We've seen automakers partner with bicycle manufacturers on numerous sets of wheels in the past. Some tempt and disappoint, but this strikes us as one of the cooler auto-branded bikes we've seen. (But then this writer has always been partial to Italian style.)
Born of a collaboration between the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale, the 4C IFD bicycle is designed to complement Alfa's new lightweight sports car with an "Innovative Frame Design". Alfa says the frame is shaped like an inverted 4 and the cross-section of the carbon-fiber half-tube is shaped like a C, but gimmicks aside, the result is an incredibly light ride that weighs in at just 15 pounds.
Crafted entirely by hand in Italy, the 4C IFD bike features a Deda Elementi Crono handlebar, Campagnolo brakes, gears, chain and frame, forks, saddle and wheels all made of carbon fiber. Pricing starts at 3,500 euros and Alfa says that, in addition to Europe and Asia, the bike will be sold in America. Of course if its availability depends on the marque's return to the US market, we wouldn't hold our breath for too long – but then we don't have nearly five grand to spend on a bike, anyway.
Born of a collaboration between the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale, the 4C IFD bicycle is designed to complement Alfa's new lightweight sports car with an "Innovative Frame Design". Alfa says the frame is shaped like an inverted 4 and the cross-section of the carbon-fiber half-tube is shaped like a C, but gimmicks aside, the result is an incredibly light ride that weighs in at just 15 pounds.
Crafted entirely by hand in Italy, the 4C IFD bike features a Deda Elementi Crono handlebar, Campagnolo brakes, gears, chain and frame, forks, saddle and wheels all made of carbon fiber. Pricing starts at 3,500 euros and Alfa says that, in addition to Europe and Asia, the bike will be sold in America. Of course if its availability depends on the marque's return to the US market, we wouldn't hold our breath for too long – but then we don't have nearly five grand to spend on a bike, anyway.
Alfa Romeo introduces the exclusive 4C IFD bicycle
- Inspired by the compact super car, the perfect balance of design and technological innovation
- Made by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale, the bicycle is entirely crafted by hand in Italy
- Available from December starting from a price of 3500 euro
Sophisticated design with a light-weight, innovative frame: these are the features of the '4C IFD Bicycle' project designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale. The acronym IFD (standing for 'Innovative Frame Design') places the accent on the intensive research aimed at making the frame as light as possible.
The same principle was applied by Alfa Romeo engineers in designing the 4C to obtain a weight/power ratio lower than 4 kg/HP, a genuine super car result. To achieve this they decided to reduce the car's weight by choosing materials that combine lightness and efficiency, and improving - at times even creating - manufacturing processes that fuse high technology and craftsmanship. The result is a total dry weight of only 895 kg made mostly of aluminium, steel, lightened SMC and carbon fibre.
The structure fashioned as a simplified "4" is inspired by the dynamic, streamline style of the Alfa Romeo super car. The innovative "C"-shaped cross-section of the frame introduces a carbon-fibre half-tube structure made of the same high-tech material used for the chassis of the Alfa Romeo 4C for the first time in the world.
The profiles converge dynamically towards the junctions of the handle bar, the chainset and the saddle to form structural strength points joined by steel tie-rods which enhance the special construction of the frame.
Sporty, light and innovative, the bicycle is the ideal companion of the amazing Alfa Romeo 4C - a perfect combination of passion and future.
Icon of style and technological innovation, the limited-edition 4C bicycle is entirely crafted by hand in Italy for lovers of unique, exclusive objects.
Priced from 3500 to 9000 euro, according to equipment, the most recent gem of the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale will be available from December 2013 and marketed in Europe, Asia and America.
Technical specifications
Design
Alfa Romeo Style Centre
Chassis
HM 40 carbon
Fork
HM 40 carbon
Handlebar
Deda Elementi Crono
Brakes
Campagnolo (front), Centaur U-Brake (rear)
Chainset
Campagnolo Centaur Ultra Torque
Gears
Campagnolo Centaur
Wheels
Carbon high profile (front), Aerospoke (rear)
Saddle
Customised Selle Italia Carbon
Tyres
Vittoria Open Corsa CX
Colour
Alfa Romeo red
Weight
6.900 kg
Turin, 24 September 2013
- Inspired by the compact super car, the perfect balance of design and technological innovation
- Made by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale, the bicycle is entirely crafted by hand in Italy
- Available from December starting from a price of 3500 euro
Sophisticated design with a light-weight, innovative frame: these are the features of the '4C IFD Bicycle' project designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale. The acronym IFD (standing for 'Innovative Frame Design') places the accent on the intensive research aimed at making the frame as light as possible.
The same principle was applied by Alfa Romeo engineers in designing the 4C to obtain a weight/power ratio lower than 4 kg/HP, a genuine super car result. To achieve this they decided to reduce the car's weight by choosing materials that combine lightness and efficiency, and improving - at times even creating - manufacturing processes that fuse high technology and craftsmanship. The result is a total dry weight of only 895 kg made mostly of aluminium, steel, lightened SMC and carbon fibre.
The structure fashioned as a simplified "4" is inspired by the dynamic, streamline style of the Alfa Romeo super car. The innovative "C"-shaped cross-section of the frame introduces a carbon-fibre half-tube structure made of the same high-tech material used for the chassis of the Alfa Romeo 4C for the first time in the world.
The profiles converge dynamically towards the junctions of the handle bar, the chainset and the saddle to form structural strength points joined by steel tie-rods which enhance the special construction of the frame.
Sporty, light and innovative, the bicycle is the ideal companion of the amazing Alfa Romeo 4C - a perfect combination of passion and future.
Icon of style and technological innovation, the limited-edition 4C bicycle is entirely crafted by hand in Italy for lovers of unique, exclusive objects.
Priced from 3500 to 9000 euro, according to equipment, the most recent gem of the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale will be available from December 2013 and marketed in Europe, Asia and America.
Technical specifications
Design
Alfa Romeo Style Centre
Chassis
HM 40 carbon
Fork
HM 40 carbon
Handlebar
Deda Elementi Crono
Brakes
Campagnolo (front), Centaur U-Brake (rear)
Chainset
Campagnolo Centaur Ultra Torque
Gears
Campagnolo Centaur
Wheels
Carbon high profile (front), Aerospoke (rear)
Saddle
Customised Selle Italia Carbon
Tyres
Vittoria Open Corsa CX
Colour
Alfa Romeo red
Weight
6.900 kg
Turin, 24 September 2013
Featured Gallery Alfa Romeo 4C IFD Bicycle
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue