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While browsing social media, I encountered one of the craziest and most futuristic bikes I’ve ever seen. Incolor Intropy Spectre is a triathlon bike concept that looks like a bicycle from a different world. But does its design even make sense? Let’s take a look.
Rethinking the Head Tube
The head tube is a fixed component on traditional bikes. But the team at Incolor asked a question: Why must a bike have a head tube at all? After extensive experimentation, they minimized it, and then they went a step further: They eliminated it entirely.
By splitting the head tube assembly into two separate modules, one above and one below, the design allows the frame to sit completely behind the handlebars. This bold move removes the head tube zone altogether, freeing the design from conventional constraints.
However, the following pictures suggest that the bike has a larger frontal area than traditional triathlon or TT bikes. So, this version of the bike should create more drag and be slower. This is not the desired design in races where split seconds can decide the winner.
A Split-Frame Innovation
The frame itself is split into two fully independent zones: upper and lower. This structure challenges the limitations of existing materials and manufacturing technologies. Although hard to produce with today’s tools, it opens the door for what might come.
In conventional designs, the rear frame flares outward to fit the cassette, which increases drag. The Intropy Spectre addresses this by using a two-plate structure for the down tube. These plates hug the drivetrain closely, reducing the rear frame’s flare and minimizing aerodynamic drag.
The central area between the plates is just 30mm high—barely enough to fit Shimano’s 24mm spindle—but it’s precisely engineered to do so. Even the oversized axle fits neatly within the plate structure.
According to Incolor, the dual-plate structure improves aerodynamics and enhances flow around the rider’s legs, smoothing the airflow and reducing resistance. Well, I will believe this once I see wind tunnel data! Additionally, the “top tube” seems to be too wide. I think pedaling from the saddle will be almost impossible, and knee strikes to the frame will be quite common. After all, a lot of people already have this problem when the top frame tube is too wide.
The copy in the images also suggests that the wing-like plates could move like aircraft control surfaces. They might one day function as dynamic aerodynamic elements, actively adjusting to conditions for maximum efficiency. In other words, if there is a strong crosswind, they could tilt to reduce the drag. This sounds pretty cool, but I doubt this feature will ever be allowed in cycling.
From Concept to Reality?
The Intropy Spectre reminds me of the SAVA Dreammaker, which I saw at Eurobike in 2023. I like that Chinese bicycle brands try to push the boundaries and come up with bold ideas. It’s not that long when I informed you about the Incolor Intropy Speedster, a road bike frame which looks elegant and should be super aero.
However, the Spectre seems far away from being a production bike—or maybe not. Incolor should unveil a new product launch at the Shanghai bike show in May, so maybe it’s not that far from reality. Stay tuned for more info, and make sure to join my Facebook group where we discuss everything about Chinese carbon.
