Forme Bikes only launched in March 2010 but since then the Derby-based brand’s range has grown from five to 52 machines for 2013, including the all-new Flash collection.
Forme’s 2012 range topped out with the £3,000 Thorpe Elite, which we reviewed earlier this month, but their new top-of-the-range Flash collection is built around a new super-light frame, made from a high grade of Torayca 800 carbon fibre and with a claimed weight of 850g for a size 54cm.
All three bikes in the Flash range are specced with Campagnolo. In fact, Forme have made the switch to Campagnolo across their entire road range for 2013, citing performance and supply as two reasons, as well as the fact that, as a new brand, the want to stick their head above the parapet to offer their customers something different among the raft of Shimano and SRAM-equipped machines available.
The new model year will also see Forme machines wear components from Belgian brand 4ZA, an off-shoot of Ridley Bikes, who will also supply wheels on some models. Mavic and Easton will equip others.
We went to Forme HQ in Derby to check out the new range. Here are the highlights, plus there’s plenty more pictures in the photo gallery at the bottom.
The Flash 1.0 is the top-of-the range model, with a retail price of £4,999.99. It’s a machine specced with a full Campagnolo Record Carbon 11-speed groupset, finishing kit from 4ZA’s top-of-the-range carbon fibre Cirrus line, including an integrated handlebar and stem combination, plus 50mm-deep 4ZA Cirrus Pro T50 tubular wheels, shod with Schwalbe Ultremo HT Raceguard tubular tyres. Each frame in the range gets a flash of colour, with a splash of orange on the Flash 1.0
The Flash is described as a racing thoroughbred, with a more aggressive geometry than the Thorpe Elite. Forme say the frame has been designed for stiffness and effective power transfer, and it bears many of the hallmarks of a modern frame: a wide BB86 bottom bracket, tapered steerer (1-1/8″ to 1.5″), pencil-thin seatstays, internal cable routing and carbon fibre dropouts with a replaceable alloy hanger.
This, the Flash 2.0, is equipped with a Campagnolo Carbon Chorus 11-speed groupset, with a selection of 4ZA Cirrus Pro and Cirrus finishing kit, 4ZA Cirrus aluminium clincher wheels, which weigh a claimed 1,600g, and Schwalbe Ultremo tyres. How much? £3,199.99.
The Forme Flash EPS comes, as the name suggests, with Campagnolo’s Athena EPS groupset. In fact, it’s one of the first production bikes we’ve seen with the Italian company’s new group and, at £3,499.99, represents a competitive entry point for riders wanting to experience the firm’s electronic technology.
We were the first to ride a production model with new Campagnolo Athens EPS groupset in the summer; here’s what we thought.
We reviewed the Forme Thorpe Elite earlier this month and were impressed with the machine’s balance of speed and comfort. For 2013 the Elite, which is the top machine in the three-bike Thorpe range, comes with a Campagnolo Chorus groupset, instead of Shimano Dura-Ace/Ultegra, while 4ZA finishing kit replaces that from Easton. Otherwise the frame (which has had an aesthetic makeover), FSA SL-K Light chainset, Easton EA90 SL wheels (the lightest aluminium clincher wheels in Easton’s range) and Schwalbe Ultremo tyres remains the same. The price has jumped £100 to £3,099.99.
The Axe Edge is designed with sportive riders in mind; that means the three bikes in the range have a more relaxed geometry. Forme describe the Axe Edge as a frame “that doesn’t leave you unable to walk after a long weekend of riding and exploring.” The Axe Edge Pro, pictured above, is specced with a Shimano Ultegra groupset, 4ZA Cirrus wheels, 4ZA Cirrus/Stratos finishing kit and Schwalbe Lugano tyres, for £1,799.99.
Longcliffe is Forme’s aluminium range. With a shorter toptube and longer headtube, the triple-butted Longcliffe frame is designed for comfort, with winter training and commuting in mind. Five bikes make up the Longcliffe range, with a further three more machines with a female-specific geometry (shorter toptube, narrower handlebar, wider saddle).
The Calver X Pro is a new aluminium-framed addition to Forme’s cyclo-cross range (Forme claim many ‘cross racers still prefer aluminium for their race machines). The frame has a host of ‘cross-specific features, including a squared-off seattube, which Forme say improves stiffness, a flat toptube for easier shouldering, and no bottle cage bosses (a bike intended to be raced for one hour can do without them; they’re also a hinderance to shouldering).
The Calver X Pro is available as a ‘frameset only’ for £449.99, or in the build pictured above, with Campagnolo’s cyclo-cross specific Athena CX groupset, Forme cantilever brakes, 4ZA finishing kit and 4ZA Cirrus tubular wheels for £2,299.99. Forme say tyre choice is particularly personal for ‘cross racers so you can specify the tubs you want when you order, at an additional cost.
Away from the race-ready Pro model, Forme say the Calver CX Sport is the most versatile bike in their range. It’s out of the super-commuter/cyclo-cross mould, and is available in two Shimano Tiagra-equipped builds, one with disc brakes (£1,049.99) and one with cantilevers (£849.99).
Two bikes make up Forme’s time trial range. The ATT Carbon 1.0 is available in two models, with 4ZA Cirrus clincher wheels for £1,899.99, or as an upgraded version with deep-section 4ZA T100 carbon tubular hoops (pictured above). The groupset is a Shimano Ultegra/Vision/Microshift mix. Otherwise, the aluminium ATT 1.0 is equipped with a Shimano 105/Vision/Microshift groupset and 4ZA Stratos clincher wheels for £1,599.99, making it a realistic option for riders taking their first steps in the time trial world.
So that’s Forme 2013 road range covered. Here’s a sneak peak at something they’re working on for next year, though. Expect to see a pint-sized youth range available from spring 2013 for the next generation of Cavs.
