We recently posted about the latest update to the UCI Approved List for wheels, and have another update for frames. Our last frame update was from April, so this is probably the last update before the summer racing really heats up.
We don’t have a ton of info on the new bikes yet, as we expect most of them to be unveiled in conjunction with the Tour d’ France, but here is what we know.
Giant/Liv are set to launch an update to their aero frame, the Propel Advance, by adding disc brakes. On the Liv side, a new name appears in the Langma. Available in both disc and rim brake options, I’m willing to bet that it could be the Liv version of the TCR all-around frame. Liv already has aero road and endurance frames, and a TT/Tri frame, so an all-around frame would fit well in the line up.
German brand Lightweight is releasing a new version of its road frame, the Urgestalt. We are following up with the brand to see what additional info we can find. – Update – After speaking with our contacts at Lightweight, there are no major changes to the Urgestalt from 2016 to 2017, besides a drop in price from $6500 to $5500. There is a new disc version that we will have some additional coverage on coming soon.Â
Spanish brand Orbea is launching a new Orca Aero. Based on the name, we expect to see more aero treatments, similar to what Trek did with the Madone a few years back, moving it from an all-around frame to a more aero focused model.
Finally, the big red S, Specialized, is revamping their Tarmac. From recent pictures of teams racing the new Tarmac ahead of the launch, it looks like some design queues were taken from the Venge to add more aero consideration to the frame. One of the biggest changes is to the rear triangle. The seat stays drop down on the seat tube and have a more aero shaping to them. The seat tube itself changes from round to a newer aero shaping that extends to the seat post as well. Look for more info closer to the Tour.
Frames
Cube
Aerium TT 18 – three sizes between Small and Large
Approved 5/29/17 – Cube-AE18-TT
Giant/Liv
Propel Advance SL Disc MY18 – six sizes between XS and XL
Approved 5/18/17 – GIAN-PS18-RD
Propel Advance PRO Disc MY18 – six sizes between XS and XL
Approved 5/18/17 – GIAN-PP18-RD
LIV Langma Adv MY18 – five sizes between XXS and L
Approved 5/18/17 – GIAN-L18-RD
LIV Langma Adv SL MY18
Approved 5/18/17 – GIAN-LS18-RD
LIV Langma Adv Disc MY18
Approved 5/18/17 – GIAN-LD18-RD
Lightweight
Urgestalt 2017 – six sizes between 48 and 60
Approved 4/20/17 – LW-UR17-RD
Orbea
Orca Aero 18 – seven sizes between 47 and 60
Approved 3/22/17 – ORB-ORC7-RD
Specialized
Tarmac SL6 – eight sizes between 44 and 61
Approved 4/20/17 – SPC-TA03-RD
Tarmac 18 DISC – eight sizes between 44 and 61
Approved 4/20/17 – SPC-TA04-RD
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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