Track legend Sir Chris Hoy has unveiled the new HOY Bikes Alto Irpavi road range for 2016.
At the heart of all three models is a 6066 triple-butted aluminium frame that uses Shimano's new flat-mount disc brake standard, front and rear, and both front and rear thru-axles. The base model Alto Irpavi .002 comes with Shimano 105 and RS505 brakes with an FSA Gossamer crankset, while the .003 version gets a full 105 groupset paired to RS685 brakes. The top-of-the-range .004 is decked out with full Shimano Ultegra and RS505 hydraulic disc brakes, complete with stealth-looking tubeless-ready Novatec CXD wheels.
Why is HOY sticking with aluminium when the world is full of affordable carbon frames?
"I'd rather ride a really good aluminium bike than a low-spec carbon one," the 6-time Olympic medallist said. "The stiffness, the structural rigidity, and the strength of the frame are excellent: our focus has been on stiffness-to-weight ratio rather than simply going for the lightest frame we could make. We're building very high quality bikes here – and to get the same quality in a carbon frame would drive the price up considerably."
"It's the best bike that we've created," Sir Chris continues. "It's brilliant. The two questions everyone asks are why we chose aluminium over carbon, and why we've gone with disc brakes. With discs, you really notice the difference in the control you have, certainly for heavier riders like me. It's that sense of confidence that disc brakes really help with."
It's hard to argue with the stopping power (and rising popularity) of disc brakes. They are more effective than rim brakes in wet weather, and offer modulated power, which means it's easier to control how much brake you need at any given time. Disc brakes are heavier and less aero than their rim brake counterparts, but in the case of HOY Bikes, who are going for a combination of affordability, comfort and performance, they're perfect.
Disc brakes also mean that HOY have been able to build the seatstays without a cross-bridge, allowing for greater flexibility, and the walls on the frame tubing have been kept thin to allow for a little more compliance.
Tullio Campagnolo invented the quick-release skewer more than 80 years ago, and for all intents and purposes, the basic internal-cam design he pioneered has changed little since then. However, a new, and some say better, option has presented itself in recent years in the form of the through-axle (a.k.a thru-axle). Through-axles are well accepted in the mountain bike world, and for good reason; Compared with open dropouts and quick-release skewers, they are generally stiffer, safer, and more precise. This translates to noticeably more predictable handling, fewer accidents related to misuse, and more consistent wheel placement in the frame and fork.
A few manufacturers have included front through-axles, but it is rare indeed to see a rear version. However, it seems to be the way of the future and many experts are predicting front and rear through-axles will be commonplace in the next few years.
So, with its combination of old and new – the traditional aluminium frame decorated with high-tech brakes and axles – HOY bikes are an interesting and affordable proposition. Starting from £1300 (US $1975) and topping out at £1800 (US $2740) for the top-spec .004 model, they are due to be released in January 2016 and are sure to be a player in the touring and Gran Fondo markets.
Check out the Comparison
HOY Bikes 2016 Alto Irpavi .002, .003, .004
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