While we suspect changes may be afoot at the UCI, they’re not likely to come at a swift pace. That leaves manufacturers with the decision to tone down their designs to meet those rules, or go where the numbers are and just make the baddest thing they can. Fortunately, Falco chose the latter.
The new Falco V combined radical shaping with a multitude of deep NACA aero profiles and clever touches to make a real standout bike. The usual touches are here -hidden brakes and cables, integrated aerobars and external steerer fairing- but the the real beauty of the bike is that nothing about the design is watered down…
Falco claims it’ll save about 40 watts compared to “traditional” TT/Tri bikes, which translates to 75-115 seconds over a 40km segment (their numbers). Besides the lack of a seat tube and seat stays, the most glaring opposition to UCI rules is the deeper than 3:1 profiles. Several NACA shapes were used across the frame.
The integrated handlebar/stem unit and aero extensions point the cable exits backward to streamline them into the frame port, which is hidden from the wind by your elbows and bars. It’s Di2 and mechanical compatible.
The saddle clamping system provides a massive 8º of effective change, the equivalent of a 75 to 82 degree seat angle, plus the additional range of the saddle’s rails.
Water bottle shaped into the frame, and the downtube is shaped to move air away from the front derailleur.
Thick, angular chainstays should provide plenty of torsional stiffness for seated hammering.
These are just some of the highlights, you can check out a full technical white paper here. (PDF) Frame weight is claimed at 1,900g, fork is 550g.
The frameset (includes fork, headset, stem & seatpost) is $4,000. TRP brakes as shown add $200, and the handlebar setup is $250. Stock finish is this UD, but you can get a 3K/12K woven exterior layer if you want. As for the Tron-inspired paint scheme, it’s a show bike and their statement was “Why not?”.
Check them out at FalcoBike.com.
