After a few difficult years, the former aluminium cult brand, which now relies entirely on carbon, is making noticeable progress again. This is also demonstrated by the "Evolution C16T", which makes an impression with its high riding stability, individual look and details such as brake and gear cables running through the frame and tapered steerer tube. However, the high weight of 8.2 kilos and the almost uncomfortable hardness of the saddle, at least for light riders, dampened the joy of this in the riding test. A more elastic seat post would suit the bike just as well as different wheels. The fitted wheelset from the little-known Quasar brand was noticeable for its slight rubbing under braking - an indication that the rim flanks were not turned exactly parallel. The simple tyres also look spartan in this price range. The rest of the equipment is impressive.
Order/Info: Zoulou GmbH, phone 0241/568256-5, www.principia.dk
Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 1,342/575/42 g
Frame sizes**: 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle: 74°/72.5°
Seat / top / head tube: 545/560/184 mm
Wheelbase/caster: 1,004/59 mm
Stack/reach***: 585/396 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Principia
Steering bearing: Principia, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/4 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket: Shimano Ultegra (53/39 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Quasar/Continental Ultra Race
Handlebar/stem: ControlTech/ControlTech
Saddle/post: Selle Italia Q-Bik/ControlTech (31.6 mm)
*weighted weights; **manufacturer's specification; test frame size greased; ***stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
