Bike Ahead CompositesWheels, frame, saddle - 3 hot carbon parts from Veitshöchheim

Marc Strucken

 · 08.03.2024

Bike Ahead's components almost look like works of art, and the new Biturbo RSX wheel is no exception.
Photo: All Ahead Composites
The Lower Franconian company Bike Ahead Composites is presenting three hot carbon must-haves for the 2024 MTB season: The Hypersaddle is a carbon saddle designed to take comfort to a new level. A new frame - only called The Frame - is a carbon fibre hardtail frame for the XC track. And the new Biturbo RSX wheelset is the even lighter next evolutionary stage of the RS.

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There are those who spend a lot of money buying fancy clothes for spring - we bikers go for hot carbon fibre for our bikes! The carbon fibre mat cutters at Bike Ahead Composites have once again lived out their art for the new season and presented haute couture for the trails. Hot parts straight from Veitshöchheim.

The next evolutionary stage: Bike Ahead Biturbo RSX wheels

The new carbon wheelset model Biturbo RSX is a revised version of the all-rounder Biturbo RS. With an adapted layer structure of the carbon fibre, it offers a larger inner rim width of 33 millimetres with a simultaneous weight reduction to 1329 grams (in 29 inches). The permissible system weight, on the other hand, has increased to 115 kilograms. The bottom line: improved performance on fast descents.

Almost too good to get dirty on the trail: Bike Ahead Biturbo RSX wheelsPhoto: All Ahead Composites/PAUL MASUKOWITZAlmost too good to get dirty on the trail: Bike Ahead Biturbo RSX wheels

Technical details:

  • 27.5" clincher, 35 x 584 mm - Weight: 1279 g
  • 29" Clincher 33 x 622 mm - Weight: 1329 g
  • Maximum permissible system weight: 115 kg
  • Price wheelset: 3599 Euro (RRP)
The perfectly shaped transitions between spoke and rim are almost like jewellery.Photo: All Ahead Composites/PAUL MASUKOWITZThe perfectly shaped transitions between spoke and rim are almost like jewellery.

XC hardtail frame: The Frame

The hardtail frame called The Frame is aimed at cross-country use. According to Bike Ahead, this frame combines a first-class construction with an - admittedly - timeless design. Thanks to the special layer structure, the one-piece monocoque construction offers a good balance between stiffness and weight. This results in a lively ride feel and optimum performance. The steering head and bottom bracket area in particular are stiff, which enables precise transmission of every steering impulse and efficient power transfer, even on demanding XC routes.

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Simple: The Frame - an XC frame to stroke and whip over the trails.Photo: All Ahead Composites/PAUL MASUKOWITZSimple: The Frame - an XC frame to stroke and whip over the trails.

The external impression of the frame: a tidy appearance with integrated cable routing. For the connoisseur and connaisseuse: the frame is not painted, but precisely finished to emphasise the fine fibre look. This is the style of Bike Ahead. However, the manufacturer has not yet revealed the weight.

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The production of the raw carbon component takes place at CarbonTeam in Portugal, while the finishing and finalisation takes place in Germany. The Frame was also developed in close collaboration with CarbonTeam from Portugal.

Without paint: The finest carbon fibres should also be visible.Photo: All Ahead Composites/PAUL MASUKOWITZWithout paint: The finest carbon fibres should also be visible.

All Ahead Composites - the company behind the Bike-Ahead products - has been a technology partner to the Portuguese manufacturer since its foundation and has played a key role in the technical realisation of the frame. The result is a frame kit that should prove to be stable, durable and precise.

Further decals for the frame kit are available - but are actually superfluous here.Photo: All Ahead Composites/PAUL MASUKOWITZFurther decals for the frame kit are available - but are actually superfluous here.

According to the manufacturer, this is also demonstrated by the extensive testing of the hardtail frame by the EFBE testing institute. The Frame passed the TRI-TEST category 3 (MTB-XC), and more than that: the frame was loaded far beyond the standard test and passed fatigue, maximum load and overload tests without any problems.

The Frame hardtail frame is designed to be stiff and comfortable at the same time in order to master even demanding routes.Photo: All Ahead Composites/PAUL MASUKOWITZThe Frame hardtail frame is designed to be stiff and comfortable at the same time in order to master even demanding routes.

Technical details

  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL - 29"
  • Scope of delivery: frame, derailleur hanger, thru axle, seat post clamp (Intend Corona), 4x bottle cage screw, decals, dummy plugs (when using an electronic gearstick)
  • Max. permissible system weight: 115 kg
  • Price: 1979 Euro (RRP)
XC carbon frame bike Ahead The Frame geometry dataPhoto: Screenshot/Bike Ahead CompositesXC carbon frame bike Ahead The Frame geometry data

Not just "another saddle": The Hypersaddle carbon bike saddle

Bike Ahead relies on innovative manufacturing processes for the Hypersaddle and has completely revised the technical design of the new bike saddle. With its clear design and exceptional comfort, this carbon saddle is set to set new standards.

As if made from one piece? The Hypersaddle IS made of one piece, so to speak.Photo: All Ahead Composites/MARTIN ROSENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHYAs if made from one piece? The Hypersaddle IS made of one piece, so to speak.

For example, the adhesive joints: Thanks to the so-called injection bonding technology, they are very durable but barely visible, which ensures a clean and, above all, elegant design. The saddle frame also allows for an extended adjustment range of the saddle so that riders can find their individual riding position.

In the picture above with Alcantara, here the saddle has the alternatively available smooth surface.Photo: All Ahead Composites/MARTIN ROSENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHYIn the picture above with Alcantara, here the saddle has the alternatively available smooth surface.

The manufacturing technology of the saddle shell not only saves weight, but is also designed to offer the perfect combination of strength and flexibility. A generous drop in the centre reduces pressure in the perineal area and alleviates numbness. The smooth edges not only protect the trousers, but also improve handling on the trail.

The frame is attached to the flare of the shell, which gives the Bike-Ahead saddle The Hypersaddle its unique flexibility. As a result, it offers excellent cushioning with optimum support.

Carbon from below and a view of the one-piece construction of the saddle shell.Photo: All Ahead Composites/MARTIN ROSENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHYCarbon from below and a view of the one-piece construction of the saddle shell.

The Hypersaddle is suitable for sporty cross-country mountain biking as well as for racing bikes and is also approved for a system weight of up to 110 kilograms. The bike saddle is available either with a smooth surface or in Alcantara (artificial leather).

Technical details & price Bike Ahead The Hypersaddle

The Hypersaddle (narrow)

  • Weight: 70 g (with Alcantara 74 g) +/-5 %
  • Width: 135 mm
  • Length: 245 mm
  • Nose width: 42 mm
  • Recommended sit bone distance: 8 - 13 cm
  • Price: 369 Euro (RRP)

The Hypersaddle (wide)

  • Weight: 76 g (with Alcantara 80 g) +/-5 %
  • Width: 146 mm
  • Length: 245 mm
  • Nose width: 44 mm
  • Recommended sit bone distance: 10 - 14 cm
  • Price: 369 Euro (RRP)

More about the bike saddle

Marc Struken is a passionate bike journalist and editor at Delius Klasing Verlag. After working in radio, radio, TV and online marketing, he has been contributing his experience to digital content for BIKE, EMTB, FREERIDE and MYBIKE since 2022 - whether mountain bike, gravel or road bike.

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