The Frame Hardtail from Bike Ahead Composites in Review

The majority of the bike industry relies on manufacturing in Asia. Bike Ahead Composites is taking a different approach. With their Europe-made hardtail frame “The Frame,” the company aims not only to achieve ultra-lightweight construction but also to prove that European manufacturing can compete with or even surpass Far East production in terms of quality and efficiency?

When it comes to weight, “The Frame” makes a statement. We stripped the bike completely and weighed the frame. The bare frame in size L weighs just 820 grams — a number that even many race-oriented frames don’t achieve.

Scotts Scale RC frame is in the same league in terms of weight, but it’s slightly heavier. Canyon’s recently introduced Exceed hardtail or the frame of the Rose PDQ weigh in at around 1400 grams. Merida’s Big Nine breaks the 900-gram mark but doesn’t quite reach this value. In terms of lightweight construction, the frame delivers what one expects from Bike Ahead Composites. Despite the lightweight build, the weight limit of the bike is up to 105 kg.

Fully assembled, the bike weighs 9.5 kilograms, including a dropper post and 120mm suspension fork. For comparison: the Rose PDQ weighs 500 grams more at a similar price and specs.

The Canyons Exceed in the 4000 € version with 100mm travel and without a dropper post even adds 1.5 kilos more to the scale. The Cube Phenix plays in the same weight and price class but also has only 100mm of travel and with a seat post diameter of 27.2mm, it’s not ideal for retrofitting a dropper post.

In the ultimate lightweight build, the Bike Ahead Bike even reaches 8 kilos. So there’s still potential compared to our test bike, but we preferred the affordable version with a wide range of use over the razor-sharp lightweight bike.

The spec of the complete bike appears simple and functional. The mix of SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, Fox Rhythm fork, Shimano XT brakes, and Bike Ahead carbon components provides reliable performance without making a big splash in the tuning scene. But that’s exactly what makes it appealing – practical, durable, modern. For 4,999 €, the bike rolls on DT Swiss aluminum wheels.

In our test bike, we had Bike Ahead Composites Three Zero wheels installed. This upgrade costs €1699, but it’s a highlight. The wheels are ultra-light, weighing in at just under 1400 grams with a width of 30 mm.

Our wheelset had steel spokes. With Pi Rope spokes, the wheels are an impressive 300 grams lighter.

The striking Save-Wing rim profile, where the rim flange curves outward, doesn’t significantly affect the weight despite the voluminous appearance. If the tire bottoms out, the pressure at the impact point is distributed over a larger area, reducing the risk of a flat.

When climbing, the hardtail plays its trump cards. The low weight provides an almost weightless riding experience that can become addictive—nimble, efficient, direct. Even in rolling terrain, the bike excels with its snappy acceleration and agile handling. The proprietary carbon wheels contribute to the lively character with under 1400 grams (optionally even 300 grams lighter with Pi Rope spokes).

Despite all the euphoria that the lightweight construction sparks during climbs, the low frame weight also demands its toll in practical tests. The frame is not the stiffest hardtail frame. Combined with the lightweight handlebar, also from Bike Ahead Composites, you can feel some flex, especially when climbing out of the saddle or during demanding maneuvers on hard ground. However, with a rider weight of 75 kilos, the bike could always be steered precisely on the trail.

Despite the focus on lightweight construction, the trail performance has not been compromised. The modern geometry with a 67.3° head angle and short 430 mm chainstays ensures fun on light to moderately challenging trails. 180 mm brake rotors, 120 mm suspension fork, and a dropper post significantly extend its range beyond classic XC trails.

The tires have a high volume on the wide rims, which provides grip and riding comfort. The short 50 mm stem makes the handling super direct. Sporty riders, however, will definitely install a 60, 70, or 80 mm stem for a slightly more efficient riding position.

The surface of the frame is a visual and technical masterpiece. Thanks to transparent sealing instead of lacquer, every carbon layer is visible – and flawless. No wrinkles, no filler, no blemish. The frame is manufactured using a monocoque process in an autoclave in Portugal and then refined for eight hours in Germany – you can tell.

A few features are sacrificed for the sake of lightweight construction. For example, the frame doesn’t come with a steering limiter. If you crash, the top tube can be damaged by the shift levers. The cable routing through the frame offers only two inlets.

If you want to run a mechanical dropper post, you’ll need to rely on a wireless shifting system or vice versa. And many mechanics would prefer a threaded BSA version instead of the Pressfit bottom bracket. However, from a holistic perspective focused on lightweight design, the Pressfit standard is still the best choice.

Bike Ahead Composites partners with Carbonteam in Portugal’s “Bike Valley” to bring high-end production back to Europe. At €2000 for the frame, the price is surprisingly fair considering the intricate manufacturing process and the higher wage levels.

Thanks to shorter transport routes, manufacturers can also place orders more precisely in smaller quantities. This ultimately reduces the risk of excess inventory and, from an economic perspective, even lowers the price.

For comparison: With Specialized, you get a Chisel aluminum frame for €1500. An Epic frame costs over €3000. And the Americans don’t manufacture their products in the EU.