M5 Recumbents » Modelle » Carbon High Racer


Light as a feather and super stiff: de M5 Carbon High Racer	13. Mai 2006
After half a year of preparation the new M5 Carbon High Racer has been presented on the annual event Cycle Vision. It's the lightest and stiffest production bike on earth! Stiffer than any comparable carbon or aluminium bike. Good designs don't show up effortless... Surely not when it's concerning a technical and complicated design like the latest from M5: the "full monocoque" Carbon High Racer. This high tech machine is the result of a unique combination of knowledge and experience which is not to be found at any other recumbent manufacturer anywhere in the world. 23 years of design and building experience has been culminated in this product. Add the personal racing and record experience of M5 founder Bram Moens and a new norm is born. The M5 "Carbon High Racer" vouches for: Comfort and ergonomics Light running large racing wheels, low friction propulsion Minimal seat height (48 cm / 19 inch) in combination with maximal overview in everyday traffic. Stiffest frame combined with lowest weight, by using "Finite Element Method" (FEM). Again this is unique in the world of recumbents. Preservation of comfort because of the large wheel diameter and long wheel base (138 cm / 54 inch). Shortest possible stem lengths as the result of well considered geometry. We don't use 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inch) long stems, but short stems of just 17 to 23 cm (7 to 9 inch) length, thus making folding stems redundant. Short stem length means also: less flex and less weight. Finite Element Method Our M5 Carbon High Racer has been submitted to the lengthy FEM (Finite Element Method) to determine in which direction the carbon fibers should be orientated and which wall thickness should be applied to obtain the most ideal weight / stiffness ratio. Also see the last of the small pictures. During production the carbon fabric packages of the monocoque frames and the mono front forks are 'inflated' inside a mold made of hardened steel and 'baked' at a temperature of 190 degrees Celsius / 374 Fahrenheit. The laminate design and optimization for the High Racer was a collaboration between Bram Moens and Wout Ruijter of the University of Nottingham. We decided deliberately for a bit more rugged frame, to obtain the lightest and stiffest result, combined with the smallest possible diameter. Additional advantage is that the telescopic tube always has the right position and unwanted rotation from the exact symmetry is no longer possible. On the right side of the ball bearing tube an aluminium M5 insert is fitted which enables the chain to be guided above the front wheel. This provides unobstructed steering, which is essential during meandering and steep ascends. Naturally it's possible to choose a direct returning chainline when riding in flat terrain, saving a bit of friction and a chain guider.

Provisional price Carbon High Racer with Shimano 105: € 3.088,24 (EU citizens: € 3.675,00, incl. 19% VAT) [in shoppingcart]

Technical details
Seat height: 48 cm with two 28" wheels, 46 cm with 26" front wheel/28"rear wheel Bracket height: 74 cm / 26 inch Seat angle: from 18 to 23 degrees, 3 types of carbon seat supports available Wheel base: 134 cm Weight: from 7,8 kg Frame, front fork, stem: Carbon U.D. frame/Carbon U.D front fork, light weight aluminium handle bar and stem. Stem angle: available in 4 different angles: 120/127/134/145 degrees Handle bar: ultra light Alu 7075-T6, 45 grammes. Wheels: front wheel 26" (ETRTO 571) or 28" (ETRTO 622), rear wheel 28" (ETRTO 622) Minimal inner leg length when using a 26 inch front wheel: 84 cm / 33 inch Minimal inner leg length when using a 28 inch front wheel: 89 cm / 35 inch When choosing a 26 inch front wheel: mono carbon front fork of 380 grammes / 13.4 oz When choosing a 28 inch front wheel: double carbon front fork Use of parts: customers choice The black anodized right dropout for the rear wheel is made from Alu 7075-T6 too. It's interchangeable and available in two different lengths, to utilize a cassette for flat terrain or for mountainous circumstances. On the carbon telescopic bracket a carbon attachment for lighting is provided. Super safe male/female alu joints for bracket housing and chain guider. 3 M5 inserts for mounting a carbon rear fender! Finish: Carbon U.D. with M5 12 D carbon top coating or full 3K . Frame according to FEM method

Light as a feather and super stiff: de M5 Carbon High Racer

Technical details