Author: CC
In recent years, aerodynamic vehicles and hill climbing vehicles have gradually been integrated, resulting in a more versatile road group vehicle. But there are always a group of riders who either pursue the ultimate lightweight hill climber or are obsessed with a pure and hardcore aerodynamic chariot...
Previously in QUICK's product line, ZEIT PRO was a comprehensive competition road bike. The ZEIT PRO SL, which has significantly reduced weight, will be the choice for hill climbing enthusiasts. However, the only aerodynamic model is the A7D, a disc brake road bike, which does not support full internal travel, and the design concept is biased towards the "entry" level positioning. So where are QUICK’s aerodynamic racing road bikes?
So at the beginning of the spring of 2022, QUICK launched a new aerodynamic-led competition road car-BLADE. "Blade" means "blade". As can be seen from the name, Qike hopes that this bike will have excellent aerodynamic performance like a blade cutting through the air, so as to help you ride faster and faster.
Like the previous lightweight version of QUICK ZEIT PRO SL, BLADE uses a large area of matte black paint, and the overall appearance is relatively low-key. The body is equipped with a colorful logo, and the font size and position of "QUICK" and "Anyone Can Race" on the down tube have been adjusted. The visual effect is very harmonious, and the QUICK designer's intentions can be seen.
BLADE cancels the wiring opening on the front of the car and adopts a more mainstream internal wiring solution in the headset, supporting mechanical transmission and full internal wiring, bringing a simple and refreshing appearance.
▲BLADE "Metallic Silver" color matching
▲By enlarging the headset bearing to accommodate the wiring
On the frame down tube, BLADE has reserved modular stop bolts to support the installation of Di2 control boxes or mechanical external wiring. For riders who do not pursue full internal cable routing, mechanical transmission may be a more suitable solution, which can greatly reduce the inconvenience caused by later maintenance.
Different from ZEIT PRO, BLADE’s front fork is wider and looks stiff.
▲Fork details
This BLADE aerodynamic road bike looks very hardcore at first glance, and the tube shapes in all parts are very thick. It is worth mentioning that the BLADE frame adopts MONOLITH all-in-one molding technology, which eliminates the gluing positions of the front and rear triangles, thereby reducing weight while improving rigidity. In addition, QUICK also continuously modifies and determines a better carbon cloth stacking method based on the comprehensive stress analysis of the frame. It uses carbon cloth types with different weaving methods and physical properties according to the stress characteristics of each part, striving to obtain products with better performance.
Since BLADE is an aerodynamic road bike, QUICK focuses on improving the rigidity index of the frame, so the weight index will be sacrificed to a certain extent. This M size BLADE frame weighs 1073 grams without hardware and the front fork weighs 497 grams. QUICK has stacked more high-modulus carbon fiber materials in the bottom bracket, head tube and other positions, while experimenting and adjusting the stacking method in order to obtain the best rigidity and provide the most direct power conduction. If you have a pair of strong thighs and like to use high power for flat road sprints and undulating breakthroughs, then the sufficient rigidity and aerodynamic performance of the BLADE frame will definitely meet your needs.
▲ UCI certification is still absent
The BLADE prototype sent by QUICK this time uses T47 threaded bottom bracket specifications, and in the mass production version, BLADE will still use BB86 full carbon bottom bracket, which can not only save the weight of the frame, but also the bottom bracket Rigidity will also be improved. However, the easy maintenance of T47 may be more suitable for most riders, while the BB86 can better meet the needs of big pros for competitive competitions.
In addition to the frame, QUICK also brought the BLADE complete bike. With the integrated handlebar, it can realize mechanical shifting and full internal wiring. The whole bike is still very beautiful.
▲The frame of this vehicle is in "transparent red" color, and the painting is hidden inside the front and rear forks and on the top of the upper tube.
▲The front of the car is full of fighting spirit
The integrated handlebar is optimized, the shape is simple, and all parts are tightly integrated. It doesn’t look out of place at all on BLADE.
▲It’s a pity that this is a large size frame. I can’t ride it to actually experience it.
▲The painting is quite exquisite.
▲QUICK is proud of MONOLITH all-in-one molding technology
BLADE is not only stronger after The connection surface between the upper fork and the seat tube is also larger. Considering that the ZEIT PRO is already stiff and bumpy, the editor can't help but wonder what kind of thighs can control this aerodynamic beast.
▲The drop-shaped seatpost weighs 212 grams including the chuck
The wheel set is the QUICK carbon fiber disc brake version RC40, with a frame height of 40mm, which may not be enough for flat roads. If you want to get better aerodynamic effects, it is recommended to replace it with High frame wheels above 50mm.
The complete bike is equipped with Shimano UT mechanical disc brake kit, which is the best choice for medium to high-intensity competitive arenas. The
prototype also uses a T47 bottom bracket, so it can no longer be called a “full carbon bottom bracket”. So do you prefer T47 or press-fit full carbon BB86? Welcome to share your thoughts in the comment area.
In terms of price, the official price of the BLADE frame set is 7,800 yuan. It provides a five-year warranty and lifetime maintenance services, which is very cost-effective.
On this BLADE model, we can see QUICK’s choices in building an aerodynamic road car, sacrificing weight for the best rigidity, so as to obtain the most direct power transmission. Based on past experience, BLADE should also be a hard-core tank with a clear road feel. The comfort level is not very good and is more suitable for urban circle races. Whether it is breakout or sprint, BLADE should perform well. If you don’t have much requirements on the weight of the vehicle, or you like high-power and violent output on flat roads, I believe BLADE can definitely become your best fighting partner.
