The former cult brand from Denmark is attempting a new start in Germany. The carbon frame of the Evolution provides a good basis for this. Internal cables and a BB86 bottom bracket are state of the art, the bulbous head tube is reminiscent of the aluminium classic Rex - it's been a long time. The riding stability is still okay, but the weaknesses in the componentry are more serious. The FSA brakes do not harmonise perfectly with the Ultegra levers and their braking power is significantly lower than that of their Shimano counterparts. The heavy clincher tyres are hardly acceptable in this class. There are no objections to the hollow-forged FSA cranks, good DT Swiss wheels and the comfortable saddle. As with Merida, the conspicuous handlebar position is explained by the very low-mounted brake levers.
Price 2,199 Euro
Weight 8.1 kilos
Available in specialised shops
Reference/Info www.principia.dk
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 1,159/534/76 grammes
Frame sizes*** 51 to 61, 2 cm each (57)
Seat/steering angle 74°/73,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 565/565/168 mm plus 16 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 1,000/54 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 572/407 mm/1.40
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/2 inch
Brakes FSA Energy Shimano Ultegra drivetrain
Bottom bracket FSA Energy (50/34 t., Press-Fit BB86)
Wheels/tyres DT Swiss Spline R24/Schwalbe Lugano 23C (clincher tyre)
Handlebar/stem FSA Energy New Ergo/FSA Energy
Saddle/post Principia/FSA Energy (27.2 mm)
*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright riding position.
Downloads:
download
