Road Cycling News

Cycle Show 2011: Forza components come to the UK

Forza (or 4ZA), the components brand from bike manufacturer Ridley, used the Cycle Show to launch in the UK after signing an exclusive distribution deal with Todays Cyclist.

The deal is another step in Forza’s re-launch as a stand alone brand, with a separate CEO and product development team. Previously Forza products were only available on Ridley machines.

“It’s an exciting time for Forza Components, in the past eight months we’ve worked very hard to give Forza its own identity which can be seen with our new logo, new product range and new website,” said Forza boss Bengt Friberg.

So what can you expect to see? The Belgian company manufacturer wheels, saddles, handlebars, stems, seatposts, tyres, accessories (e.g. bottle cages) and parts (e.g. brake pads).

Forza’s catalogue is split into three ranges which each cover different price points, rising from the entry-level Stratos, to Cirrus, and finishing with the top-of-the-range Cirrus Pro collection. Here are some of the highlights.

Forza Quick

The company used the Cycle Show to unveil the patented Forza Quick brake release, which enables riders to open or close their brakes through a button on the handlebars, particularly useful for racers swapping out wide-rimmed Zipp Firecrest or HED wheels for a neutral service wheel, or for when mud is clagging up cantilever brakes while riding cyclo-cross. It’ll be available from February with an expected retail price of approximately £20.

Wheels

The Cirrus Pro AC58 clincher wheels pictured above will hit the UK market for £1199.99, weighing 900g for the front wheel and 1090g for the rear.

The 58mm rims have an aluminium braking surface, with 20/24 radial/crossed spoking, cold forged hubs and alloy axles. The wheels are compatible with 11-speed Campagnolo or Shimano.

Carbon rims on the C50 wheelset bring the weight down to 760g front and 940g rear. Price TBC.

At the other end of the scale, the Stratos clincher hoops below weigh 850g for the front wheel and 1100g for the rear, with a retail price of £219.99.

Handlebars

While the Stratos range is mostly manufactured using aluminium and Cirrus Pro with carbon fibre, the Cirrus collection fills the gap with a lightweight alloy.

Pictured below are the Ergonomic and Compact handlebars, weighing 295g and 280g respectively, both costing £57.99.

Saddles

A feature of the entry-level Stratos range is the range of colours available for each product, ideal for riders wanting to add a little flair to their machine without breaking the bank. Here are the Stratos saddles, available for £28.99 a piece.

While steel rails feature across all Stratos saddles, step up a level and an alloy upgrade follows, along with a microfeel cover. That brings the weight down from to 320g to 240g. Meanwhile, featured in the Cirrus Pro range is a Vacansoleil-DCM team replica saddle. More info here.