holders

The lightest bicycles are used in road and track racing, where everything is subordinated to the achievement maximum speeds... Here the struggle is literally for every gram. For example, the TrekEmonda SLR road bike, named by many editions in 2014 "bike of the year", weighs 4.65 kilograms, of which the frame weighs only 690 grams. However, this record did not last long, and in next year it was pushed off the pedestal by the Scultura 9000 LTD, which claims to be the lightest production bike in the world. Designed by Taiwanese giant Merida, this bike's frame is just 10 grams lighter.

But this is not the limit, since following the Merida, SCOTT has announced its new development - Foil 2016 with a frame of 610 grams, which debuted in the Tour de France last year. It is worth noting that heavier versions of these models take part in the competition, since, according to the rules of the International Cycling Association (UCI), the minimum weight sports equipment for official races limited to 15 lbs.

In the meantime, the SpinLight of FairwheelBike remains the record holder - the most light bike in the world that made a splash at the 2010 International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas. Almost all of its parts are made of carbon fiber and weighs an incredible 2.7 kilograms. The cost of this exclusive road bike is $ 45,000.

SpinLight is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the lightest bike in the world

It is made only to order, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to meet it at competitions, and even more so on the roads.

Mountain bikes

All of the bicycles listed above are true masterpieces of technical thought, but the high price makes them inaccessible to the average consumer. Moreover, the rationale for using super-light bicycles in Everyday life raises serious doubts, and when choosing a bike, it is worth considering more affordable options, the most popular of which is mountain bike.

Mountain bike has a large number of subspecies, its design and weight largely depend on what style of riding you prefer. For example, in downhill durability is paramount, while XC requires a light frame. If you need an entry-level or intermediate-level bike for the city and infrequent outings to nature, then the choice is most often limited to two options: aluminum or alloy steel. Although titanium alloys are characterized by high strength and low weight, they are too expensive for such bikes. Chromium-molybdenum steel is reliable, the most durable and has excellent maintainability, but it is heavier than other materials. Therefore, you should opt for a bicycle with an aluminum frame, since it is this metal that has sufficient rigidity with a low weight and an affordable price.

Omega Women's Mountain Bike

The women's mountain bike deserves a special mention. Typically a ladies bike has a lowered or curved top tube, but in extreme disciplines bicycle frame exposed to increased loads, therefore, changing its geometry is unacceptable. Nevertheless, many manufacturers include in their range of products that are positioned as a mountain bike for women. Such shells practically do not differ from ordinary ones, but they have a number of features: a narrowed steering wheel and a front frame triangle, shortened connecting rods, as well as the maximum reduced weight. These properties are designed to provide women with the greatest comfort when boarding and riding, but many experts consider the appearance of such bicycles only a marketing ploy by manufacturers, designed to increase sales.

Potential leaders

When choosing a lightweight and comfortable bike, it is worth considering two interesting options that are very often and completely undeservedly overlooked. The first is a hybrid that combines best qualities highway and mountain bike which allows the rider to feel confident on any type of surface. The comparatively low weight, large 28-inch wheels and a fairly high seating position provide optimal ride comfort.

The second option is a cyclocross bike. These bicycles have a rigid fork and curved handlebars, so they are often confused with a racing road bike. However, cyclocrossers are equipped with tires with wide aggressive tread and frames with extended stays. They are much lighter than a hybrid or mountain. On average, their weight is 8-10 kilograms, which allows you to quickly pick up speed, as well as easily carry the bike on your shoulder. On asphalt, they are almost as good as a road bike, but at the same time, the ability to drive over rough terrain remains. Despite its many advantages, the cyclocross bicycle is still rarely found on the roads of the former USSR, although it is very popular abroad.

City bikes

A city bike is a bike that's great for the city. Everything in its design is aimed at providing maximum comfort. equipped with a soft comfortable saddle, chain with protection and a high bar. Very often they are fitted with a planetary gear rear hub. Typically, city bikes use frames with or without a curved top tube, which makes it easier to fit in casual wear and makes it ideal for girls as it can be ridden in a skirt.

