Boardman Bikes

Elite AiR 9.8 TT Di2

Nicknamed "Mr. Prologue" by his racing peers, British cyclist Chris Boardman made a name for himself by specializing in racing against the clock. This was famously solidified in cycling history with his win at the prologue of the '94 Tour, where he executed the fastest time ever recorded. He also has the Individual Pursuit gold medal from the '92 Games on his resume, right up there next to his breaking of the hour record on three separate occasions. So, it's safe to say that Boardman knows a thing or two when it comes to bicycle aerodynamics. His new Elite 9.8 Air TT Di2 stands on the highest rung of the TT collection's ladder, as its function-driven tube shapes and Di2 compatibility yield an exceptionally light, stable, and aerodynamic time trial machine.

Similar to the AiR 9.8, every tube on the AiR TT Di2 was meticulously examined and tested to be the most efficient, lightweight, and aerodynamic as possible. Using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel tests, Boardman was able to experiment with many different combinations of fiber types, fiber directions, resins, and tube shapes to ultimately come up with the TT frame design in relation to airflow. Boardman carefully designed the AiR TT's tubes with shapes that not only efficiently handle head-on winds, but also those less-than-ideal crosswinds encountered in racing situations. These wind-tunnel-tested tubes wear a fairly slender width profile throughout, which creates the optimal balance between vertical compliance and aerodynamics. The top tube remains fairly round, while the down tube, seat tube, and integrated (and reversible) seatpost have been shaped to maximize airflow and reduce wind resistance.

The material selected for the AiR TT's frame is an ultralight, high modulus, and unidirectional carbon fiber that's been constructed with a full monocoque design. Similarly, the fork was built out of the same predictable, race-tested, and ultralight carbon fiber. The AiR's mold also incorporates a one-piece BB30 bottom bracket and oversized box section chainstays, which, with a steep taper design at the dropouts, maximizes power transfer and strength at the rear junction. Along these lines, the full carbon fork was built with a 1-1/2 to 1-1/8in tapered steerer for increased stiffness and steering precision.

The AiR Elite TT's fork was also designed to be exceptionally stable, comfortable, and to efficiently handle variable wind conditions. Boardman factored in that both the proximity and spinning of the wheel affect the fork's ability to reduce wind resistance, which is why its blades were computer modeled to manage that challenging local flow condition. Because of this, Boardman flattened the insides of the blades and curved the outside surfaces for an enhanced airflow interaction between the fork and wheel. This same principle is also true for the seatstays, which is why they feature a similar profile.

For the brake placement, Boardman neatly tucked the front caliper up inside the back of the fork, which still makes it accessible for maintenance and adjustments. The rear brake system is similarly tucked behind the bottom bracket, keeping it hidden and out of the way. Along these lines, the frame was built with full internal, electronic-compatible cable routing, furthering airflow enhancement and a clean overall appearance.

The Boardman Bikes Elite 9.8 Air TT Di2 is available in four sizes from X-Small to Large and in the color Matte Black.