SA's Silverback 2012 range raising eyebrows internationally

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Saturday, 01 October 2011 00:00

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Silverback 2012 taking the world by Storm

by Gauteng sport scientist Ryan Hodierne

THE LATEST ARRIVALS to Silverback’s 2012 model platform of 54 bicycle options, ranging from entry level to hardcore performance machines include their latest hard tail Storm 29er, the dual suspension Mercury mountain bike and the sleek looking commuter bike, the Starke.

On 1 October 2011, Silverback launched their new trendy and racy looking range for 2012 at the posh “Venue” in Melrose Arch Johannesberg. Proceedings started with the founder of Silverback welcoming all the launch attendees… he must be the most passionate speaker I have ever heard speak. “We are working at doing less, better,” said Silverback founder and CEO, Deon Retief. “We have moved away from accessories and are focusing on bicycles. Next year we’ll have fewer models, but will spend more time on ensuring each is exquisite!”

Much was spoken about Silverback’s new ideas in broadening their horizon’s both on the local and international scene and their mark of quality service they have become renowned for. Being a proudly South African brand, Silverback’s priority lies with pleasing the local market with a great quality, value for money product with unbeatable service delivery… and by the sounds of it, they have done just that to date.

The launch show-stopper was Silverback’s very own hard tail Storm 29er. It was designed from scratch and put through its paces in testing, to produce what they regard as the heir to the throne in the 29er market. The colour scheme that includes a mat and gloss finish looks super fast, the components include the very latest accessories from Shimano. The flowing frame design is precise and looks great in dimension. The Storm could very likely be the next best thing to line up at the big races across the country and possibly even the globe.

On the dual suspension side of the market, they have their latest Mercury range. The frame is very competitive in the weight category coming in at 12kg (Mercury 1) with a great component spec from Shimano. The IDS suspension of 2012 has evolved from the original system to further improve the rider's experience. The suspension is laterally rigid, mainly because of its pivot arrangement to ensure the rider can steer the bike accurately with little deflection in the intended path, ensuring accurate handling in all terrains.

Commuter bicycles and city cruisers are becoming ever popular amongst scholars, students and young professionals alike, this primarily due to them seeking to maintain good health and fitness and do their part for the environment by going green. With Silverback’s new Starke commuter bike in the city dynamics category, enthusiasts can literally go green, as green is one of the colour choices for this eco friendly mode of transport. The Starke 1 and 2 include a USB port that is charged by the in built dynamo hub that can work with any low voltage USB devices including IPhones and IPods. It is kitted with hydraulic disc brakes and can move up to speeds in excess of 32km/h for 1.5hours with its integrated motor technology. As they say, CO2 emissions = 0% but coolness = 100%.

The new range of road bikes includes the Space being the top of the range and the Strela, more of an entry level bike. Their time trial Prodigy looks race ready for time trial specific events as well as for the ever strengthening triathlon fraternity. The Space is specced with Shimano Dura Ace components and weighs in on the limit of 6.9kg. For the Prodigy, Shimano’s Ultegra keeps it moving forward fast, with a super aerodynamic design complimented by the Shimano RS80 deep section (50mm) wheel set. The Prodigy 1.0 weighs in at a mere 8.4kg.

Silverback 2012 looks set to hit the market by Storm, and not only with the Storm 29er. They maintain their promise of value for money, with a top quality product and their well known expertise in customer service delivery. The 54 bicycle choices in their 2012 model platform are all rebuilt and redesigned with bicycle enthusiasts of all kinds kept in mind. I strongly suggest you get to your local dealer for a test ride before Christmas.

Check out their 2012 model platform overview at www.silverback.co.za