Swift Carbon Neurogen time-trial frameset – first look

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=693%2C900 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=45&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-241627 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Swift Carbon Neurogen time-trial frameset" title="1402376898945-18gsl3b1f9cy5-573fdae" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Swift Carbon Neurogen time-trial frameset Colin Levitch / Future Publishing

If you’re looking for a new way to cheat the wind and the clock, Swift Carbon has a new UCI-approved time trial option called Neurogen.

Ensconced in a raw, black matte carbon finish, the flagship TT offering from the South-African owned, Asian-based bike brand is certainly striking. Manufactured with Toray T1000 and Mitsubishi MR40 carbon fibres, the Neurogen’s frame is a claimed eight per cent lighter and 12 per cent stiffer than its predecessor.

The Neurogen was developed with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) profiles that were modified with trip edges and Kamm tails to control the airflow, yet retaining tube shapes that allow enough control for the desired ride quality.

Although a fully kitted Neurogen was unavailable, Swift’s Australian headquarters, headed by former Saxo pro cyclist Jonathan Cantwell, who’s now with Drapac Pro Cycling, sent BikeRadar a size small (514mm) frameset to look over.

Unlike its lower-priced sibling, the Drone, the Neurogen frameset includes a proprietary TT integrated cockpit with carbon base bar and aero extensions, as well as a PF30 bottom bracket shell that is fully compatible with BB86, Campagnolo Ultra-Torque and standard BSA with the relevant adapter cups.

Seamlessly tucked integrated TRP TTV aero V-brakes add to the aesthetics and are fully adapted for wide-profile wheels. The internal cable routing entry and exit points have also been tweaked for smoother bends and cleaner lines.

Four sizes are available: the S size we have on hand, an XS (499mm), M (527mm) and L (536mm). Our size small sample bare frame weighed 1,460g (120g heavier that its 1,340g claimed weight), and featured a reach of 400mm, a stack of 500mm, and a seat tube angle of 72 degrees – more reminiscent of a road bike’s geometry than a tri bike’s.

The Neurogen is available as a frameset and two bike builds, with either SRAM Red or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, and both with Rotor’s aerodynamic FLOW aero chainsets. Cantwell’s Drapac squad is currently on board the Neurogen, as well as the Swift Ultravox TI road bike. Australian Jordan Kerby won the U23 national time trial aboard the Neurogen in January and applauded the bike’s attributes.

“The Neurogen’s geometry is great. It allows me to be comfortable in an aero position,” Kerby told BikeRadar . “My favourite feature is the cockpit, it’s very aerodynamic. I’ve never ridden a TT bike with an integrated headset and one-piece handlebar setup, so this really impressed me compared with other time trial bikes I’ve used.”

The complete frame module, including frame, fork, Swift Carbon TT bars, seatpost, TRP brakes and headset, retails for US$4,300 / AU$4,899.