Kazane Hits The Road

Kazane, a company previously known only for track bike frames and components, is making a splash in the world of professional road cycling. Both Team Mountain Khakis and Richmond Pro Cycling are riding Kazane frames and wheels for 2009. The two teams are focusing on the USA Crits race series, which kicks off with the legendary Athens Twilight Criterium on April 25th.

Team Mountain Khakis (formerly known as Time Pro Cycling) is a UCI-registered professional cycling team based in Winston-Salem, NC. The team has been racking up wins in races around the country and most recently competed in the Tour of Battenkill in New York state. They signed 2007 Athens Twilight winner Mark Hekman to join squad as a mentor to the younger riders. Hekman is known as one of the best criterium racers in the US, and joins TMK’s strong core that includes Adam Meyerson (2nd USA Crits 2008), Eric Barlevav (1st Harlem Skyscraper Criterium 2008), and Daniel Ramsey (1st San Francsico Twilight 2008).

Virginia’s Richmond Pro Cycling also made the switch to Kazane this year. Last year they were one of the top teams in the USA Crits Series despite being one of the smallest. Racing isn’t the only focus of RPC, though: through its work with the Faison School for Autism the team seeks a complete development of its members. 2009 additions include Matt Seagrave (1st 2007 Valley of the Sun Stage Race) and Scott Jackson (2006 D2 Collegiate National Champion).

Both teams are racing on the new Kazane E1 aluminum frame. Kazane (ka-zah-nay) is Japanese for “the sound of the wind,” and represents the company’s roots in the world of Japanese track bikes. 2009 is the first year for Kazane on the road (Kazane track frames and components have been available since 2007). The goal of Kazane road is to bring real professional racing equipment to racers at an affordable price. The frameset sells for just $850 and includes a full carbon fork and integrated headset. The 1500gr wheelset at $400 is tough enough to use every day but still light and aero enough to race. Kazane is based out of Keirin Culture in Roanoke, VA.

Tags: Kazane, Kazane E1 aluminum frame, Richmond Pro Cycling, road racing, Team Mountain Khakis