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

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.

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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.