Marcus Storck has always been one to boldly state his opinion on bike design through his bikes. Storck Bicycles started in 1995 during the introduction of lightweight carbon frames, and was one of the design leaders with a sub-1000 gram frame. Storck Bicycles disappeared from US markets in the early part of this decade, but returned in 2014, introducing the T.I.X.
Storck’s flagship TIX Platinum G-1 is equipped with a Shimano Ultegra 6870 Di2 drivetrain with R785 hydraulic disc brakes. It has clearance for 42mm tires with a frame weight of 890 grams.
Marcus Storck was at Interbike 2016 to show off his TIX, admitting that T.I.X., which stands for “This Is Cross”, is a bold statement. Considering its introduction in 2014 with a design that stressed compliance, at a time when carbon cyclocross frames were coming out stiffer than ever, Storck’s 3:1 vertical to lateral flex by design was smart thinking. Now with the wide tire, low pressure movement for better speed off-pavement (and even on), you could almost say Marcus Storck was ahead of the game again. Even Storck’s handlebar is designed to offer more downward flex for compliance over rough surfaces, with more stiffness upward to resist the pull of a strong effort from the rider.
When the TIX came in 2014, it was already thru-axle, however with Storck’s boldness, it is 135 X 9mm rear and 100 X 10mm front, Storck himself saying that the 12 and 15mm standards that exist are overkill for thru-axle in road, ’cross and gravel. Despite present compatibility issues, he has wheel manufacturers in Europe already on board, DT Swiss and Lightweight Wheels to name a few—just don’t expect neutral support to have a wheel for you.
Post mount caliper with a 160mm rotor without an adaptor. © Clifford Lee
The flagship TIX Platinum G-1 was shown at Interbike 2016 with a full complement of Ultegra 6870 Di2 R785 hydraulic. It was outfitted with 160mm RT99 rotors on the front and rear with post mounted calipers. The rear caliper had no adaptor for the 160mm rotor indicating minimum rotor size is 160mm. Storck told us the TIX has clearance for 42mm tires with a frame as light as 890 grams. The bike on display is 7.3kg (16.1 lbs) complete.
The Storck TIX is engineered and designed in Germany but manufactured by partners under Storck’s strict scrutiny in Asia.
Storck designed fork, bar and stem. The former with more flex downward than upward. © Clifford Lee
The Storck TIX Platinum G-1 is the flagship and is $3799 USD for the frame and fork, as equipped $7148 USD. It is also available as a Pro, Comp, or Aluminum model, the former two differing in carbon layup, finish and frame weight.
Stay tuned for our full review of this redesigned model.
More info: Storckworld.com
See our still-growing collection of new product news from Interbike 2016 here.
2017 Storck TIX Platinum G-1 Photo Gallery:
Storck TIX wearing front and rear 160mm disc rotors. © Clifford Lee
