Boardman Bikes’ 2012 Elite AiR/TT Series is now available through limited independent bike shops.
The four-strong range features Boardman’s AiR Aerodynamic Racing frame, fork, brakes and seatpost, with full high modulus carbon fibre construction.
The top-of-the-range AiR 9.8 retails at £6,999.99 (frameset only, £1,599.99) and is fitted out with SRAM Red components, FSA Carbon Trimax carbon handlebars, a Zipp 1080 tubular front wheel and Zipp Sub 9 Disc rear, wrapped in Vittoria Corsa CX tyres.
The AiR 9.4 will set you back £3,999.99, while the AiR 9.2 enters the market at £2,699.99 and the AiR 9.0 is £1,999.99.
Boardman Bikes are normally available exclusively in the UK through Halfords, but the high-end Elite AiR/TT Series is to be sold in limited numbers through independent retailers. More information can be found at www.boardmanbikes.com
Former world time trial champion and world hour record holder Chris Boardman adopted the nickname The Professor during his racing career for his meticulous attention to detail – and that technical prowess has extended into his role as director of research and development at Boardman Bikes.
“FEA [Finite Element Analysis], CFD [Computational Fluid Dynamics], Pro Team testing and 20 years of experience have all been distilled in this totally performance-focused product,” said Boardman. “There isn’t a single square centimetre of the AiR/TT that doesn’t have a performance rationale behind it.”
Down tube, seat tube and seatposts have been shaped for maximized airflow and reduced wind resistance in real world head and crosswind conditions.
The internal front brake is enclosed within the fork structure to maximise clean air around the front of the frame, while the rear brake is positioned under the bottom bracket for the same effect at the rear of the frame.
Forks and seatstays have flat inside and curved outside surfaces for enhanced airflow interaction between the frame and wheel, which Boardman Bikes say is especially effective with deep section wheels.
The Boardman Bikes range is available to customers outside the UK through online retailer Wiggle.
