Audax Frames

Audax is a branch of cycling that continues to grow, attracting riders both young and old (and many in between!) from a wide range of backgrounds. Audax events vary from 100km "Brevet Populaires" to marathons like Paris Brest Paris at 1200km. Audax events follow a route with control points that must be passed through within a minimum and maximum time limit. The bikes used for this type of event are many and varied but the commonest is in the form of a cross between a racing and touring bike often referred to as a "fast tourer" with the geometry adjusted to give a very slightly more relaxed ride than a pure racing frame. Many riders use a rear pannier rack to carry all they will need during the event as the spirit of Audax is to ride unaided. Audax bikes are seen as ideal bikes for all year round riding with their fittings for mudguards

Audax Populaire

This is our entry level Audax frame. Becoming extremely popular with the rider who wants an all year round bike, this frame has more "life" than the traditional tourer but not the "riding on a razor blade" feel of a pure race frame. The Audax Populaire is as at home in events like Paris Brest Paris as it is commuting to work every day. This model is built with Reynolds 631 tube with oversized top tube and cast seat lug. This increases the torsional rigidity of the frame which improves the handling when a load is being carried, ie it stops it twisting about. The standard designs for this frame are based on Dave's experience of the last 30 years, but if you have a requirement for a variation of the main dimensions (seat tube, top tube, seat angle) then as each frame is built individually this can be accommodated at no extra cost.

Prices

• Audax Populaire  £900

Standard Audax Frame Design Data 

These designs are the standard used on the basic frames. They are based on Dave's experience of the last 30 years of frame building and riding, and will fit "most of the people most of the time." If you have a requirement for something different then this can usually be accommodated. If you would like to know more about frame design considerations click here to read an article written by Dave Yates and published in Arrivée - the Audax UK magazine

Dave has also had a number of articles on Audax published in Cycling Weekly which you can read by clicking here

If you feel inspired to tackle an audax event you can read more about preparing for and riding randonnées of 200km and more by clicking here, where Simon Doughty (professional cycling coach and writer) provides advice.

Super Randonneur

The Super Randonneur is the audax equivalent of the Classique. This frame is based on Dave’s own audax bike he used in the 1999 Paris Brest Paris, 2000 End to End and 2001 London Edinburgh London.

Utilising the finest cast components, this frame is designed for comfort over long distances. The tube set is carefully selected at the design consultation stage and will be based around a 631 main triangle, a 525 rear triangle and Reynolds R forks. However the riders size and riding style have a large part to play in this decision process. This frame is, like the Classique series, a total custom package with any or all of the dimensions specifiable.

Dave's experience of Audax riding has played a great part in shaping the design philosophy behind these frames (sitting on a bike for 1500km is an excellent way of detecting design flaws!) You can be sure that any advice given is a result of real experience, not just talk.

Prices

• Super Randonneur 631 & Reynolds forks  £1020
• For 725 rear stays add  £75

Click here to read Dave's article on Choosing a Frame