It's great for leisurely urban cycling, but it hardly qualifies as the lightest bike in the world. The main purpose of such a bike is to serve as an inexpensive and practical means of transportation on city streets, therefore it cannot be used as sports equipment... Nevertheless, when choosing, you should pay attention to the weight of the bike. Large with an aluminum frame is preferable because it is much easier to ride.

Schwinn Rendezvous city bike

Small but remote

Those who spent their childhood and youth in the Soviet Union remember the concept of a "folding bike" with nostalgia, because for most of them it was the first "adult" bike.

The names “Minsk”, “Desna” or “Salyut” mean little for the new generation, but at one time such a bike was an unattainable dream for many, because it cost almost a month's salary of an ordinary engineer. A very heavy frame made of thick steel pipes, one gear and a foot brake - this was the Soviet folding bicycle.

But those times are long gone. Today's folding bicycles are radically different from their predecessors. In their manufacture, progressive technical solutions and modern materials are widely used. The advantages of these bikes are their small folded size, ease of storage and the ability to transport them in public transport. The super compact A-bike, invented by Clive Sinclair, weighs only 5.7 kilograms. This aluminum toddler fits easily into a regular backpack and costs only £ 300. Another record holder - Strida - has disc brakes, planetary hub and weighs about 9 kilograms. Another feature of this bike is the replacement of a regular chain with a drive belt that does not require lubrication.

Strids EVO with three speeds

The bike gives a feeling of freedom, comparable only to flying on a hang glider, but excessive weight can ruin all the pleasure of the trip. When purchasing a bike, you should pay special attention to this issue. The ideal solution would be to assemble the device according to an individual project that best suits your needs. However, don't get too carried away with lightening the bike. Any bike forum is already overcrowded with people who are chasing the lightest components possible, forgetting that the bike is primarily intended to be ridden.

The invention of bicycles did not stop after two wheels and pedals were invented between them. As technology advances, the light road bike is becoming an essential ingredient in winning local and global competitions.

But the value of sports equipment is determined not only by weight, but also by availability, technical innovations, and convenience. TOP-7 best models was compiled according to the ratio of these parameters.

Merida Scultura 9000 LTD

The weight carbon frame Merida Scultura in 680 grams was obtained using natural flax fibers, which increase the strength and elasticity of the structure. Much attention has been paid to accessories. The lightest composite elements from SRAM and Shimano were assembled, which are also mass-produced. Of course, carbon stars in the system won't last as long as steel ones. But they allow you to save every gram, which is so important in competitions.

With a gross weight of 4.55 kg, it won the Lightest Series Road Bike category. Although the price of $ 15,000 is not available to everyone, it can be purchased without an individual order. Special attention deserves aerodynamics and the unusual arrangement of individual elements. To reduce airflow resistance, the Shimano Dura-ace rear brake is located just behind the bottom bracket.

Spin Light record holder

To create a bike weighing just 2.7 kg, the inventors at Fairwheel Bikes used composite materials in almost all elements. At first, the Spin Light weighed only 2.96 kg, but then it was decided to slightly change the design. This allowed the manufacturer to give a guarantee for 25,000 kilometers, which is an excellent result even for production models.

The product is international, its inventor was the German Gunther May, and the production is located in the USA. The $ 45,000 price tag seems overwhelming, but in reality it is well below record levels. Used here:

• wheels with titanium spokes, with a total weight of 584 grams;
• carbon fork weighing 184 grams from the company THM;
• composite cranks;
• titanium chain;
• simplified pedals.

Although the Spin Light is the lightest road bike in the world, its aerodynamics and other characteristics are not designed for multi-day races... He is a clear champion in grace, but not in speed.

