Margriet Kloppenburg’s Bergamont Prime CX Team cyclocross bike. © Cyclocross Magazine
Based in Hamburg, Germany, Bergamont Cycles is a name that many here in the US may not have come across before. The manufacturer traces its origins to a small bicycle repair shop in Hamburg over twenty years ago, but now produces a wide array of bikes across cycling’s disciplines, everything from full suspension mountain bikes to E-Bikes.
We spotted this Bergamont Prime CX Team bike at the 2014 edition of the Qiansen Trophy race, which was being piloted by Margriet Kloppenburg of Denmark.
In 2013 Kloppenburg won the inaugural Qiansen Trophy race, the first ever UCI cyclocross race to be held in China. This year she came back to take third in the second edition of the event.
Bergamont’s frames are no longer built in Germany, but come with a carbon multiconnect design. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Bergamont frames are proudly designed in Germany. Much like the front-end design of Giant cyclocross bicycles, the Bergamont has a noticeably tapered headtube, a system they call THT, which they claim increases stability, stiffness and steering precision in their frames.
The joints of the monocoque assembled frames are “subjected to the most extreme tests,” to use their words, in a process that aids what they call a carbon multiconnect design. The goal is an equal distribution of force where the impacts are most likely going to affect the frame, especially in areas like the headtube area and bottom bracket shell. This is combined with oval shaped seatstays that allow vertical flex under rough terrain and impacts, adding to the overall comfort of the ride.
SRAM hydraulic brake levers are unmistakable. © Cyclocross Magazine
Kloppenburg’s Prime CX Team is equipped with SRAM S-700 11-speed hydraulic shifters that control the Rival front, and Red rear derailleurs, while braking is done via fork and seatstay mounted S-700 hydraulic brakes. The levers are yet another example of the move away from top-level athletes exclusively using top level equipment, which has been a major trend throughout all of the 2014-15 season. The guts of the SRAM S-700 are identical to those of the SRAM Red levers, although they come with added weight.
While many of the pros use more expensive tires, we saw Tufo Flexus Dry Plus tires mounted up to DT Swiss RC 38 Spline T wheels. The fast tread of the Dry Plus suited the late August conditions. For the working rider on a budget, Tufo offers a standard Dry Plus at a claimed weight of 370g. The Flexus model shaves 30g per tire, due in part to the higher thread count, which goes from 60tpi to 210tpi on the sidewall.
DT Swiss RC 38 Spline T wheels weigh in at a claimed 1325g for the set. © Cyclocross Magazine
If you were wondering, Kloppenburg didn’t make the long trip without a contingent plan. We also spotted a second set of wheels, sporting Tufo’s Primus all-around tread tire in case the weather took a turn for the worse.
The DT Swiss RC 38 Spline T Disc wheels are tubular carbon models weighing in at a claimed 1325g for a set. The wheels are suitable for cyclocross, and designed with an all-around use of road riding in mind as well. the DT aerolight spokes are straightpull to DT’s splined hub design, and are of course double cross for front and rear wheels (for those still using cantilever frames, a radial 20 spoke front wheel is also an option).
Kloppenburg’s Bergamont Prime CX Team cyclocross bike is complimented with the S-Series Calipers. © Cyclocross Magazine
While Kloppenburg’s bike is set up for disc brakes, the option exists for inserting cantilever bosses. There is also ample clearance at the rear seatstay bridge to avoid mud accumulation, especially when using 33mm or narrower tires.
The Bergamont Prime CX Team bike gives you the option for a traditional cantilever setup. © Cyclocross Magazine
Not long after returning to Belgium from the Qiansen Trophy race, Kloppenburg was given the order to take time off the bike. Lab results apparently indicated low red and white blood cell count among other factors which led to the prescription. Read more on Kloppenberg’s site.
Despite the time off, we expect to see Kloppenberg back in action. Follow her progress on her blog and twitter page.
Margriet Kloppenburg early in the season, but lately needing to take time off the bike. © Cyclocross Magazine
Margriet Kloppenburg’s Bergamont Prime CX Team Highlights:
Frame: Bergamont Prime CX Team
Shifters: SRAM S-700 Hydraulic
Front Derailleur: SRAM Rival
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Red
Cranks: SRAM Red
Pedals: Crank Brothers Candy 3
Wheels: DT Swiss RC 38 Spline T Disc
Tires: Tufo Flexus Dry Plus & Primus Tubulars
Brakes: SRAM S-700 Hydraulic
Saddle: Fizik Arione
Handlebars: Easton EA-70
MSRP: 2,199 Euros (built with full Rival and stock ALEX CDX26 wheels)
More information: bergamont.de
