Moda have revamped their road range, with the firm’s top-of-the range machine, the Finale, going aero for 2013.
Moda run a two-year product cycle, switching between their road and mountain bike collections from one year to the next, and that means the road range has had a significant update. We went to Moda HQ to take a look at a few of the bikes and the biggest change is at the top of the pile.
Aero bikes are all the rage among bike manufacturers and Moda have joined the party with the Finale. The 2013 machine gets an enlarged tear-drop profile toptube, headtube and downtube junction. The aero tube shaping continues the length of the downtube, on the seattube (which has a cutaway section) and seatpost.
The entire range has had a facelift, with new colours and decals across the board. We love the matt black and charcoal grey finish on this Finale, plus the wheels are colour matched too.
Narrow seatstays are bang on-trend, with bike designers talking up their ability to improve “vertical compliance” while shaving a few grammes of weight. These are the thinnest we’ve seen. Moda call them ‘blade stays’; their side profile is in line with what we used to seeing but walk round to the back of the bike and there’s little to them.
The seatpost is also an aero number. It’s a Barelli seatpost, with Barelli, who also provide the handlebar, stem and saddle, being the componentry arm of Moda. Otherwise the Finale is specced with SRAM’s top-end Red groupset (which we currently have in as part of a long-term test), a PressFit bottom bracket, American Classic 420 Aero 3 wheels and Kenda Kaliente tyres. How much? £3,899.
The updated Stretto, which sits second from top in Moda’s range and will cost £2,699, has gone on a diet for 2013. The previous model had a claimed frame and fork weight of 1,915g (for a size 56cm), while the new frameset weighs 1,515g thanks to a full carbon fork (with the aluminium steerer replaced by a carbon one), a PressFit bottom bracket and internal cable routing. The fork crown has also been beefed up to improve front-end stiffness.
Moda are proud of their UK heritage and all the Derby-based brand’s bikes have this stamp, as pictured on the Stretto, saying us much. The Stretto is equipped with a SRAM Force groupset, with the exception of the Barelli chainset, and gets the same American Classic/Kenda wheel/tyre combination as the Finale. Barelli once again provide the finishing kit.
The Calore is a new addition to Moda’s cyclo-cross range (the Calore sits alongside the Legato) and is their first ‘crosser to come with disc brakes. The Calore has an aluminium frame, which comes with a lifetime warranty. SRAM’s entry-level Apex groupset (with cyclo-cross friendly 46-36t chainrings) is accompanied by American Classic Hurricane wheels, which Moda say have been chosen for strength, Kenda Kwicker tyres and more Barelli finishing kit. The Calore will retail at £1,599.
Looking to turn a few heads when you turn up for your next time trial? The £3,499 Interval is available in this striking orange, black and white colour scheme. Moda are distributed by Eurobike, who also look after American Classic wheels, so matching hoops seal the deal.
Along with the aero frame, which has incredibly beefy chain and seatstays, you get a Shimano Ultegra groupset, American Classic Carbon 58 clincher wheels (which have an aluminium braking track), Kenda Kaliente tyres and a smattering of Barelli kit.
