Norwegian bikemaker Fara's brand new F/RD road bike

Norwegian bikemaker Fara's brand new F/RD road bike

A new customisable aero bike to complement Fara's forward-thinking off-road designs

Gear Words: Joseph Delves

Previously only available to pre-order, Rouleur Live will offer a first opportunity to see the latest road bike from Norwegian firm Fara. Designed with input from former World Champion Thor Hushovd, it joins the brand’s off-road-focused F/AR and F/GRAVEL-R models.

The result of over a year of in-house product development, it fulfils CEO Jeff Webb’s aim to bring his firm’s utilitarian design strategy and minimalist aesthetic and apply it to the road. The result is an aerodynamic carbon bike with plenty of practical features.

Among these, the firm’s Integrated Bikepacking System mounts under the top-tube will likely catch the eye of many riders. Allowing for the addition of a dedicated Aero-Box storage pack, this is attached via Fidlock’s automatic magnetic fixings.

Already used to good effect on the brand’s F/AR bikepacking model, they mean the box to be attached and removed in a second. Making it an ideal place to stash a rain jacket, emergency tubes or camera, this neat solution means such items remain close at hand without compromising the bike’s aerodynamic qualities.

Related – The Best Endurance Road Bikes

This is a good thing, as aerodynamics has been a big focus for the project. On the frame, these efforts are noticeable in the NACA Airfoil tube shapes which are designed to produce a minimum of drag. It’s also evident on the wide stance of the fork, whose profile is intended to decrease airflow pressure around the wheel.

Catering to similar concerns, the bike’s cables have also been integrated for improved looks and aerodynamics. However, the use of Token’s A-Box system means this shouldn’t come at the expense of serviceability. Allowing the cables to run outside the bar and stem before entering the frame through the headset, it aims to make maintenance and disassembly easier than on equivalent proprietary systems.

Versatile and customisable

Despite looking decidedly aggressive, clearance for tyres up to 32c wide allows the F/RD to apply itself to a range of scenarios. Borrowed from the off-road-focused F/AR, the F/RD also gets a version of that bike’s curved seat stays in the interests of increasing vertical compliance.

All included in a frame weighing just 845g, each bicycle is also custom assembled for its owner. Allowing details such as stem length, handlebar width, and gearing to be specified before delivery, each is available in five sizes and comes with an adjustable seatpost offering 0 and 25mm setback options. Finished with a choice of Shimano Ultegra 11-speed mechanical or 12-speed Di2 groupsets, wheels from Fulcrum or Black Inc can also be selected.Getting a real-world debut at Rouleur live ahead of its expected delivery date of spring 2022, Fara’s owner will be on hand to answer questions from anyone interested in the bike.

Set to be joined on the firm’s stand by the existing F/AR and F/GRAVEL-R models, a visit should also prove an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with the brand’s uniquely Norwegian approach to bike design.

Taking place in London between the 4-6th November, more information and tickets for Rouleur Live can be found here. 

Gear Words: Joseph Delves

READ MORE

‘No-one else is helping you find a job’: The cycling champions still without a contract for 2025

‘No-one else is helping you find a job’: The cycling champions still without a contract for 2025

There is an estimated 100 WorldTour riders still without a confirmed contract for next season

Leggi di più
Let the transfers begin: The biggest movers and shakers for the 2025 season

Let the transfers begin: The biggest movers and shakers for the 2025 season

With the transfer window officially open as of August 1, we look at some of the most intriguing moves in the men’s and women’s WorldTour...

Leggi di più
Il Lombardia 2024: Route, prediction and contenders

Il Lombardia 2024: Route, prediction and contenders

Can anyone stop Tadej Pogačar taking a fourth consecutive win in the race of the falling leaves?

Leggi di più
Opinion: What is the point in the Gravel World Championships?

Opinion: What is the point in the Gravel World Championships?

Both the men’s and women’s races were won by seasoned road professionals who will barely compete in the rainbow stripes next year

Leggi di più
'There’s almost no team tactics': Van der Poel overpowers the field in show of strength at Gravel World Championships

'There’s almost no team tactics': Van der Poel overpowers the field in show of strength at Gravel World Championships

The Dutchman adds to his collection of rainbow jerseys with a dominant display in Belgium

Leggi di più
A showdown the UCI would have longed for - Vos and Kopecky face-off lights up the Gravel World Championships

A showdown the UCI would have longed for - Vos and Kopecky face-off lights up the Gravel World Championships

Lotte Kopecky impressed in her first-ever gravel race, but in the end there stood the familiar sight of Marianne Vos in the rainbow bands

Leggi di più

MEMBERSHIP

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Independent journalism, award winning content, exclusive perks.

Banner Image