STUNNING DEBUTS
2017 has seen new brands hit the UK and new ideas from some established companies. We take a look at six of the latest vying for your attention
The UK bike market is a competitive place, which means newcomers have to work hard to gain a firm footing. That’s true for brands arriving in the country for the first time, those that are new full stop, and even established brands launching an all-new model. It’s what all six bikes - Pilot Veturi, Chapter 2 Tere, Thompson Capella, Orbea Terra M20-D, Evo2Max Nebula R9 and Ironbridge 1851 - in this issue’s bike test have in common.
Every year we see more new brands and models arrive on UK shores, some are start-ups, some have been around for a while but never ventured across to our isles, and some are new endeavours from otherwise traditionalists.
Our first bike is from UK-based newbie Evo2Max, born from an association between designer Steve Griffiths and top amateur time trial rider, Andrew Jackson. They’ve set out to combine cutting-edge aerodynamics and bold graphics and finishing schemes with a direct-tocustomer, bespoke build model to keep prices low.
Until recently Basque brand Orbea’s remit was to build bikes for racing. Its new Terra steps away from that towards adventure to create a bike that’s at home on gravel, and can take big roads in its stride.
Thompson might be one of the oldest brands you’ve never heard of. The Belgian outfit has Tour of Flanders wins in its 90-plus year history, and we’re testing its racebred model, the Capella.
Ironbridge Bicycles celebrates British industry and craftsmanship, and hopes to ride the current wave of interest in all things steel, handmade and British with the 1851, a fetching take on the modern gravel bike.
Holland has a thing for titanium, going back to Airborne (US/Dutch) , followed by Van Nicholas, J.Guillem, and now Pilot. The Veturi is designed to get the best from titanium with a frame infused with compliance and shaped for the endurance rider.
The Terre is the debut from New Zealand outfit, Chapter 2. The brainchild of Mike Pryde, the former head of NeilPryde Bikes, it showcases his aero-and-tech approach to bicycle design.