Test: "On the move in style" - at least that's the first impression the Lightweight archetype conveyed. The frame set comes in plain, matt black. A decade after the first in-house frame, the Friedrichshafen carbon specialists are picking up the thread again and once again underlining the brand relaunch that began last year.
Overall, the developers put more than a year and a half of work into the frame set. The aim was to develop a balanced, lightweight set that is perfectly matched to the other in-house components. The archetype is now the final result of the development process, whose strengths are hidden behind the simple exterior.
//Frame
The frame is characterized by clear lines and intelligently worked details. The cables are all internally routed, with the mouths pressed flat against the partially ovalized tubes. The seat post clamp is also integrated into the frame. Located in the angle between the top and seat tube, it holds the in-house Monolink post securely in place.
At the front, the tapered head tube is supposed to ensure proper rigidity and directional stability. The bottom bracket area also follows this maxim. The support struts, on the other hand, appear relatively delicate and add some comfort to the overall package. However, this is clearly designed for propulsion and agility, as the chain stays, which are consistently short at 405 millimeters in all frame sizes, and the wheelbases under 1000 millimeters (the only exception here is the frame height 60 with 1009 millimeters, ed.) make clear.
//Furnishing
Our test bike is excellently equipped and invites you just to look at it "racing" a. Lightweight contributes some of the components itself. For example, the in-house "racing bracket" installed with a width of 42 centimeters. This one is in a 120 millimeter long 3T ARX Pro caught. The seat post also comes from Friedrichshafen, which uses a Selle Italia SLR crown.
It is shifted with Shimanos Dura Ace 9000, which not only suits the bike visually, but can also serve as a reference for mechanical groupsets. Blades with a gear ratio of 52/36 teeth are mounted on the crank. The cassette has a gradation from 11 to 25 teeth.
The highlight, with regard to the components, are undoubtedly the milestone-Wheels on which the Lightweight archetype is posed. On top of these are Continentals Force Comp raised.
//Driving impression
From the first turn of the pedals it is clear that the Lightweight archetype wants to be moved quickly. The seating position is clearly sporty. Due to its geometry and the frame properties mentioned above, it is manoeuvrable, but always on course and reliable. This is particularly evident in curves and during abrupt acceleration. The bike is good-natured on climbs, only forgiving on roads with poor surface archetype not necessarily. Here it shows its stiff side to the fullest.
The Dura Ace 9000 switches reliably and quickly. In terms of brake pressure, too, it mediates in combination with the milestone Safety, even though the wheels installed on our test bike were not fully broken in when we received the bike. Beyond that, however, they are beyond any doubt. The same goes for the Force Comp, which are a good choice and fun in many ways due to their all-round properties. The slim one "racing bracket" fits perfectly with the narrow levers of Shimano's top mechanical group and is easy to grip. In terms of its shape and rigidity, it is in no way inferior to the frame concept.
//Conclusion
Lightweight delivers with the archetype a bike that leaves nothing to be desired. The equipment is beyond reproach, the agile handling is impressive. If you are looking for a fast bike that not only lets the wind rush around your ears, but that also always looks good due to its visual simplicity, you have come to the right place. Get that from us archetype from Lake Constance the tip of the week.
Sure, the frameset archetype is produced in Taiwan. As indicated on the chainstay, it is also made by hand there and thus fits into the company concept. In terms of quality, there is no doubt in any case. With high-quality workmanship, it is a bike, including all attachments, as you would expect from the Friedrichshafen carbon specialists - at a corresponding price. The frame set will cost 4460 euros. According to Lightweight, there is currently no price for the bike in the configuration we tested.
//Product highlights
- very good agility and directional stability
- high rigidity
- high quality equipment
- Eyewear
- Weight
//price and web
- 4460,00 euros (frame set)
- www.lightweight.info