Compared to the current Bombtrack Audax, the 2018 version is a pretty bold revision. Hinting towards the changing technologies that are improving all bikes, even the touring/brevet crowd is seeing big changes in bike construction. Or at least, that’s what Bombtrack is bringing with their most recent addition.
Previously, the Audax was pretty classic in its execution. The steel frame featured a straight head tube, rim brakes, quick release axles, and the bike shipped with fender clad 700c x 25mm tires.
Now, the Audax is hopping on the road plus bandwagon with a 650b x 47mm WTB horizon set up that is still designed to pound out mile after mile. More than just a wheel change, the Columbus Cromor double butted frame has been completely updated with a 1.125-1.5″ tapered head tube, thru axle dropouts, and a PF BB86 bottom bracket that’s part of a custom chainstay yoke. Bombtrack says the yoke was needed to shorten the stays while providing enough tire clearance for the fat WTB slicks.
Along with fender mounts front and rear, the full carbon fork gains three pack mounts with flat mount brakes front and rear as well.
Since the Audax is still being marketed as a long distance road bike, you won’t find a 1x drivetrain. Instead, the bike ships with a Shimano 105 2×11 build with a 50/34 up front and 11-28 out back. The frame is also ready for internal Di2 routing if you want to upgrade or build up a frameset.
To be offered in five sizes, the complete build will have a retail price of $2,529.99. Expect bikes to hit showroom floors around January, 2018.