Forme bikes 2012 – First look
Road, TT, MTB and 'cross bikes from British brand
British designed Derby-based bike brand Forme have quickly established themselves on the scene in the two years since inception, so much so their Thorpe Comp 1.0 road bike features on the long list of Cycling Plus’s Bike of the Year award.
Tuesday saw the launch of their hugely expanded, 39-strong 2012 bike range, which includes a shift towards higher spec models in the Dura Ace-equipped Thorpe Elite and Winscar Carbon hardtail, plus ‘cross and time trial bikes in the shape of the Calver X Race and ATT 1.0.
Kicking things off is the modestly priced ATT 1.0 time trial bike. From a distance we were fooled into thinking it was a carbon frame, but it’s in fact made from 7005 aluminium (plus a carbon fork) with cunning welds. The model on display was built with Shimano Tiagra bits but the £1,499 bike actually comes with 105. It also includes Vision’s alloy Trimax Team bars and Pro TT chainset, plus Easton’s EA50 rims and Schwalbe Lugano tyres.
Forme ATT 1.0
Possibly signalling the intentions of its makers, the Thorpe Elite (£2,999.99) road bike ranks as Forme’s most expensive model, made with a higher grade carbon than the Comp 1.0. It’s fitted predominantly with Shimano Dura-Ace with FSA’s BB30-compatible SLK Carbon crankset, plus Easton’s lightweight alloy EA90 SLX wheels and cockpit parts, and Schwalbe Ultremo rubber. As with many of Forme’s 2012 models, the Thorpe is named after famous climbs and landmarks from the neighbouring Peak District National Park.
Forme Thorpe Elite
Taking care of cyclo-cross are a couple of models; the Calver X Sport (Shimano Tiagra groupset, £949.99) and the version shown below, the Calver X Race (£1,399.99). Spec details on the alloy cantilever brake-equipped bike includes a carbon fork, Shimano 105 front and rear mech, Easton EA50 rims and finishing kit and Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres.
Forme Calver X Race
Topping the mountain bike range is the Winscar Carbon hardtail (£1,999.99). Tech details include RockShox’s 100mm travel Reba RL fork, Shimano XT front and rear mech, FSA V-Drive BB30 crankset, Easton EA70XC rims and EA50 finishing kit and Schwalbe Rapid Rob rubber. An alloy framed version, the Winscar AL, is available for £500 less and is shown in the gallery.
Forme Winscar Carbon
Forme’s range isn’t all about bikes that’ll cost you north of £1,000 – far from it. You’ll get change from a grand with more than half their bikes, including the two shown below. For the tarmac comes the Longcliffe 2.0 (£849.99), with its aluminium frame, Shimano Tiagra 10-speed groupset, Mavic CXP22 rims and Forme’s own Ergofit finishing kit.
Forme Longcliffe 2.0
For the dirt is the Stag (£899.99) aluminium hardtail. Featuring race orientated geometry, it comes with Rock Shox Recon 100mm travel fork, Shimano XT derailleurs, hydraulic disc brakes, and One23 SL finishing kit and rims.
Forme Stag
