We revealed last week that online retailers Wiggle were launching a new range of road bikes under the name Verenti, and now they've released some photos of the flagship Rhigos.01 model.
Named after one of the most challenging climbs on the Verenti-sponsored Dragon Ride sportive, it comes with a full SRAM Red groupset, Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels, and parts from 3T and Verenti's own 'Me' range. RRP is £2,899.99, and it should be available by the end of February.
Asked about the thinking behind the range, designer Marc Edwardson told BikeRadar: "What Paul [Bolwell, Wiggle's merchandising director] really wanted to do was produce a range of very well designed sportive bikes. The core idea was that they would be, above all, comfortable, great quality and very good value, with the best components and finishing kit, and amazing attention to detail."
Asked about the name, he said: "I used to work at Condor Cycles, and Wiggle got me in to design all of the bikes for them. At first they were going to be called Kiron but trademark issues meant we needed to change the name. I wanted to build a brand around the idea of truth and being true to yourself.
"I took the French word 'verité' and the Latin word 'veritas', both of which mean 'truth', and, because of the trademark issues I'd encountered before, changed a few of the letters so that the name sounded very similar when pronounced in English but could be protected."
Plans are in the pipeline for another five models to add to the five already unveiled, including a full-carbon bike with mudguards, a couple of women's models and a budget option.
Wiggle offer a seven-day 'ride and return' policy on bikes – and this looks likely to be extended to two weeks in the near future – so if you order a Verenti and are not happy with it you can return it for a full refund.
