Pinnacle, the all-new UK cycle brand, is launching a range of 34 bikes and frames made specifically for the British market. Available in October 2006, Pinnacle's range will initially be exclusive to high street cycle retailer Evans Cycles.
The result of two years research and development, the new range incorporates bikes covering the whole spectrum of cycling needs in four families: mountain bikes, road bikes, commuting bikes and children's bikes.
The new Pinnacle range will be primarily aimed at the mainstream market but also caters to the specialist with an array of hi-tech, racing-spec frames and designs.
“Pinnacle is a British cycle brand making bikes for the needs of the UK cyclist,” said Pinnacle Brand Manager, Scott Hargrave. “The range has been created to cope with the demands of British weather, as well as road and off-road conditions.”
Hargrave cites the global focus of competitor brands as one reason why Pinnacle offers a unique selling point to British consumers. “Many global brands are developed in the US and are created for dry conditions, frequently in the absence of a commuter market,” he said. “For example, the US market has not taken to the folding bike the same way as in the UK as bikes are not seen as a strong alternative to cars in American cities. This subtle difference is just one of many that Pinnacle addresses as it offers the UK cyclist bikes and frames made especially to suit British riding conditions, ensuring maximum comfort, safety and performance, no matter what your riding purpose may be.”
As part of the Pinnacle development process, the Evans Cycles Race Team has been using various prototype frames throughout 2006, all the while continuing to win podium finishes.
Wearing the 'Prototype' badge, the Pinnacle range can continue to be seen in competitive events for the remainder of the season. The specific data and feedback from the riders has enabled Pinnacle and Evans Cycles to develop the optimum frame design for the best possible ride.
The MTB prototypes
Benefiting from the extensive insight and research invested by Pinnacle, the range includes a number of innovative features.
The mountain bike range includes a series of 10 rigid and full suspension models, the latter featuring Pinnacle's innovative DIRECT 4 suspension system, offering a responsive system without unwanted movement.
Catering to unique needs of female riders, the Pinnacle Project Aura models have lighter specifications and adjusted geometry for the perfect female fit.
The Pinnacle road cycle range features six bikes with two distinctive geometries - one for recreational road riding and a more aggressive, racing team style for specific, competitive racing.
The road range uses the highest quality lightweight alloys and carbon fibre for the lightest and most comfortable ride possible. More serious riders can select any team frame and build their desired specification online at www.pinnacle-bikes.co.uk. Their bike will then be professionally assembled and delivered to their door.
The Pinnacle range also extends into commuting and children's cycles. The Pinnacle commuting range covers all bases including folding and hybrids, with a signature 'Mean Streak' model being created for UK urban environments. The children's range offers some of the lightest and most advanced children's bikes available. Truly scaled down versions of adult bikes and tested by children, the range ensures maximum quality, durability, safety and performance.
The consumer will first see the official 2007 Pinnacle range at its launch at The Cycle Show in October. Most models of the fleet will be available at Evans Cycles from October, with higher end specifications arriving in-store in January 2007.
LondonCycleSport have featured a few of the latest bikes, no tests but plenty of pictures, take a look:
Road prototype here
MTB prototype here
Clea Boorman
