TECHNOLOGY |
TF2 1.0
After hundreds of hours dedicated to planning and to technological studies with composite materials of the ultimate generation, the new TF2 1.0 frame has been added to the collection of Fondriest products. This futuristic frame re-launches Italy's capability to create highly innovative products in the world.
The philosophy with which the new TF2 FONDRIEST has been conceived can be summarized with one word: “Integrated”. This term will be recurring quite frequently in this article, but it is necessary to explain this concept. Around this school of thought rotate all the energies spent by the designers of the Fondriest technical office which have proposed the following technological innovations:
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Integrated Cable System
ICS is the acronym for “Integrated Cable System”: a really sophisticated integrated command transmission system that allows both the gear shift and the derailleur to be perfectly controlled at all times. The command cables enter the frame through the down tube, right next to the head tube. The command sheaths are conveniently blocked by dedicated sheath-blocks that are “integrated” into the frame. From the detail of the steer, it can be noticed that the sheath-blocks are located on top of the line of the tube. This feature enables the reduction of the length of the sheaths, allowing a reduction of friction inside of them. Going through the down tube, the cables are in a position of ideal suspension: that means that there are no internal guides or tubes that can interfere with the correct transmission of the commands. Near the bottom bracket, specifically inside of it, the transmission cables have to be rerouted towards the shifter and the derailleur. Even in this delicate central spot, the minimization of friction between the cables and a special guide “integrated” in the bottom bracket has been attempted. Right in the “heart” of the frame the cables remain inside it, protected by eventual impurities of the environment where it is used, while with traditional frames such impurities end up directly on the cables through the spinning of the front wheel. The special “integrated” guide also has a particularly unique design of its guide channels, which are perfectly aligned with the direction of arrival of the cables, allowing them to be smoothly rerouted in their correct destination routes. Thanks to this innovative feature, there is no harsh change of direction. The cables flow on surfaces perfectly coaxial to them, and with minimal friction, also thanks to the particular red techno-polymer, with which the integrated guide is made. After passing the “heart” of the frame, the transmission cables finally reach the exit points: the one near the derailleur is located on the upper bottom bracket, while the one near the gear shift is located on top of the right chain-stay, through a specific “integrated” sheath-block. This last solution could not be any different for the systems perfect functioning. Thanks to its higher position, the 280mm sheath makes a wider radial curve, allowing inside of it to once again reduce friction with the transmission cable.
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Other Innovations
Differential steer
In the differential steer at 1-1/8” above and 1-1/2” below one can notice the perfect combination reached between art and technology. The surfaces in the interface zone between the steer and the fork are perfectly “integrated” with each other. Thanks to the unique “Reflex” fork, with its completely innovative shape and pentagon-like head, the lower bearing can be inserted easily, allowing the frame to maintain an extremely elevated torsional rigidity, compared to traditional frames with the same applied load.
Semi-integrated seat post
The key feature of the semi-integrated seat post with ogival profile and “integrated” collar on the line of the seat tube has been kept from the previous version.
4x4 Twill
The material used is also a new feature. Like every other high-end frame, in which a refined external layer visually finishes the frame, also in the TF2 1.0 and all its components like the seat post and the fork, this quality is highlighted thanks to the special layer threaded on the 4x4 Twill.
7 single monolithic parts
To define the TF2 1.0 as monocoque banded or conjoint would undermine the results achieved in its making. The frame is composed of 7 single monolithic parts, built separately to optimize the response to the solicitations of the frame during its use.
Particular profile of the rear seat stays
Thanks to the particular profile of the rear seat stays, the vibrations caused by uneven terrain and that pass through the frame and reach the backbone of its user, are mitigated and allow for a more comfortable ride.
Monolith with carbon fiber
Even the dropouts of the fork and on the back are made in carbon fiber. This solution allows for a better bonding between the parts, compared to the ones with aluminum dropouts and carbon stays.
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