They may be a departure from Foundry’s initial vision of matte black on black frames, but at the core their new models still have the same focus. Repackaged into their new slogan, “racing matters,” the new Valmont and Camrock cross bikes are still pure bred race machines – just with a little more color. In addition to the tasteful coats of paint, the bikes have another change that could be a big deal to the right racer.
Starting with the Harrow which already boasts a winning pedigree, the frame has evolved into two different bikes. The Valmont technically takes the place of the higher end build but the biggest change is the addition of thru axle dropouts front and rear…
Why the split between two bikes that are essentially the same except for the axle standard? As Brand Manager Todd Schmidt puts it, “Foundry has been committed to the performance benefits of thru-axles ever since we offered the first production cyclocross bike to utilize them. That said, we understand that not everyone is ready to make the switch to thru-axles just yet and we wanted to be able to have something that suits all rider preferences. Both the Camrock and the Valmont excel on today’s challenging cyclocross courses and provide the rider with everything they need to win.”
Aside from the 15×100 and 12×142 thru axles, the Valmont also will be offered in a limited edition Sulfur yellow SRAM Force 1 build. Offered in complete bikes only, 50 of them will be produced and will go for $3,895 each. That price nets you a full SRAM Force 1 drivetrain and hydraulic brakes, DT Swiss R23 Spline tubeless ready wheels, Clement tubeless tires, and a full Zipp Service Course cockpit. In the words of Foundry’s Creative Director Garret Davis, “we spec’ed them exactly as we would want to race them.” That’s where that new #racingmatters hash tag originated from, all of the Foundry crew are extremely passionate about racing. Especially cross.
Complete bike weight on our informal weigh in came in at 18.08lbs (8.2kg) without pedals, and with tubes in the tires (that’s how they’re shipped).
If you miss out on the Limited Edition Valmont, the same frame will be offered in a non-limited Rust Red version with the same geometry and axle standards. The build is also toned down a bit with a SRAM Rival 1 HRD kit, DT Swiss R24 Spline tubeless ready wheels, and a Zipp Service Course cockpit for $3,395. The changes in spec add just over a half pound to the bike at 18.63lbs (8.5kg). The Valmont will also be sold as a frame only in Rust Red for $1,895 and will include the Whisky Parts Co. No.9 tapered carbon fork.
Using all of the same geometry, 40t high modulus carbon construction, cable routing, and PF30 bottom bracket is the new Camrock in Stinger Blue. What sets this bike apart is the fact that it uses quick release axles front and rear (135mm). Swapping out the Whisky N0. 9 fork for the N0. 7 with a quick release, and using a Rival 22 build with TRP Spyre mechanical brakes, the Camrock drops the price to $2,795 complete with framesets running $1,795. You still get tubeless ready wheels and tires as well as a Zipp Service Course cockpit as well as an additional chainring up front, if you’re into that. The complete bike on hand at Sea Otter weighed in at 19.25 lbs (8.7kg).
Expect to see these hitting dealer floors around August 1.
