Custom carbon specialist Filament has released the latest iteration of its track bike, claiming improved aerodynamics and practicality. In a world still reeling from the likes of Team GB’s £15,500 Hope frameset, West Midlands-based Filament occupies a niche place in the market with its high-end tailored offering, with track staples such as the Dolan DF4 frameset coming in at a much cheaper £1,499.
Filament says it brings something new to the market, however, with a PMI – polymethacrylimide – foam core at the heart of its track bike. The brand says this supports the carbon exoskeleton, making the complete frame stiffer and more durable in comparison to those with hollow tubes.
Professional track racing is an accident-heavy sport and Filament says it wanted to design a frame that could withstand not only the rigours of hard riding and extensive travelling, but of crashing too.
A key update for the newest Filament track bike is at the fork. The blades have been spaced further apart, which the brand says reduces the aerodynamic drag produced as the spokes displace air towards the fork legs. The fork cross-section is 80mm by 13mm, which Filament says was the ideal balance of minimal aerodynamic interference and necessary stiffness.
The frame uses a BB386 EVO bottom bracket, which sets the bearings further apart than a traditional BB30/PF30 setup. Filament says it chose this BB standard to increase the life of the bearings, as it lowers torsional loads, in a bid to make a bike that can withstand the test of time.
The bottom bracket has an internal diameter of 46mm and a shell width of 86.5mm, with a carbon sleeve for press-fit bottom brackets. If riders wish to use a traditional BSA threaded bottom bracket, a titanium sleeve can be fitted as part of the build.
The latest model also features longer dropouts than on the previous version. Longer dropouts allow for a wider range of gear combinations to be used, without the need to change chain length, which is a useful feature as track riders change their gearing frequently to suit different events.
The bike uses a 27.2mm rounded seatpost, a choice which Filament says it made to help future-proof the frame and trades a minimal aero penalty for easier adjustment and lower clamping torque.
The Filament frameset has no paint or lacquer, favouring instead a polished epoxy finish, which the brand says is less prone to scratching or chipping than other options.
For more information, go to Filament
Tags: Track cycling
