Reap Vulcan slips in new UK-made carbon, rim-brake triathlon super beam bike

UK bike maker Reap is taking their Generation 1 carbon triathlon bike to the next level in the more aerodynamic, more integrated Vulcan beam bike. Reap calls the Vulcan a “Triathlon Hyperbike” with its unique wind-piercing aero profile, now bolstered by improved cockpit & hydration integration, fit adjustability, and ease of travel with its own custom carbon flight case.

Reap Vulcan UK-made carbon, rim-brake triathlon beam bike

To be honest, lately we’ve seen limited innovation in any rim brake bike. So while almost every new bike we’ve covered this year has disc brakes, it’s refreshing to see Reap refining their already aero Generation 1.0 tri bike in this next gen Vulcan, focusing on what they think will make for a faster and more usable race tri bike.

That means the basic no seattube, no seatstays, sculpted carbon beam frame construction remains the same. Reap says that it delivers low drag in real world variable wind racing conditions, with a mix of handling & drivetrain stiffness down below and vertical compliance for rider comfort up top. They back that up with simulation data on their original beam bike with leading UK CFD specialists TotalSim, calling the Generation 1.0 “the outright fastest bike in the world in wind tunnel testing“.

What’s new in generation 2?

A big part of the new bike revolves around the new, more integrated Reap Ballistic Cockpit.

It mixes a fully adjustable set of aero sculpted extensions that hug the rider’s forearms, with a new hydration system designed to cowl a conventional bottle for easier transitions, plus seamless internal cable routing and smooth straight airflow across the horizontal toptube spar.

Out back, Reap says they’ve also developed a storage system for two more bottles, a tool box & 8 gels behind the saddle that will keep you fueled for your entire time between the swim & run.

Beyond keeping you fit & fueled during the race, the Reap Vulcan is designed to be easy to travel with, since many triathletes on premium carbon bikes will fly to their race venue. So the Vulcan gets its own optional custom UK-made carbon flight case.

Made specifically for the Vulcan (but compatible with other Tri/TT bikes, too), the case is designed so triathletes only need remove their aero extensions & wheels to speed up transition time out of the airport.

Tech details

The Reap Vulcan is available only for rim brakes & electronic groupsets – with QR axles, a fully cowled front brake integrated in to the front fork, and the rear brake tucked under the bottom bracket. The Vulcan features dial-adjust tensioners at the rear track end drops, a multi-position wedge seatpost clamp to dial in saddle position, and an aero-protected front derailleur tab.

Reap Vulcan – Pricing & Availability

The new tri superbike is available for pre-order now with discounted pricing on a first come, first served basis until the first week of December.

The Reap Vulcan is available as a £5500 frame kit, including: frame, fork, cockpit, brakes, & the storage systems – travel case extra. It comes in three stock frame sizes, and in one of three standard color schemes or the option for custom paint.

Or you can pick up one of four complete bike builds. The Vulcan with Ultegra Di2 and  Parcours Passista wheels sells for £8195. The Vulcan with Dura-Ace Di2 and ENVE 7.8 wheels sells for £9945. And the Vulcan Red eTap AXS with the ENVE 7.8 wheels sells for
£9770.

All of those first bikes will then start shipping out to buyers at the end of January 2021.

ReapBikes.com