Ask a keen cyclist to name a couple of Italian frame builders and plenty will readily roll off the lips, but that list most likely won't include ROI. Carbontec, the new importers, are hoping to change this though as they start to bring ROI frames into the UK ready for the 2008 season.
ROI (pronounced “R.O.I”, not "Roy"), offer stock frames in a range of sizes, but if you want to customise your frame, tweak the top tube length a little perhaps, then ROI will happily accommodate your requirements. In fact, all ROI frames including standard sizes are made to order, with a quick turn-around promised. Of the various bikes available in the range, here are a few highlights.
ROI Monster
The frames boast excellent build quality and sublime finishing and paint work. At the top of the range is the flagship Monster, pictured above. The frame is made from high modulus carbon, with beefed up chainstays, bottom bracket and head tube. ROI quote a frame weight of 960g for the 49cm frame, with six sizes being available.
Air 7.9
Mag-ma
Frames made from magnesium, it's fair to say, are rare. Rarer still though (the Pinarello Dogma being the only other that leaps to mind) is one that takes a magnesium front triangle and blends in a carbon rear triangle. The Mag-Ma displays the results of the company's 10 years of expertise in the material. Frame weight is 1,250g (for the 49cm).
Introduced this year, the Air 7.8 is a good old aluminium frameset. The frame features Deda 7.9 tubes by Dedacciai, a 35mm oversize seat tube and an integrated headset. Claimed weight for the 49cm is 890g, making it the lightest frame in the range - and aiming it very definitely at the climbers amongst us.
The Time Machine is available in three sizes, but ROI is keen to offer its custom fit option and take all your measurements to build a time trail frame to fit.
Prices when we get them.
More information at www.carbontec.co.uk
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