High-tech Protons with Two Wheels
When Proton was set up, its mission was not just to make Malaysian cars but also to help in advancing other Malaysian industries technologically as the country progressed towards the Vision 2020 goal of being an industrialized nation. