Kent-based bike brand Bowman Cycles has launched with the Palace aluminium frame – inspired by south London’s Crystal Palace criterium series.
The Palace is the latest in a new generation of aluminium race-focused frames which place an emphasis on low weight, stiffness, and dependability, following in the footsteps of the likes of the Kinesis Aithein and Canyon Ultimate AL SLX as a robust and affordable alternative to carbon fibre.
The frame is made from 6069-T6 aluminium, with triple-butted walls to reduce the weight to a claimed 1,200g for a size 56cm. Bowman Cycles say the oversized front triangle, tapered carbon fork steerer and PressFit 86 bottom bracket serve up a stiff, responsive ride, while the 27.2mm seatpost and custom tube profiles are designed to banish any filling-rattling memories of aluminium frames of old.
Meanwhile, the external cable routing is home mechanic friendly and the anodised finish is designed to withstand the rough and tumble of racing. There’s also clearance for 28c tyres, which follows the current trend towards wider rubber, be it on race day or to allow for a plusher ride on training rides on the local lanes. The geometry is suitably racy, with a 560mm toptube, matching 73 degree head and seattube angles and compact 405mm chainstays on a 56cm frame.
The Palace costs £650 for the frame, fork, headset and seat collar, and is the first of four Bowman frames off of the production line, with the Layhams winter training frame, Foots Cray cyclo-cross chassis and Pilgrims gravel frame – all named after favourite haunts of London and Kent cyclists – also in development.
Website: Bowman Cycles
