Total revamp for the G5 and will get its first airing at the Tour de France |
BH Bikes has unveiled the all-new G5 in time for the 2009 Tour de France, and the AG2R-LaMondial squad for which it supplies bikes to have been putting the new design through its paces.
The latest creation from the Spanish company is described by the company as a ‘radical and revolutionary leap forward’. An overhaul of the individual tube profiles and lay-up of the carbon fibre has allowed BH to massively increase the stiffness around the bottom bracket, head tube and in the lateral plane. Despite the extra stiffness BH claim a weight of 810g for a 54cm size frame.
Some of the features on this new frame include a tapered head tube (1 1/8in to 1.5in), and following the current trend for saving weight wherever necessary, the bearings now sit flush inside the carbon cups of the head tube. An all-carbon fibre fork from Edge Composites with an oversized crown and carbon dropouts ensures the front of the frame is stiff and light. Continuing the carbon theme are the dropouts, front derailleur hanger and cable stops, which further reduce the weight. The BB30 bottom bracket standard has been adopted but alloy press-in adapter cups allow regular cranks to be fitted.
Reinforcing elements on the downtube |
A novel feature is the underside of the rounded rectangular downtube which gets stiffening channel and which the cables sit. The designers have also placed a mount for the battery from Shimano’s Di2 groupset. There’s an integrated seatmast as seen on the G4 in which a regular aero-shaped seatpost sits, with two bolts clamping it into place. The rear of the frame sees the seat tube hugging the curvature of the rear wheel while tall chainstays and slender seat stays should ensure a good balance of optimum power transfer and comfort.
Integrated seatmast increases stiffness |
BB30 bottom bracket has been adopted |
