With the Bike Ahead The Superfast, the German company is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Even the price is fitting for the occasion: this exclusive gravel bike costs 15,000 euros. The number 15 runs through the entire concept. To mark the 15th anniversary of Bike Ahead Composites, exactly 15 units of this special edition are being produced. The bike will not simply be sold through retail outlets: the concept includes a personal handover as part of a factory tour in Veitshöchheim. The anniversary model was designed by the company’s founder, Christian Gemperlein. Bike Ahead combines the latest carbon technology with design elements that pay homage to key milestones in the company’s history. We took a closer look at The Superfast Edition 15 in person.
Conclusion
You really have to take a second look to realise what’s been put together here. The Bike Ahead The Superfast Edition 15 is an exclusive tribute to the carbon pioneers who laid the groundwork for this technology in Germany. For most cycling enthusiasts, however, this extraordinary gravel bike is likely to remain a dream. - Jan Timmermann, TOUR editor
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Bike Ahead: The Superfast Edition 15 – Information
- Intended use: gravel bike
- Frame material: carbon
- Weight: 7.2 kg
- Price: 15,000 euros
- Special features: limited to 15 units, choice of bottom bracket standard, choice of custom cockpit, optional frame storage compartment, handover including a factory tour
A tribute to milestones
For the frame of The Superfast, Bike Ahead has opted for a one-piece carbon monocoque construction. With a stated weight of around 7.2 kilograms in size M, the Edition 15 ranks among the very lightest gravel bikes. In a particularly lightweight configuration, the weight is said to fall below the seven-kilogram mark. The colour scheme draws on the company’s history. Black and Acid Green are reminiscent of a particularly lightweight Bike Ahead concept bike from 2014. The eye-catching colour scheme is not only found on the frame, but also on various components. In addition to the bike, the exclusive purchase package includes a range of additional services. Buyers will be given a personalised factory tour and will have their bike handed over to them on site. The package also includes an 80-page book, which provides a detailed insight into the development history behind the anniversary project.
Despite the limited production run, the Superfast Edition 15 is not a completely fixed complete bike. Bike Ahead offers various options for tailoring the bike to the individual rider. These include, amongst other things, different cockpit configurations, handlebar widths and stem lengths. The purchase price includes a bespoke bike fitting and a personal consultation. Buyers can also choose between PressFit and T47 bottom brackets. As an option, a sealed and removable storage compartment can be integrated into the down tube. The cable routing is fully integrated.
Only the very best
A key feature of Bike Ahead’s anniversary bike is the special Biturbo Gravel Aero wheelset. Here too, the brand has opted for a design that complements the special edition. Instead of the usual UD carbon finish, the anniversary wheels feature a top layer made from 3K fabric. This creates a visible carbon structure that complements the frame’s appearance. This visible 3K structure is intended to evoke the company’s early Biturbo wheelsets.
The special edition ‘The Superfast Edition 15’ is available exclusively as a complete bike and features components from the Bike Ahead range. The aim is for the bike to function as a cohesive, integrated concept, not only visually but also technically. The consistent focus on weight is not limited to the frame and wheels. Even with small components, Bike Ahead seeks ways to save grams. One example is the titanium bolts for the bottle cages. The bolts are hollow-drilled and, according to the manufacturer, each weighs just around 1.06 grams. For the drivetrain, the Edition 15 features the SRAM Red XPLR electronic groupset. A power metre is also included. The look is rounded off by a specially designed ‘The Hypersaddle’ and a customised cockpit with acid-green lettering.
What do you think: was this a successful birthday present to mark the company’s 15th anniversary? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor