{"id":42411,"date":"2022-10-19T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-19T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=700084"},"modified":"2022-10-19T13:18:13","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T11:18:13","slug":"bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike of the Week | No seat tube for the crowd-funded Superstrata Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 19 October 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Our latest Bike of the Week is the Superstrata Classic, a crowdfunded road bike<\/a> without a seat tube and a novel carbon construction.<\/p>\n

Superstrata is the bicycle brand of parent company Arevo, which manufactures carbon parts for the aerospace industry for clients such as Airbus.<\/p>\n

The 3D-printed bicycle was initially crowdfunded via the Indiegogo platform. Crowdfunded bicycles, such as the SpeedX Leopard<\/a>, have seen mixed success.<\/p>\n

The Superstrata Classic now finally sees the light of day at BikeRadar HQ.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at this quirky build.<\/p>\n

Thermoplastic carbon construction<\/h2>\n
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The Superstrata certainly has a futuristic aesthetic.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

At the heart of the Classic is the \u2018industrial grade\u2019 thermoplastic carbon frame.<\/p>\n

This is not the first time we\u2019ve come across a thermoplastic frame, with Bristol, UK-based Starling\u2019s prototype<\/a> another example.<\/p>\n

We asked Superstrata to provide further details on its use of the technology and the brand says it manufactures the bike \u201cusing a thermoplastic filament composed of carbon fibre and a nylon polymer\u201d.<\/p>\n

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The branding is subtle.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Virtually all carbon fibre frames are manufactured from a mould with epoxy resin, whereas the use of thermoplastics generally results in a frame that is tougher, more resistant to impact and uses less energy to manufacture.<\/p>\n

Like traditional epoxy-based carbon fibre frames, it cannot be properly recycled, but it can be repurposed when heated up.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Could the use of thermoplastics be the future of carbon fibre frames?<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The end result, according to Superstrata, is a bike that is more compliant and forgiving, while also being more resistant to impacts and fracturing.<\/p>\n

The brand says the frames are manufactured in-house using a proprietary process, a few hundred metres away from its 3D printers. The advantage, according to Superstrata, is that it can continually make tweaks to achieve the optimal frame properties and ease of manufacturing.<\/p>\n

The brand also says it can control the individual orientation and angle of each strip to provide a custom layup.<\/p>\n

What is Bike of the Week?<\/h3>\n

Every fortnight, we\u2019ll bring you a detailed first look at one of the latest bikes (or framesets) to arrive at BikeRadar HQ \u2013 from road to commuting, gravel to enduro, and anything in between.<\/p>\n

This is our chance to introduce the bike and everything that makes it unique before hitting the road or trails.<\/p>\n

Head to our\u00a0Bike of the Week hub<\/a> for previous editions.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div> <\/section>

Who needs a seat tube?<\/h2>\n
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Gone is the seat tube\u2026<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The most visually striking feature of the Superstrata Classic is that it lacks a seat tube.<\/p>\n

According to the brand, the seat tube omission is \u201cto challenge not only our own technology but what is possible in carbon fibre bicycle manufacturing\u201d.<\/p>\n

The brand also says it saves weight, given there\u2019s an entire tube missing.<\/p>\n

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There\u2019s no need to consider seat tube length measurements.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On the subject of custom geometry, Superstrata says customers input their dimensions before buying and have an optional step of submitting additional measurements \u201cto ensure the perfect fit\u201d.<\/p>\n

The brand says its own proprietary software can then generate a suitable frame from these measurements and it can even recommend the optimal stem<\/a> and crank length<\/a>, as well as handlebar<\/a> width.<\/p>\n

The frame is claimed to weigh in the region of 1.3kg for an unspecified geometry.<\/p>\n

Outside of these headline features, the frame can accept up to a maximum 700 x 45mm tyre.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
12mm thru-axles are used front and rear.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The fork uses a 1-1\/8in steerer, and both the frame and fork use flat-mount disc brakes with 12mm thru-axles.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s an electric version too, which features a 250w bottom-bracket mounted motor that\u2019s said to have a range of approximately 60 miles \/ 96km.<\/p>\n

An unconventional spec list<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Superstrata uses a 1x groupset from a variety of brands.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Superstrata Classic, in its non-electric guise, retails for $2,800.<\/p>\n

Our test bike uses an 11-speed groupset from a mixture of brands, with a 1x drivetrain<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\""Superstrata\"<\/picture><\/div>
Could L-Twoo become another key player in the groupset field? <\/span> <\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Superstrata\"<\/picture><\/div>
The thumb shifter is canted towards the lever body. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Superstrata\"<\/picture><\/div>
The left-hand lever controls the rear brake.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The shifters and rear derailleur<\/a> are from Chinese brand L-Twoo\u2019s R9 range, with a Campagnolo-style thumb-shifter used. It\u2019s much smaller than the Italian groupset powerhouse\u2019s version and is located towards the end of the lever body.<\/p>\n

RPP supplies the crankset<\/a>, and Sunshine the cassette<\/a>. The chain<\/a> is provided by KMC in its X11 variety.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This is the first time we\u2019ve come across the Pro brand.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The mechanical disc brakes<\/a> are from a brand called Pro (not the same as the Shimano subsidiary, though) and are its 5.0 Pass model. They stop the 160mm disc rotors<\/a> both front and rear.<\/p>\n

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The Superstrata relies on FSA\u2019s ACR integration system.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The front end of the Superstrata is integrated, using FSA\u2019s ACR system, lending a clean aesthetic.<\/p>\n

The unbranded road bike wheels<\/a> feature 32 spokes at the front and 36 at the rear, and come wrapped in Kenda K193 700 x 28mm tyres. Superstrata says you can also choose to spec the bike with Casumina 700 x 35mm or Hutchinson 40mm tyres, should you wish to ride on rougher surfaces.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Controltech and Selle Italia provide the seatpost and saddle.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The seatpost is a Controltech ONE SB10, with a Selle Italia Model X BB FEC saddle installed atop it.<\/p>\n

All-in, our test bike weighs 11.64kg without pedals.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re currently testing the Superstrata and you can expect a full review soon.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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By Oscar Huckle Published: Wednesday, 19 October 2022 at 12:00 am Our latest Bike of the Week is the Superstrata Classic, a crowdfunded road bike without a seat tube and a novel carbon construction. Superstrata is the bicycle brand of parent company Arevo, which manufactures carbon parts for the aerospace industry for clients such as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":42412,"template":"","categories":[1,36],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"6"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/10\/bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic.jpg",1860,1239,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/10\/bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/10\/bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/10\/bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/10\/bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic-1024x682.jpg",800,533,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/10\/bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic-1536x1023.jpg",1536,1023,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/10\/bike-of-the-week-no-seat-tube-for-the-crowd-funded-superstrata-classic.jpg",1860,1239,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Oscar Huckle Published: Wednesday, 19 October 2022 at 12:00 am Our latest Bike of the Week is the Superstrata Classic, a crowdfunded road bike without a seat tube and a novel carbon construction. Superstrata is the bicycle brand of parent company Arevo, which manufactures carbon parts for the aerospace industry for clients such as…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/42411"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}