Eighteen months of development have paid off: the new Haibike Freed looks great! With this carbon race bike, Haibike is sharpening its profile and adding a high-performance 27.5-inch model to the well-known 29er Greed that has been thought through down to the last detail.
The frame is said to weigh less than 1100 grams, has an unusual shape and design and is prepared for a wide range of specifications. The model shown (equipment not standard) comes with a single crank and therefore does not have a front derailleur. However, it can be easily fitted to the seat tube using an adapter. The down tube has an opening for the direct front derailleur control of the new Shimano XTR and the product developers have also thought of a few other compatibilities: "The frame should be multifunctional and suitable for all derailleur groupsets including the electronic Shimano XTR" says Product Manager Christian Malik. "The shift cable runs practically directly through the top tube and seat tube to the rear derailleur without any bends".
To enable a wide range of axle standards and rear derailleurs, Haibike mounts a derailleur hanger/rear derailleur hanger combination that fits everything.
A slim clamp secures the equally slim 27.2 millimetre seat post, which is shaped to match the frame design and should offer a lot of riding comfort. The frame is available in sizes 40, 45, 50 and 55 centimetres, with complete bikes available from September.
Haibike has planned three variants from 2799 to 6999 euros (top model with Shimano XTR electronic), and the Freed will be supplemented by a cheaper variant (different frame layout, approx. 1350 grams), which will be available from 1500 euros.
