Tradition trifft Moderne: Ein Stahlrenner aus Erfurt als Alternative zum Carbon-Einerlei

Steel frames have become a niche in modern road bike construction - but small manufacturers are keeping the tradition alive. With the new F012 Hainleite, Intec from Erfurt shows how classic frame craftsmanship and contemporary technology merge to create a purist racing bike.

While the road bike market is dominated by carbon, steel is holding its own as a small but stable niche. The material is experiencing a renaissance, particularly where individuality, durability and craftsmanship are important. One example of this is Intec, the in-house bicycle brand of RA-CO Radsport Components GmbH from Erfurt - a company that has been anchored in the specialised trade for decades and manufactures its frames entirely in Erfurt. With the new Intec F012 Hainleite, the brand presents a purist steel racer that is deliberately positioned against the carbon mainstream. Slim tube diameters, classic lines and modern standards combine to create a bike that serves tradition and modernity in equal measure. For lovers of authentic racing bikes, the F012 offers a platform that can be customised - and a riding experience that clearly stands out from the high-tech look of the carbon world.

The race around the Hainleite as namesake

The F012 has a classic design and consistently relies on standard parts: the seat post, handlebars, stem and saddle can be freely selected. The manufacturer describes the model as follows: "Our INTEC F012 Hainleite expands our INTEC family with a purist steel racing bike." It is named in honour of the traditional race around the Hainleite. Craftsmanship, durability and a minimalist riding experience take centre stage.

The equipment of the Intec F12 Hainleite

• Field of application: Race
• Wheel size: 28″
• Frame: 28″ steel road bike frame, fully integrated
• Fork: DEDA Gera Allroad DCR 28″ | Carbon | UD matt | Tapered 1 1/8″-1 1/2″ D-Shape | 12 mm thru axle
• Brake assembly: Flat Mount
• Cable routing: internal
• Inner bearing: T47
• Seat post: DEDA RS | Carbon | 27.2 mm
• Tyre rotation: max. 35 mm
• Thru axles: HH12 front and rear
• Sizes: 480, 510, 540, 570, 600, 630 mm
• Weight of complete wheel: 9.2 kg

That's what the editors think:

The Intec F012 Hainleite is aimed at traditional racing cyclists who deliberately choose not to use a carbon bike and instead favour modern steel frame construction. At 9.2 kilograms, it may not be a lightweight, but it offers modern standards such as disc brakes, internal cable routing and the option of a free choice of components. The six frame sizes from 480 to 630 millimetres cover a wide range, and the choice of colours is typical Intec: five standard colours at no extra charge and a huge selection of RAL colours at an extra charge. Thanks to the classic cockpit and seat post, the bike remains flexible in terms of configuration. The F012 is a racing bike for purists - minimalist, durable and with a clear aesthetic line that stands out favourably from the carbon mainstream.