A REVOLUTIONARY Ride
IS LOOKING TO RESHAPE THE BIKE INDUSTRY. WITH THEIR FLAGSHIP TRIATHLON BIKE, THE , THEY MAY HAVE DONE JUST THAT…
Mass bike production serves a purpose. It’s helped you into triathlon, and carried you through training and racing. But there are compromises. You are an individual with your individual anatomy and individual riding style but on a bike designed for all. The geometry, aerobars, forks… ultimately, they’re all a compromise, whether spending £500 or £10,000. Now, thanks to Dutch brand Kú Cycle, there is another way.
Kú Cycle is a built-to-order bike company that’s the brainchild of Formula 1 engineer Richard McAinsh and Alex Bok. McAinsh honed his craft working with Michael Schumacher at Benetton and Ferrari before transferring his aerodynamic expertise to cycling with the likes of 3T. Long-time 220 readers will remember Bok as the brains behind Team TBB, home of Chrissie Wellington for her first two Ironman Hawaii titles.
McAinsh and Bok are disruptors – they analyse the norm, reflect, question and realise there’s often a better way. So it is with the game-changing Kú Cycle TF1
triathlon bike…
WELCOME TO THE TF1
The TF1 is loaded with innovative features that will slash your bike leg, whether it’s the 90km of half Ironman or the 180km of Ironman. Highlights include…
SLASH DRAG, BOOST SPEED
Ever stuck your hand, palm forward, out of the window while driving? It’s like facing a gale-force eight. Now turn your wrist 90° so it’s side on. What happens? The resistance drops markedly. This highlights the importance of frontal area – and is a huge calling card of the TF1. Taking inspiration from Formula 1, the Fork Air Stream Technology (FAST) utilises the replacement of old-fashioned caliper brakes for more powerful and modern disc brakes for a ground-breaking design that reduces what they term ‘airflow blockage’ on the front of the bike. Its unique shape lowers overall bike-and-ride drag by manipulating downstream airflow control. Research by British aerodynamic specialists TotalSim, who’ve appeared regularly in 220, recorded incredibly low drag numbers – even lower than the Cervélo P5.
HANDLE LIKE A DREAM
Next up is the proprietary Steerer Pivot Box (SPB) that’s again taken its inspiration from Formula 1. Gone is the antiquated traditional fork and steerer tube. In its place is an aerodynamic unit that directly connects to the FAST fork by the elegant use of pivots. The result is incredibly responsive handling for even the most technical of triathlon bike courses. Stiffness upfront’s also significantly improved over historic alternatives.
EASE OF TRANSPORTATION
If Covid rules allow, many of you will be hitting mainland Europe later in the season for your goal race of 2021. Even if you don’t, packing away your tri bike can be a complex, timeconsuming and emotionally fraught experience. Not with the
Kú Cycle TF1. Kú’s Hydraulic Advanced Systems (HAS) is adopted from the aerospace and motorsport industries, and allows the coupling and decoupling of hydraulic brake lines without the need for rebleeding. It’s a user-friendly, proven and intelligent solution to the most common of problems.
The TF1’s intelligent use of aerodynamics and comfort is a key feature of the adjustable cockpit, too. Full carbon extensions and 3D-adjustable cup mounts mean the Kú-approved bike-fitter (see Built for You boxout) can make micro-changes that suit your individual position. As you can tell by now, this is no one-size-fits-all compromise. It’s a personalised work of art that even gives you the chance to choose the colour you’d like to smash your PB on.
As for performance componentry, the Dutch brand’s secured the best in the business from SRAM. We’re talking arguably the greatest electric groupset around – the wireless eTap – base-bar shifters and the option for power-meter integration. Kú’s 63mm-deep front wheel and 83mm-deep rear wheel complements the FAST fork perfectly, providing the perfect balance of maximum slipstreaming and excellent handling. And don’t forget the array of sleek nutrition-storage options around the top-tube area and behind the SPB.
Kú say, “We are committed to deliver 220 readers the perfect fit of body and machine.” It’s clear they’ve achieved that aim. For more on Kú Cycle, go to www.ku-cycle.com