A look at the BH G4, a replica of the bikes AG2R will ride in California.
- By Zack Vestal
- Published Feb. 12, 2009
- Updated Aug. 4, 2010 at 4:42 PM UTC
In advance of the Amgen Tour of California, BH Bikes has created an AG2R-La Mondiale team replica G4. Sporting the same component group and paint job as the bikes ridden by the team, this promises to help push the BH brand toward broader recognition in the U.S. Fittingly, this season marks the 100th anniversary of the Spanish company.
The BH G4 uses carbon nanotube technology, an integrated seat mast, one-piece monocoque construction, and a sloping top tube design to achieve a claimed frame weight of 865 grams in a size 54 cm. A unusual channel on the underside of the downtube shelters the shifter cables aerodynamically, and also adds stiffness and strength to the front triangle.
BH touts this lightweight frame as being race-proven in the mountains of the 2008 Tour de France, with AG2R rider Cyril Dessel’s victory on stage 16. Additional wins by sprinter Rinaldo Nocentini attest to the G4’s stiffness and stability. The team will be bringing Dessel and Nocentini to race the Tour of California.
The AG2R-La Mondiale team uses Mavic R-SYS wheels; FSA cranks, stem, handlebar, and brakes; Campagnolo Super Record shifters, chain and derailleur; Michelin tires, and Prologo saddles. All of these component choices are reflected on the new team replica model.
The company has yet to set a price for the limited edition replica bike. The G4 frame and fork retail for $2999.
AG2R-La Mondiale in the Tour of California
As a modest French team without any recognizable stars to impress U.S. fans, AG2R would seem an odd inclusion to the California start list. Adam Vincent, sales and marketing manager for BH Bikes USA, points out that AG2R was the second-ranked team in the 2008 Tour de France, and is an especially class act among ProTour teams.
Vincent Lavenue, AG2R team director said, “The Tour of California is very important for our team. We decided to have a great team there, with leaders like Dessel and Tadej Valjavec, because we think Tour of California is the best race to begin our spring campaign.” The Tour of California features a course profile similar to that of Paris-Nice, which Lavenue has goals of winning.
BH Bikes USA, along with team co-sponsors FSA and Prologo, made a big push with TOC organizers to include AG2R in the 2009 edition. Vincent points out that AG2R brings an international flavor to the race, along with the legitimacy of big-name sponsors. BH Bikes USA is only in its second year of operation, but BH is one of Europe’s oldest brands. Vincent will be using the team’s presence in California to help the brand continue growth and momentum in the U.S. market.
Check back this weekend for detailed tech reporting on the bikes of AG2R and other teams from the Tour of California.
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FILED UNDER: Amgen Tour of California / Bikes and Tech TAGS: Amgen Tour of California
Zack Vestal
Zack joined VeloNews in 2009, bringing 15 years of industry experience to the Tech Editor position. Most recently manager and mechanic for the Trek-VW mountain bike team (2004-08), he has an unused geology degree from Whitman College (and a well-worn Ph.D. from the school of hard knocks). Vestal covers the latest in cycling gear online, and brings in-depth perspective to the magazine.