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NAHBS 2017: Alchemy updates Helios and Atlas road bikes with more tire clearance, flat mount, and Mavic Speed Release

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The new Kratos gravel bike may have stolen the show for Alchemy, but their road bikes were also featuring some new technology. After introducing their version of the Speed Release system last fall, NAHBS seems to be the launching point for Mavic when it comes to the system’s use for a number of builders.

Taking full advantage of the Speed-Release system, Alchemy has updated their Helios and Atlas road bikes and combined them with the new ENVE RD Disc fork for the Helios for faster and easier wheel changes…

One of the main advantages of Speed Release is that you no longer have to remove the axle completely from the hub to remove the wheel. That’s because one side of the dropout is slotted to fit the smallest part of the axle, and once it’s unthreaded from the left dropout, the axle will simply drop out of the fork.When it’s fully installed, the larger shoulder of the axle fits into the right dropout making it physically impossible for it to come out of the dropout while the captured threads on the left side and the axle locking system add to the wheel’s security. The brass colored bit on the axle expands into the inside of the axle and is what allows for the “auto torque” feature which makes it impossible to over tighten.

Some companies like Alchemy are making their own dropouts that are Speed Release compatible, but Paragon Machine Works is also offering dropouts for custom frame makers. In order to use the Speed Release axles you do need a dedicated 12mm thru axle hub (not a 15mm hub with step down end caps), but you can also use a standard thru axle on the Speed Release dropouts with any hub.

Both the Helios and Atlas frames gain Speed Release for their thru axle options, in addition to increased tire clearance and flat mount disc brakes. Alchemy says the disc models will fit 30mm tires as will the rim brake models, though tire clearance is limited by the brake calipers chosen.

If all that wasn’t enough, the Helios on display had an incredible paint job which was more tinted clear coat than paint. Getting it out in the sun revealed the carbon underneath with a maroon sheen that was both understated and dazzling all at once.

The $750 paint job was accompanied by custom painted hubs and rims to match the ENVE grey.

Flat mount brakes, Speed Release, the ENVE RD Disc fork, and a brand new Dura Ace drivetrain capped off an incredible build. In spite of all the updates, Helios frames actually get a bit lighter with pricing starting at $4,999 for a base frameset.

The Atlas receives many of the same updates (though is shown above as a QR rim brake model), but serves as their stock frame size offering in two colors – red or grey. Sold in five sizes, the Atlas frames start at $3,999.

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me
me
7 years ago

I really don’t see the difference from this to a vintage QR.

arp
arp
7 years ago
Reply to  me

More consistent alignment and increased stiffness to reduce the risk of the rotor rubbing. I don’t think I’d ever buy a bike again that has disc brakes and QR. A QR will probably still be quicker, though the skewer can get in the way a bit during install. I’ll be curious to see which way pro road bikes go if they ever get over the fear of getting sliced.

carlo
carlo
7 years ago
Reply to  arp

MTB bikes has been around with disc brake and QR for many years, and now that are TA i dont see difference in “alignment” and in “disc rubbing”, if the frame is well done, i still vote for QR!

knarc
knarc
7 years ago

Please, more articles from NAHBS 2017.

myke2241
myke2241
7 years ago

$750 for that paint job. I’m sure there more than meets the eye to me it’s just black with red highlights…….

wiley
wiley
7 years ago
Reply to  myke2241

Its a candy tint over silver paint and raw carbon. the gloss sections have to be masked off and sprayed separate from the matte sections. not to mention all the masking involved to spray the silver before the frame in candied.

Larry
Larry
7 years ago

What a bargain at $5k for a frameset!

David G
David G
7 years ago

The lettering on one of the frames is actually pattern cut prepreg and laid up and molded into the frame. It was very nice looking and easily the best looking carbon frame I’ve see so far at the show.

mudrock
mudrock
7 years ago

I’ll stick with the 15 TA on my cross bike until the industry figures out what it wants to do.

After years of experimenting with press-fit BBs it looks like we’ll go back to threaded (not that many builders ever left): I think the new BSA30 will win out.

Jeb
Jeb
7 years ago

I’m not the kind guy that get’s worked up over custom bikes but if I suddenly came into a bunch of FU money Alchemy carbon would be at the top of the list. The Mavic speed axle is another in a slew of improvements that discs will have to adopt to be accepted by World Tour racers. FYI, 12mm axles for the road are a done deal.

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