XPREZO Creating Dreams Part Two by Pierre Bouchard
s part of Xprezo’s new 650B mountain-bike development program for 2013 (outlined in “Xprezo Creating Dreams, Part One” in our last issue, Pedal Fashion 2012), intrepid CEO Hugo Bardou took one of the company’s prototypes for a serious spin at the seven-day BC Bike Race (BCBR) in order to validate their design concepts and technical specifications. “We’re very happy with the results! We now know for sure that we’ll be able to create bikes with added stability, a compact cockpit and more suspension travel in a relatively light unit, thanks to those wonderful 27.5 wheels,” explained Bardou. “The ride was superb! Our 650B prototype met our expectations and beyond. It is as forgiving and comfortable as a 29er, leaving me without any aches or pains day after day, while remaining as manoeuvrable and swift as a conventional 26º MTB and accelerating at the slightest pressure on the pedals! Quite light, too — it climbed very well! Sweeeeeeeeeeeet!” he added in one breath. With the BCBR experiment complete, Xprezo’s R&D triumvirate of Bardou, Philippe Benoît (master welder) and Jonathan Allard (mechanical engineer) was then sold on the 650B program. But testing and refinement of the new revised frame continues in Bromont, Que.
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“Though the XC 100mm bike I rode at BCBR performed with mention, we’ll try to shorten the chainstay a little bit and open up the headtube angle by 0.5 degrees in an attempt to improve its amazing rideability even more,” adds Bardou. Production of limited-edition units is scheduled for the end of the summer, so a handful of MTB connoisseurs can test and enjoy Xprezo’s new 650B XC duallies this fall. They’ll come with 142x12mm hubs, a 1.5 tapered headset, internal brakes and derailleur cable routing, as well as Xprezo’s unique Columbus and 4130 CroMoly swing arm. The frame’s main triangle is made of 6061-T6 aluminum tubing and features a signature front-derailleur braze-on, as on all other Xprezo products. Customization is the norm, with a wide array of colours, components, wheelsets and even logo decals to choose from. Plans for a full range of 650B XC and Enduro bikes (All-Mountain machines sporting 160mm forks and rear suspension with 150mm of travel) are in the pipeline, with the first units scheduled to hit Xprezo’s distribution channels in time for the 2013 season launch. And you can bet that Xprezo/Borsao riders Matt Hadley (who finished fourth at BCBR this year) and downhill specialist Fabien Pedemanaud will push limits on the new 650B machines during next year’s Canada
Xprezo CEO, Hugo Bardou, testing their new 650B XC prototype at the 2012 BC Bike Race.
photos: Cycles Xprezo
Xprezo’s new 650B XC Limited Edition for 2013... coming soon to a dealer near you.
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PEDAL Summer 2012
www.pedalmag.com
MTB Cup series. More top-rider feedback will provide additional data for Xprezo’s R&D gurus to consider in their dream mountain-bike equation. This fall, Xprezo plans to invite its retailers and esteemed business partners to a grand unveiling of the 650B XC Limited Edition at the company’s Bromont headquarters. Also on the agenda are discussions about distribution strategies and marketing targets, a presentation of new bikes specs and features and lots of demo riding on Mount Brome. “We can’t compare or compete with the mass-production giants in the industry. We’re a small operation dedicated to delivering the most efficient and durable bikes possible,” continued Bardou. “We’re equally concerned about the environmental impact and the social implications of our semi-industrial activities.” The young entrepreneur is excited and bullish about the future. “Niche products like ours, which focus on customized products and personalized service, fill an important segment in the marketplace. Our customers are well aware of our philosophy and subscribe to these principles.” Part of that service now includes Xprezo’s “New Life” program. Bike owners who wish to update their bikes every few years or so will now receive a return authorization code from their retailer, who sends the frame back to Bromont. Each frame then undergoes a thorough inspection, including the swing arm for dual-suspension bikes. After the evaluation, the frame may be fixed or replaced and swing-arm pivots and bearings changed. Frames can also be re-painted and decoratwww.pedalmag.com
Team Xprezo took on BCBR and the 24 Hours of Adrenalin (l-r): Matt Hadley, Graham Torrey, Hugo Bardou, Philippe Benoit.
ed with colours and logos of the owner’s choice. The “New Life” program ranges between $350 to $500, allowing Xprezo riders an economical option that keeps their dream machine up to date and riding smooth for life! Look for the unveiling of the new 650B XC Limited Edition at your local Xprezo dealer, or visit xprezo.ca. Summer 2012 PEDAL
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