NeilPryde BMW DesignWorksUSA Alize Bike
Unveiled at the 2010 Vattenfall Cyclassics, (Hamburg, Germany, from 13 to 15 August), the Alize and Diablo high performance bicycles are the result of a collaboration between BMW DesignWorksUSA and the NeilPryde brand. Mostly known as a the manufacturer of sails, rigs, and wetsuits for boardsailing and windsurfing enthusiasts, NeilPryde is now taking a bold step into a new industry segment.
Designed in partnership with BMW’s DesignworksUSA, the result is a highly aerodynamic machine developed from extensive wind-tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamic modeling that makes use of complex – and very distinctive – aerofoil cross-sections in the carbon fiber frame and forks, while weighing in at as little as 6.75 kg. DesignworksUSA brings its knowledge in creating premium designs for mobility-related products from the automotive industry to aircrafts and yachts leveraging its global leadership in translating distinct brand values into compelling design solutions.
NeilPryde BMW DesignWorksUSA Diablo Bike
The Diablo bike is the more conventional of the pair, with most of the design focus placed on the usual merits of lightweight and stiffness. In keeping with those goals, structural ribs run along the sides and interior edge of the top tube, head tube, and seat tube. There’s a squared-off and tapered 1-1/8 to 1-1/2in front end with matching carbon fork, and a relatively well-bolstered bottom bracket area. Cable routing is a mix of internal (rear brake) and external (both derailleur lines), and the frame is topped with a conventional 27.2mm round seatpost.
The Alize bike, on the other hand, boasts a more original shape that places more emphasis on reducing aerodynamic drag. Key features include an hourglass-shaped tapered head tube, a deep-section seat tube that includes a modest rear wheel cutout, and a diamond-shaped down tube that transitions to a truncated Kammtail shape down near the bottom bracket. Other details include internal cable routing throughout plus a matching carbon fibre aero seatpost up top.
NeilPryde will offer both the new road bikes in a choice of three colors and five sizes. The Diablo Dura Ace and the Diablo Ultegra are priced at $5,400 and $4,200 respectively. The Alize models will sell for $5,150 and $3,950 respectively. Pre-orders are being taken at the NeilPryde site and shipments are slated to begin in September.
