Pedal Force TT2 Time Trial Frame Pro Review - By Steve Cooper

Targeting budget minded cyclists, Pedal Force has dominated the performance/value segment with frames that handle on par with bikes costing many times more. Their TT2 Triathlon/Time Trial frame, list priced at $900, is no exception. In performance terms the TT2 surrenders nothing to its higher priced brethren, and from an aesthetic perspective the TT2 is alluring and draws lots of attention at any event.

For the review, Pedal Force supplied their large 54.5 cm carbon weave frame with a mid-level component package and matching fork, seat tube clamp and teardrop seat post. At 1420 grams for the frame, 460 grams for the uncut fork and 260 grams for the seat post, there are lighter time trial frame packages but with careful component selection and a little deeper budget an ultra-light TT rig can be built.

Fully assembled, our TT2 just surpasses the 17 pound mark, very respectable for a time trial bike. With a 75.5 degree seat tube, 73.0 degree head tube, and 980 millimeters axle to axle the TT2 is a steep, triathlon/time trial specific ride. Top tube lengths match seat tube heights for the full range of frame sizes. The large frame provided enough seat post shaft length to match my road seat height to bottom bracket axle of 32.5 inches. While there is another inch of seat post above the minimum insertion point, I feel as though I’m at the outer range of the large TT2’s fit window.

Pedal Force TT2 Time Trial Bike First Impression - By Steve Cooper

• Full carbon monocoque frameset
• Triathlon/Time Trial specific geometry for 700C wheels
• 515, 525, 545 mm (c-t)
• Aerodynamic chain stay profiles for fatter disc wheels
• Ultra-slim/low head tube
• Head tube for 1-1/8” Campagnolo compatible integrated headset
• Aerodynamic tear-drop profiled seat tube and seat post
• Horizontal adjustable rear dropouts (to minimize rear tire to seat tube clearance)
• Replaceable rear hanger
• Internal cable routing (no outer cable housing needed)
• English threaded 68mm bottom bracket
• Carbon monocoque fork and steerer 1-1/8″.
• Frame/Fork/Seat post MSRP: $900.00
• Invoiced total for bike as reviewed: $2189

13. That’s how many coworkers came over to check out the fully built TT2 parked outside my office. Whether they were a cyclist or just interested in the knife edged profile, their first impressions were universal. Hyperboles, peppered with wows, oohs and aahhs. My coworkers are used to seeing test bikes, but the TT2 stood out even to those that know nothing about bikes. But when it comes to the cyclists who get what a TT or Tri bike is for, the reactions were grounded, yet dramatic approvals.

Then I’d drop the bomb and tell them how little it cost.

Lest I risk slipping into metaphors, let me cover a few working details. The TT2 is an aerodynamically sculpted, steep seated time trial/triathlon carbon weave frame with an equally slippery fork, teardrop seat tube and seat post. The 54.5 cm frame as furnished by Pedal Force weighed in at 1420 grams, the fork with full length carbon steerer weighed in at 460 grams and seat post at 260 grams. Out test frame’s geometry is time trial steep and the wheelbase short, with a 75.5 degree seat tube, a 73.0 degree head tube, spanning a crisp 980 millimeters axle to axle. Top tube lengths match seat tube heights across the size range.

Pedal Force RS2 Review - By Steve Cooper

• Semi-compact sloping top tube geometry
• Weight: 960 g (M)
• High modulus carbon monocoque
• Head tube for 1-1/8” Campagnolo Hiddenset or FSA Orbit CE compatible integrated headset
• Seat post diameter 31.6 mm
• Clamped-on front derailleur 34.9 mm
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Warranty: 5 years
• MSRP Frameset: $800

Intro:
The Urban Dictionary defines a red headed step child as “a person or group treated without the favor of birthright.” In some ways that fits the Pedal Force RS2. But lack of a pedigree is not this bike’s sole defining characteristic. Like many a hot red-head, this bike has that desirable “it” quality, and when your friends lustfully check her out on the street, just smile.

About six weeks ago, UPS delivered two suitcase sized boxes, with an extra large RS2 carbon fiber frame, an FKR8 fork, a SRAM Rival build kit, Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels and some well pedigreed components including a Ritchey WCS bar and stem, Michelin PRO3 rubber, and a Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow saddle.

Unpacking box number one, I was surprised. The frame was a looker. Sexy lines draped in vibrant gloss red and white, with carbon highlights throughout. With matching carbon fork and carbon seat post, this was clearly unexpected; honestly, I was excited.

The second box contained a SRAM rival group in retail boxes, the wheel set and skewers, handlebar, stem, Cinelli bar tape, headset, tires, tubes, rim strips, a fork expander plug and all the manufacturers’ manuals. The hook was set; I came up with some quick excuses to justify jumping into the build.

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