Haibike is a German brand about to hit these shores following a distribution deal struck with Nottingham-based Raleigh.
Offering a five-strong range of carbon road bikes to the UK market that tops out with the Affair RC pictured below, Habike will be sold in this country through independent bike shops.
German designed, and made variously in Hungary (the higher-end models) and the Far East, Haibike is hoping to secure a place in the UK market by offering subtle build differences to realise savings.
The Challenge RX, for example, at £2,500, is spec-ced with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset in all but chainset, which dips to a Shimano R565, offering a £300 saving over its closest full Ultegra Di2 competitor, Haibike’s man claimed.
We took a close look at the Affair RC (and more than a few photographs), a machine expected to sell for £4,000, and equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and full carbon Reynolds Assault wheels.
The £4,000 Haibike Affair RC is the highest spec of the road models bound for the UK
The deep chainstays on the Affair RC promise good power transfer and acceleration
The Affair RC’s undirectional carbon chassis is heavily profiled
Internal cable routings for brake and gear cables are a considered detail
The press fit bottom bracket is becoming increasingly de rigeur
