Foundry Harrow B1, 2015 graphics and partial build. Note the single chainring and new DT Swiss R24 Spline Disc Brake wheels with 350 hubs. © Cyclocross Magazine
Foundry Cycles is a young brand by any standard, started less than three years ago and already having three different cyclocross models hit the race course in the form of the cantilever brake Auger, the disc brake Auger (reviewed in Issue 19), and the thru axle fork, disc brake Harrow (reviewed in detail in Issue 23). In addition to sleek black carbon that gives it a stealthy appearance regardless of the iteration, what we noticed first was that Foundry, a QBP-owned company, was one of the first to embrace the thru-axle-on-’cross bike concept.
The bikes started out as understated alternatives to the flashy, colorful, logo-covered European options, and the look, function and pricing of the carbon bikes attracted plenty of racers. The bikes have a winning history, as well, from Mackenzie Woodring’s win at the Barry Roubaix gravel race last year (see the bike profile of her Foundry Auger here) to Tim Allen’s singlespeed Foundry that rode him to victory at Nationals this year.
Now Foundry has some name recognition, and has realized its name has some appeal. For 2015, you’ll see new graphics and bolder branding on the Foundry cyclocross bikes.
We had a look at an early version of the Foundry Cycles’ top-shelf 2015 Harrow B1 at Frost Bike. Given that it’s only February, it’s hard to believe we’re already looking at a 2015 model, but the production models won’t be available until this summer when the final build components are ready.
From what we saw, the 2015 Harrow B1 will appeal to serious cyclocross racers, with a parts spec that leans more towards cyclocross racing than adventure riding or gravel grinders. Foundry Cycles still makes the Auger, and is positioning that bike more for the gravel crowd.
Foundry Cycles showed their 2014 Harrow B1 with a single Wolf Tooth wide-narrow chainring but emphasized it was not exactly to spec. We’ll assume that means CX1 may be in the works. © Cyclocross Magazine
The most noticeable spec on the early Harrow B1 build we saw was the single 42t Wolf Tooth chainring with its alternating wide/narrow teeth for chain security. Will Foundry Cycles pick the Minnesota-based Wolf Tooth for its OE spec and offer the bike with a single ring? The build also featured a standard, RED 22 rear derailleur, without any type of clutch-based cage. While Foundry’s Matt Larson emphasized the build shown was not fully accurate to the planned production spec, he did say the 2015 Harrow B1 drops in price because of the simpler build. We interpret that to mean the final drivetrain will be the long-rumored CX1 single ring 1×11 setup. Last year’s SRAM Red-equipped Harrow B1 build was $4195, and this year’s bike is targeted at $3399. That might imply some pricing (and equivalent level) of the upcoming SRAM CX1 drivetrain, if it indeed will be on the production model.
TRP will handle the braking, but don’t expect hydraulics here. The dual piston mechanical Spyre disc brake will keep things simple and light. 160mm rotors, front and rear will provide plenty of braking power.
Foundry Cycles 2015 B1 model will feature TRP’s dual-piston Spyre mechanical disc brake. © Cyclocross Magazine
Foundry Cycles also looks to be switching up the cockpit and wheels. FSA’s SL-K bar, stem and seatpost are replaced by Zipp’s Service Course line, and the Velocity A23 disc wheels are replaced by DT Swiss’ new R24 Spline Disc Brake wheelset, with DT Swiss’ 350 hubs. Clement’s PDX 700×33 clinchers return to keep you upright and moving forward in most conditions, while a Fi’zi:k Arione CX saddle might replace last year’s Velo saddle.
Gallery of Foundry’s New Harrow B1:
Tim Allen’s New Foundry Harrow Singlespeed
Also on display at Frostbike was Tim Allen’s brand-new, National Championship-themed Harrow singlespeed. Allen was invited to Frost Bike by Foundry Cycles, and surprised with a brand new, stars and stripes-painted Harrow, built to match his winning bike, but with plenty of upgrades.
Tim Allen’s with his new Harrow singlespeed – a gift from Foundry Cycles for his National Championship. © Cyclocross Magazine
Spinning a 36×17 with an eccentric bottom bracket, Allen took the win on a 2014 Harrow to win the men’s singlespeed title at Nationals. His old bike had some generic carbon rims and the base model Candy 1 pedals. Those are replaced by Industry Nine’s i25 disc wheelset, and the workhorse Candy 3 pedals.
Allen used the TRP HyRd hydraulic brakes paired with the singlespeed RRL levers, but now will ride the excellent Hylex hydraulic brakeset that boasts one of our favorite shape of brake levers that we’ve laid our hands on. See Allen’s winning bike profile here.
Gallery of Tim Allen’s Winning Singlespeed Harrow at Frostbike:
More info: foundrycycles.com
