Reap launches new Vekta aero road bike
Reap has announced a new UK-made aero road bike for speed-hungry racers and triathletes. Here's what you need to know.
Reap has announced the launch of a new UK-made aero road bike called the Vekta, which claims to be “more efficient at every angle” and is made for road racers and triathletes seeking high responsiveness and speed.
The new steed has been designed off the back of the brand’s Vulcan tri bike and is said to be “radically” stiff, with the aim of maintaining higher power transfer and steering efficiency when riding.
Reap claims that the Vekta will “ride better than any before” thanks to the material selection of high-grade carbon fibre and the construction method that’s been used, which they describe as a trade secret. What we do know is that the Vekta is manufactured as a monocoque in one single piece, which should translate to a lighter and stronger frame.
In terms of aerodynamics, Reap says that the Vekta has been both wind-tunnel and velodrome tested. Throughout the bike’s development, the brand has focused on decreasing drag and manipulating airflow, as demonstrated by the truncated airfoil tube profiles (sharper lines on the tubes of the frame), wheel-hugging downtube/seat-tube profiles and a flat top-tube, which aims to minimise frontal area.
For comfort, the Vekta uses a carbon fibre lay-up and pencil seatstays to soak up vibrations from bumps in the road. With a repeated emphasis on quality without cutting corners, Reap has kitted the Vekta out with a range of high-end components.
Available to order now, the Vekta will initially only be available with rim brakes and electronic groupsets, with a disc version due to launch in autumn 2021. Framesets are priced from £3,500, with the full bike build starting from £6,450 with SRAM Force eTap AXS and a Parcours wheels.
The most expensive option will set you back £9,400 and comes with Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 Di2 and Enve wheels.
Top image: Reap