June 30th, 2009 by 
Gregg
Lester Muranaka from Delta 7 Sports shows us the production Ascend road bike. He also explains how Delta 7 Sports has addressed the bond issues that they had with past bikes (like the hardtail mountain bikes at the Outdoor Demo at Interbike last year). Also, there is some big changes coming for the 2010 construction of the Iso Truss.
Points of Interest:
-Frame weight est. 1.8 lbs (56”)
-Lifetime Warranty
-Carbon fiber frame
-Exreme bottom bracket stiffness
-Limited Production
-Most durable frame available
-Now has bottle cage mounts
More photos:
Details from the Official Delta 7 Sports press release:
Price: $5995 USD
Build Kits: SRAM RED or Campagnolo Super Record
Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
Product Description:
Extremely stiff and light, the Ascend™ maximizes the IsoTruss® tube structure proving to be the best carbon fiber bike available. Truly stunning visually with ride qualities and features unmatched by any other tube structures. An extremely stiff bottom bracket and stronger than any other in its class. Unique carbon fiber and Kevlar frames are limited production and handcrafted in the USA.
“Experience IsoTruss® Technology”
website: http://delta7sports.com/
June 30th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I understand the point of that thing, and the principles behind it. but I don’t care even if I was a serious racer, you couldn’t pay me to ride that unless they seriously improve the aesthetics somehow.
it looks like a regular road bike was destroyed in a crash, and Spiderman rebuilt it. even for as big a Spiderman fanatic as me, no thanks.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Interesting idea. Although I’d like to see how it does on descents, crosswinds, rain, snow, etc. Meanwhile, I’ll stick with my awesome Serotta HSG carbon. A real frame.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I can understand people’s skepticism. I was a skeptic until I rode it. With this frame you can honestly tell the difference between stiff and effiecient. As soon as I rode the Ascend, I could accelerate much fast than my Ridley Noah. In fact, the Ascend with a 53/39 and 11-23 felt just like my normal 50/34 with 12-25. I also have owned and ridden several carbon frames (Serotta HSG, Parlee, Ridley and Cervelo), but this was a much quicker and better handling bike. By the way, I weigh 195lbs and am sprinter.
I agree with Brian that the aesthetics and emotional aspect is not there but the ride is phenomenal. I would invite Eric to ride one.
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
My brother and I are both former racers. There is a climb near our house that we have done many times, with 6-10 percent grades, and over 2,000 feet of climbing. I got a chance to demo the Ascend today. Despite the fact that we had to ride in the afternoon in 100 degree temps, and didn’t have the tail wind we have had lately, I still beat my best time this year by over 1 minute 30 seconds. If I had gone in the morning with cooler temps, I have no doubt I would have gone at least another 30 seconds faster (the heat killed me). This bike is so stiff, it is unbelieveable! You get out of the saddle, and there is a transfer of power to the wheel that is like nothing I have ever felt. After reaching the top, my brother and I switched bikes, and did the last steep sections again. This time I was on his Specialized Rubaix with Dura Ace, and he was on the Ascend. The Rubaix felt like it had a flat tire by comparison. My brother could not believe the difference, and after 2 days of giving me crap for considering upgrading my bike, suddenly was trying to figure out how to afford one too. If you live in the mountains, don’t try this bike unless you are ready to buy. Everything else will feel like a wet noodle afterwards. Oh, and my bathroom scale said this incredible, stiff bike, only weighed 14.5 lbs with water bottle cage
It may be ugly to some, but it will be the future of bike racing. It gives a huge advantage to the climber on it, and with lots of money and fame at stake, serious riders will have no choice but to get on!
July 27th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
I’ve gotten three more rides in on the Ascend. My biggest criticism is that the ride was a little harsh with the straight, aluminum, Thompson seat post that was on my demo bike. I switched it out for an Easton EC70 carbon post with 25mm of layback, and it made a world of difference (the layback also gave me more room in the cockpit which I needed as the bikes run small without it). I still can’t get over how much faster I climb now. Not only did I keep up with my brother, who is 30lbs lighter than me, on a long climb on Sunday, but I actually was able to sprint around him and beat him to the top (which has never happened before)! With regards to the looks, it is much cooler in person, and a huge hit with everyone that sees it. If you ride it, be prepared to answer lots of questions and feel like a celebrity.