Elite AiR 9.8 Road Bike Frameset - 2015
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Winning the Individual Pursuit at the '92 games as well as breaking the hour record on three occasions required not only exceptional physical and physiological talent, it also meant attention to all the details of aerodynamics with his bikes. To this end Chris Boardman has always had a keen eye for wind cheating design and technology. He continues to funnel these wind-tunnel-obsessed years of research and experience into his Elite bike series. The Elite 9.8 AiR is Boardman's flagship aerodynamic frame; it was developed to be the ultimate lightweight, comfortable, and efficient racing frame platform.
It's no surprise that every tube on the Elite 9.8 AiR was meticulously examined and tested to be the most efficient possible. Because actual race conditions rarely mimic the clean wind of an air tunnel, Boardman carefully designed the AiR 9.8's tubes with shapes that not only efficiently handle head-on winds, but also those less-than-ideal crosswinds that are encountered in racing situations. These wind-tunnel-tested tubes feature 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 seatpost have been shaped to maximize airflow and reduce wind-resistance. The material selected for the AiR 9.8's frame is a high modulus unidirectional carbon fiber, constructed with a full monocoque design. Similarly, the fork was built out of the same predictable, race-tested, and ultralight carbon fiber.
The Elite 9.8 AiR's fork was designed to be exceptionally stable, comfortable, and to efficiently handle variable wind conditions. Boardman factored in that both the proximity and spinning of the front wheel also affect the fork's ability to reduce wind-resistance. 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. The frame was built with full internal cable routing, furthering airflow enhancement and a clean overall appearance.
The Elite 9.8's AiR mold incorporates a one-piece PF30 bottom bracket and oversized box section chainstays, which, with a steep taper design at the dropouts, maximize 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 9.8 also light. The frame comes in at a feathery 1,150g, making it competitive among the other "aero road frames" that are currently available.
The Boardman Bikes Elite 9.8 AiR is available in five sizes from X-Small to X-Large and in the color Matte carbon/black.
Details
- Aerodynamic design
- Carbon fiber construction
- PF30 bottom bracket shell
- Hidden brake calipers (included)
- Internal cable routing
- Item #BMB000L
- Frame Material
- unidirectional hi-modulus carbon fiber
- Fork Material
- unidirectional carbon fiber
- Headset Included
- yes
- Bottom Bracket Type
- PF30
- Cable Routing
- internal
- Front Derailleur Mount
- braze-on
- Compatible Components
- mechanical groupset, electronic groupset
- Claimed Weight
- 1150 g
- Recommended Use
- road race
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 2 year on frame
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