Mainly known for their fixies, 8bar have now branched out into the road market and we’ve duly hauled their latest offering out of its urban comfort zone and into the mountains. But does being able to make race-winning fixies translate well into a distinctive € 1,200 frame set with deep-section DT Swiss rims?
With the frame and fork tipping the scales at a claimed 1,340 g (size medium), it isn’t the lightest around but it’s certainly light enough for the odd foray into the mountains. After all, the Kronprinz hasn’t been designed as purely the reserve of the Berlin fixie scene, but it’s purported as a viable alternative for conventional road riding. So even with those very deep rims and tubular tires, who could resist a jaunt in the Alps?
Looking at the bike it’s obvious that 8bar know how to create distinctive colourways, and the Kronprinz Carbon channels their boldness with confidence. It’s a matt black frame with rectangular blocks of colour that clearly takes design cues from 8bar’s typical palette. Our pre-series test bike came sporting some scratches, but we’ve been assured that the Berlin-based brand will employ a better quality when it comes to the production bike.
The rest of the spec is promising. There’s the RRC 65 DiCUT rims from DT SWISS’s tubular model with SINC Ceramic bearings (there’s also a tubeless ready rim bed) and these are undeniably quick on the roads. Intended for fast, flat riding, these aero wheels are not ideal for the brutal climbs around Austria’s Ötztal, but that’s why 8bar offer customizing options. As Stefan Schott from 8bar explains, each of their bikes ‘is unique in their build spec, from shifters down to wheels and tires.’ Our bike came kitted out with the electronic Shimano Ultegra groupset, which we reckon will be a popular choice.
The 8bar Kronprinz Carbon in detail
Price for the frameset: €1,198.00 – €1,278.00
Total weight of our test bike: 7.1 Kg
Specs:
- UD Carbon
- aero airplane tubing
- tapered a-head set type: integrated type 1 -1/8″ – 1 -1/2″
- seat post: 27.2 mm
- seat collar: 31.8 mm
- bottom bracket: BSA / 68mm (English) or BB 30
- weight: 1.34 kg (990g frame, 350g fork)
Geometry:
| Size | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube C-T | 510 mm | 55 mm | 580 mm |
| top tube | 517 mm | 548 mm | 568 mm |
| head tube | 115 mm | 150 mm | 170 mm |
| chain stay | 406 mm | 406 mm | 406 mm |
| head tube angle | 71.5 mm | 72.5 mm | 73 mm |
| seat tube angle | 74.5 ° | 73.5 ° | 73.5 ° |
| BB drop | 70 mm | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| wheel base | 967 mm | 981 mm | 997 mm |
| head set size | 1 1/8 – 1 ½ inch | 1 1/8 – 1 ½ inch | 1 1/8 – 1 ½ inch |
| seatpost | 27.2 mm | 27.2 mm | 27.2 mm |
So what else distinguishes the Kronprinz? Well, since 8bar launched their Kronprinz Alu the brand have secured a place on the road scene, and they’re no longer confined to the single-speed peripheries. Their road-specific bikes have broad appeal, and are serving as a tool for many fixie riders to get further afield and take their bikes out of the cities, explains Schott. Competitive riders will arguably prefer a more rigid frame, but – considering the price – the Kronplatz Carbon handles really well.
Naturally coming form the fixie scene, it’d be easy to declare this bike as ‘one for the hipsters’. So if you’ve got tattoos, a moustache and enjoy drinking fancy coffee and craft beer, then maybe this is the bike for you. But for everyone else, it’s worth a test ride. Maybe you’ve got more speed in your legs than you have realized. Get your pre-orders in now.
For more information head to 8bar-bikes.com
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Jonas Kaesler Photos: Noah Haxel
