K.O.M.
In a recent article in Road Bike magazine (May/June, 2007) Lance Armstrong is quoted as saying, "...technology should be allowed to evolve and change everything, as [it] does in every other sport--until the point where it gets unsafe. Obviously, things have to be safe." Without elaborating Armstrong makes poignant what we at Cadence have long believed about the almost fanatical push to create the lightest frameset: there's a point at which light is too light.
Where that point resides is uncertain, and, from a purely theoretical standpoint there may be no such point if the evolution of materials and composites keeps progressing. From a performance standpoint, however, we maintain that bikes can be too light. The handling properties of a super light (under 1000 gram) frameset are dramatically different from those of even a frameset weighing just a few hundred grams more. In this sense, by "handling" we don't mean the way the bike succumbs to forces and stresses applied against it such that it's hard to handle. Rather, in this instance of "handling" we mean that super light frames are very, very susceptible to road vagaries, cross winds, hard cornering, and out of saddle accelerations such that less skilled riders simply are not safely stable or in control. By way of analogy, it's like giving a teenager keys to a Lamborghini.
As it stands, there are a lot of light--very, very light--bike frames on the market. Those touted as being among the lightest are the Cervelo R3 SL, the Scott CR1, the Wilier Cento, and now the Kuota K.O.M. Clearly, the R3 SL's and Cento's rideability and reputations for durability and race worthiness speak for themselves. Despite tipping the scales well equipped at under 15 pounds, these bikes provide incredible road handling manners and a glue-like adherence to the pavement. Now that Kuota is entering into the super light realm, we want to be certain that its manners are just as refined and predictable.
To date we are very impressed with our experiences on the KOM and those of professional cyclists--like Dominique Rollin, whose team KodakGallery.com/Sierra Nevada Pro Cycling is sponsored by Kuota. Of course, pros like Dominique spend literally tens of thousands of miles each year on their bikes, and as a consequence their bike handling skills are unmatched. But for the passionate cycling enthusiast or the weekend warrior, how does the KOM hold up?
The KOM provides a comforting sense of stability and rideability despite its claimed sub 900 gram weight. In large part this is due to three factors: the use of 3K4H-weave carbon fiber, an over-sized headtube using 1-1/4" bearing races, and a massively over-built bottom bracket region. The 3K4H weave is more rectangular than traditional carbon weave and it allows for a greater amount of engineering into the ride qualities of the bike than does the 12K weave found on, for example, the Scott CR1. Like any good fabric, the finer the weave the easier it is to work with and the better quality products you can make with it. The oversized bearings also contribute to the rock-solid feel of this bike and drastically improve its descending prowess by limiting head-tube flex under load, and likewise the oversized bottom bracket shell keeps the bike well-aligned and stable even under explosive power.
The properties of this bike enable it to live up to its intimidating name: K.O.M. (King of the Mountain). It's certainly a terrific animal for climbing and it's equally adept and descending--a characteristic not often compatible with super light frames. It's even good in the bunch sprint when the need for meticulous threading through the competition is paramount. If it's your stated goal to build a 14+ pound bike on which you can climb, descend, and sprint, look no further than the KOM.