KGS Tier 3 custom bike

KGS builds bikes to order, there is no mass production here. And the model starts at $ 8,000. The handsome Tier 3 custom bike will cost the buyer $ 30,000, while only a few of these are sold per year.

The road bike for fashionistas comes with a lifetime warranty issued by American master Kevin Sanders. The weight of about 7 kilograms is not a record, but this allows the model to enter the TOP of the lightest. Tier 3 cannot be called a racing car, but it will look amazing on the street thanks to the black and gold design and natural wood inserts.

BERU f1 Systems Factor 001

The brainchild of the British concern Beru f1 Systems, the Factor 001 looks very similar to a Formula One car. This is not surprising, since the concern specializes in the supply of components for these races.

But he also makes bicycles, each frame is custom made anatomical features a cyclist made of modern materials and alloys. At the same time, the weight of the complete bike does not exceed 7 kg. Although Factor 001 starts at $ 30,000, buyers find their way quickly. Ergonomics, design and reliability - these are the three main components of the brainchild of the British company.

Specialized S-Works Allez

The controversy over the practicality of carbon continues, and it's no surprise that world leaders are reusing aluminum in their top-of-the-line models. Cannondale used this material in the S-Works Allez to create an ultralight aluminum road bike. Its weight without pedals is only 6.6 kg, which corresponds to the best performance.

The only downside is the advantage of carbon fiber in smoothing out small road irregularities. But the use of metal makes it possible to significantly improve reliability. Basically, there is a competition now going on between low-quality carbon fiber and aluminum. And the latter does not seek to give up positions. Hydroforming and butting allows engineers to work miracles with the frame, making significant progress in the fight against overweight... S-Works Allez uses:

• full body kit of the level of Shimano Dura-Ace Di2;
• Roval Rapide carbon wheels worth $ 2,200;
• carbon seatpost.

The price of $ 5999, taking into account the use of the highest class body kit and other characteristics, does not seem overpriced, composite analogs are many times more expensive. Made from carbon fiber, the Merida Scultura is 2.1 kg lighter, but 2.5 times more expensive.

Koga kimera

The company from the Netherlands is engaged in the production of special bicycles, to which the Kimera belongs. This Chimera is capable of speeds up to 75 km / h, with a weight of less than 7 kg. And now a little rebus. Why do you need a bike that has:

• no brake;
• one direct transmission;
• there is no ratchet, that is, you can go on it both forward and backward;
• large wheels with discs instead of spokes.

Such a narrow specialization is intended for driving indoors, that is, on a track. The bike is not designed for braking, it will only stop if the athlete stops pedaling. One star helps to make a quick dash, and the disc wheels only stand because there is no crosswind on the track. Price sports equipment comes to 5,000 dollars.

SCOTT Foil 2017

Another production model worthy of hitting the TOP as the most aerodynamic bike. Thanks to computer design, its resistance to the oncoming flow has been significantly increased. This gave a gain of 28 seconds at a distance of 40 kilometers.

This result will be obtained if the athlete maintains a constant speed of 45 km / h. At the same time, the weight of the frame has been reduced to a record level of 610 grams. Although Shimano's top-of-the-line body kit, a solid aerodynamic handlebar and other equipment, increased the weight to 6.6 kg, for a production model this is very small. The $ 13,000 price tag is not the most competitive, there are custom bikes that will not cost much more. But thanks to SCOTT's ability to build a reliable bike with outstanding performance, it will find its buyer.

There is enough in front of the cyclist now hard choice... Buy a bike that will give you an increase in a few seconds at a distance of tens of kilometers, or use a simpler solution. Aluminum models are several times cheaper, while their characteristics do not differ much from the leader ones.

For example, TITAN BIKE, created by triathletes for cycling, weighs only 10.55 kg. The difference in weight with the top-end SCOTT Foil is only 3.9 kg. If you install on the last lounger and computer, which are available on the TITAN BIKE in the basic configuration, then it will become even smaller.