Source: Audi

New Audi bikes: High-tech bikes, design courtesy of Audi


Active people set their sights high. It is therefore only logical that quattro GmbH should likewise provide exclusive forms of mobility on two wheels: With the second generation of the successful Audi bikes, quattro GmbH has come up with something special for riders who are experienced in heading off the beaten track and leisure cyclists.


These bikes reflect the same expertise that is behind the cars produced by AUDI AG: sportiness, original design, innovative technology and top quality standards for materials and manufacturing.


The stars in the premium Audi bike range for 2003 are the Audi Cross Pro and Audi Cross mountain bikes. These take over from their predecessors of the same name and feature innovations in the areas of frame construction, gear and brake components that have been developed over the past two years.


Audi Design was responsible for designing these bikes. quattro GmbH worked together with the Audi Aluminium Centre in Neckarsulm on their development and realisation.


The frame and seat tower, for example, are innovative, unique in-house developments. The partner company Centurion Renner KG is responsible for producing the bikes and for providing competent service.


Both Audi bikes have suspension and dampers for both the front and rear wheel. This assures outstanding ride comfort. Whereas hydraulic elements take care of the damping, the suspension is either pneumatic or uses steel springs. In technical terms, the system is approximately similar to the revolutionary running gear of the allroad quattro, it improves adjustability and reduces weight by around 300 grams.


The hydraulic front and rear damping is also adjustable. Damping response can be adjusted at a separate valve, from sensitive to sporty/stiff, and thus adapted to individual needs. As a special feature, the spring travel of the Manitou Black Elite suspension fork used on the Cross Pro can be adjusted from 80 to 100 mm.


The Audi Cross and Cross Pro mountain bikes have hydraulic disc brakes with perforated discs. These provide excellent braking power from only slight operating pressure, and ensure outstanding braking performance in wet conditions. The drive and shifting components for both wheels are from the XT and Deore top series of the Japanese market leader Shimano.


The Audi Cross Pro, which weighs just 11.9 kilograms, can be fitted as an option with Mavic Crossmax SL wheels. These have 24 lightweight aluminium aero spokes and CNC-machined rims and hubs for further weight optimisation.


The Audi bikes are available in three frame heights: 46, 50 and 54 centimetres.