The Storm Moana serves as yet another example of how every cycling discipline has its own niche. The Moana’s niche is known as ‘beach racing’ and is exactly what the name suggests: fast-paced races by the sea. Sand, wind and dunes present very specific challenges for a bike. That’s why the Dutch team at Storm Bikes have come up with a few clever solutions to give the Moana the speed it needs on the beach.
Conclusion
Even though beach racing may well be unknown in Germany, I’m fascinated by the Storm Moana. It looks cool and is the absolute specialist for head-to-head races on sandy beaches. Where others fall short, the Moana really picks up speed. Three cheers for rigid-fork hardtails and niche sports! - Jan Timmermann, TOUR editor
Information on Storm Moana
- Area of use: Beach racing
- Wheel size: 28 / 29”
- Frame/fork material: carbon
- Weight: approx. 8.5 kg
- Price: from 2,699 euros
Beach Racing: Racing fever on the beach
Beach racing combines cycling with the unique challenges of the beach to create a spectacular competitive experience. The race takes place on firm sand along the water’s edge, where the ground is constantly changing depending on the tides, moisture levels and the course layout. Wide tyres and a keen sense of the correct line are crucial, as even small mistakes can cost valuable seconds in the soft sand. At the same time, riding in the wind demands great physical stamina. Short, intense bursts of speed alternate with technically demanding sections. The total distances are usually between 30 and 50 kilometres. Beach racing is particularly well established in the Netherlands and Belgium, but beach racers also use the coast for competitions in France, the UK, Denmark and northern Germany.
Against the wind, across the sand
Storm Bikes, based in the Netherlands – a hotspot for beach racing – covers the entire range with bikes specially tailored for beach racing. Whilst many beach racers opt for modified cyclocross or gravel bikes, hardtails with straight handlebars are used primarily on technically demanding courses. The Moana takes its name from the Hawaiian word for ‘ocean’ or ‘deep sea’. To ensure stable straight-line stability at high speeds, this carbon hardtail features a long top tube and a 69.5-degree head angle. Combined with compact chainstays and a short stem, this is designed to ensure the handling remains agile and the steering response direct – an approach Storm has adopted from modern mountain bikes.
Specially designed seat stays and a proprietary carbon rigid fork promise to combine the necessary comfort with good aerodynamics. To further reduce drag and create space for wider tyres, the cables are routed internally. On soft sand in particular, a fast beach racer requires a balanced weight distribution across the bike. To achieve this, the fork is shorter than a suspension fork, yet longer than a classic gravel rigid fork. The Boost axle standard at the front and rear creates space for wide tyres, which sink less into the sand. A width of 60 millimetres is no problem.
Four frame sizes and four standard colours are available ex-works for the Storm Moana frame. On request, Storm Bikes also offers bespoke paint finishes and builds, including a personalised bike fit. The mechanics take care to ensure the Moana is specified to be ‘beach-ready’. For example, they apply special grease to the bearings so that the bike can withstand training on rough winter beaches. Flat bars with special aero extensions and aerodynamic carbon wheels featuring the Storm logo can also be ordered. However, the Storm Moana is also compatible with drop bars. Production in the Far East keeps prices low.
What do you think: would you like to give beach racing a go on the Storm Moana? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor
