While the big brands have mass produced carbon bikes on lock down, there is one area where the smaller brands will always have an edge – custom frames. If you’re spending big bucks on a carbon frame it should be to your liking, right? That’s where companies like Konstructive come in with the ability to offer extremely light carbon frames tailored to an individual rider.
Based out of Berlin, all of the Konstructive frames are designed in Germany and then produced inside of Europe. Utilizing a tube to tube construction method, the company is able to offer truly custom geometry with the expense of producing individual molds. Add to that a custom paint program on some extremely light frames and Konstructive’s edge begins to take shape.
Check out their impressive carbon construction plus a number of new frames next…
Right off the bat you notice the carbon tubes used by Konstructive feel different than many. We’re told this is because the carbon is wound very tightly over aluminum mandrels. Then when the tubes are cured, the aluminum expands making the carbon that is already under some tension become taut adding to the strength and stiffness of the tubes. This process also results in one of the cleanest inner tube walls we’ve seen which cuts down on weight.
The end result is road frames in the 800-820g range and mountain bike frames as low as 1030g. All of the Konstructive frames are available with stock geometry, but they are also available in custom geometry for an additional charge.
If you’re going to make custom, light weight carbon frames a 29er race bike is a good place to start for a mountain bike. Called the Iolite, the frame uses all of the modern standards including a tapered head tube, 73mm PF30 BB, 142×12 rear axle and the option for a rigid fork or suspension. Fully Di2 compatible, Iolite frames range from 1030g for the S to 1180g for the XL.
The bare carbon with clear coat above is the standard finish, but like all Konstructive frames they can be ordered with naked, half painted (maroon Iolite above), or fully painted like the bike below.
Along the same lines as the Iolite, the Zeolite takes Konstructive design to the cyclocross course. Designed with vibration damping in mind for comfort through washboard ruts, the frame is disc brake only with the ability to run 140mm or 160mm rotors. Internal shift cabling is routed through the downtube with easy access. Again a PF30 BB is used (68mm) while the frame sticks with quick releases front and rear. The frame comes in around 1,150g for a 56cm.
As their true light weight masterpiece, the Rhodolite comes in at 800-900g depending on the size. Note that this is a road disc frame we’re talking about. Equipped with post mount disc brakes, internal brake hose and shift cable routing, and a 27.2 seat post for compliance (standard on Konstructive frames), the bike is meant as a race ready road disc bike that is still super comfortable.
No, Konstructive isn’t building fat bikes just yet. Instead this was simply to show what they are capable of and to practice new techniques. Though who knows – it seemed to be attracting a lot of attention.
Each Konstructive frame includes a 5 year warranty through Revolution Sports, but the frames can also be repaired in the event of a non-warranty failure through the Konstructive Carbon Lab. This service is also offered for frames and components from companies other than Konstructive.
