Isaac’s Joule has been around for a while now, it was one of the first of the new generation of full carbon monocoque time trial machines. Since it’s launch the Joule has spawned a mini range with first the Joule Aerotic and now the Aerotic Pro. For 2009 the original Joule frameset has beent re-designed in the wind-tunnel (and given a new name, the Efficiency) and there are various tweaks to the Aerotic. All of Isaac’s bikes get a new resin mix (whatever carbon weave they are made from) which, say Isaac improves impact resistance across the entire range. Top model, the Aerotic Pro, is basically a 2009 bike anyway and represents something of a departure for Isaac in the methods used to design it..
Up until now Isaac have designed their bikes using a mixture of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to come up with a design and then tested and tweaked in the wind tunnel – the same approach Trek take. For 2009 though they have done things differently. The Joule Aerotic Pro was designed purely using CFD while the Efficiencey – the latest incarnation of Isaac’s original Joule frameset design, is a bike designed in the wind-tunnel. Interestingly, slightly bulbous head tube apart they are quite different looking bikes.
For 2009 the Joule Aerotic Pro is suppled with three seat clamp units giving a choice of positions and an XXS size has been added to the range. Frame, fork, headset, and clamps will cost £1,998. Claimed frame weight for the Aerotic Pro is 1380g for the small.
Sitting just below the Aerotic Pro, the Joule Aerotic gets a removable seat post for 2009 (a refinement aimed particularly at triathletes who travel with their bikes and find it tricky fitting machines with one-piece integrated seatposts into conventional bike boxes and bags). A simplifed materials spec over the Aerotiic Pro helps keep the cost in check – but both Aerotic modela are made from Ultra high modulus reinforced carbon 440 Gpa. Claimed wait for the Aerotic is 1450g for the medium and the and the 09 frame and fork package will set you back £1,599.
The Efficiency is an evolution of Isaac’s first Joule frameset and the emphasis here is on a high strength to weight ratio: claimed weight for the medium is 1250g making it much the lightest of Isaac’s aero bike range. Continuous developments over the last four seasons have included materials revisions, a new fork, internal cabling – and a revised down tube section to further improve aerodynamic performance. Apart from the bulbous headtube it is certainly a much sleeker looking machines than either of the Aerotics. That said, all of Isaac’s usual touches are in place: an Isaac monocoque fork wotj dual diameter steerer, internal cable routing, and an FSA orbit-carbon asymmetrical integrated headset. For 09 the Efficiency frame kit can be yours for £1,299. Coming soon… more TT bikes and TT trends More Isaac pics
Isaac Carbon