Forme Flash E

A modern aero road bike that also happens to have a fully integrated electric assistance system

The current trend for road bikes is aero, where the frames tube profiles are manipulated to create teardrop forms to make the bike as wind- cheating as possible. With the introduction of the Flash E, Forme has embraced the aero idea and made use of the increased tube profiles to skillfully integrate a Fazua Evation 1.0 drive pack and matching 250Wh battery.

Carbon fibre is the frame material of choice for modern road bikes from the midrange upwards. Because it can be moulded into a wider range of shapes than with other frame types, designers can design in as much aerodynamic benefit as possible while still providing a comfortable ride in a way not possible with metal tubes.

In the case of the Flash E, Forme’s designers have been able to optimise the aerodynamic benefits of carbon but shaped the tubes to integrate the Fazua battery into the down tube and the controller into the top tube.

The quest for improved aerodynamics on the Flash E is not limited to the frame profile either. In line with current trends, all of the bike’s controls and cables are integrated where possible, with the cables for the Shimano 11- speed Ultegra gears and the matching hydraulic Ultegra disc brakes only visible between where they emerge from under the handlebar tape and where they disappear into the top of the frame underneath the stem. The teardrop profile of the stem is matched at the rear by the seat post, which features a hidden clamp holding it in place.

The on-trend specification of the Flash E continues with the wheel package. The DT Swiss P1800 wheels have thru-axles rather than traditional quick releases and are set up with tubeless Schwalbe tyres. The Flash E comes fitted with 28c tyres, but the frame and forks have clearance for a 30c option if additional comfort is required.

► £4,999.99 formebikes.co.uk