With the new Ultralight, BH Bikes is consistently continuing the development of its lightweight road bike. Whilst earlier generations focused primarily on achieving the lowest possible weight, the Spanish manufacturer is now taking a more holistic approach: the new Ultralight is designed not only to excel on climbs, but also to offer aerodynamic advantages on fast sections.
The focus is on a frame which, according to the manufacturer, weighs less than 700 grams. This makes the chassis around eleven per cent lighter than the previous model. This is made possible by the use of Toray T1100G carbon fibres and BH’s HCIM manufacturing process (Hollow Core Internal Moulding). The process is said to allow for particularly precise control of material distribution within the frame, thereby preventing unnecessary build-up of material.
It is worth noting that, despite the reduction in weight, BH promises no compromise on stiffness. Particularly with modern climbing bikes, striking a balance between the lowest possible weight and high drive stiffness is considered one of the greatest challenges in development.
Lightweight construction meets aerodynamic design
Perhaps the most interesting innovation concerns aerodynamics. Whilst traditional mountain bikes have long favoured tube shapes that are as slender as possible, the boundaries between aero and climbing bikes have been becoming increasingly blurred in recent years. BH is now embracing this trend as well.
For the new Ultralight, the Spanish manufacturers have adopted several design features from the Aerolight. Comb-tail profiles on the tube shapes, an integrated fork, optimised tube junctions and an aerodynamically shaped seatpost are all designed to reduce air resistance. According to BH, aerodynamic efficiency has improved by twelve per cent compared with the previous model. The manufacturer does not specify any specific wattage figures.
Whilst such manufacturers’ specifications must always be viewed in the context of laboratory conditions, they do illustrate the general direction of development for modern racing bikes: even bikes specifically designed for climbing must now be aerodynamically competitive, as air resistance accounts for the majority of riding resistance even at moderate speeds.
More tyre clearance for everyday use
BH is taking another step towards versatility when it comes to tyre clearance. The new Ultralight accommodates tyres up to 35 millimetres wide, which is significantly more than was standard on classic climbing bikes just a few years ago.
It is not only drivers on poor-quality roads who benefit from this. Wider tyres can sometimes reduce rolling resistance, offer greater comfort and traction and allow for a more personalised set-up of the bike. BH is thus following a development trend that has now spread across almost all road bike segments.
The sporty geometry is retained
Despite its expanded range of uses, the Ultralight remains clearly designed for competitive racing. A seat angle of 74 degrees and short 405-millimetre chainstays are intended to ensure direct power transfer and agile handling.
BH also keeps pace with the latest technology when it comes to integration. All cables are routed internally, the seatpost clamp is concealed and the dropout is compatible with the SRAM UDH standard. Handy for everyday use: the magnetically attached Planck rear light can be integrated directly into the seat tube.
With this new generation, the Ultralight is evolving from a pure mountain specialist into a significantly more versatile performance road bike. It is the combination of a lightweight frame, aerodynamic optimisation and generous tyre clearance in particular that makes this bike so exciting. However, only practical use will reveal whether the promised aerodynamic benefits and weight savings are actually noticeable on the road.
Key details about the top-of-the-range version
- Model: Ultralight 9.0
- Price: 8,499.90 euros
- Drivetrain: Shimano Dura-Ace DI2
- Frame: Ultralight, ECL-Evo Carbon Layup, Monocoque, Disc, ACR
- Fork: Ultralight, Integrated Tapered Full Carbon 1.5"
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace, hydraulic
- Tyres: Pirelli Pzero Race, 700x28
- Wheels: BH EVO Stealth
Lukas Niebuhr
Editor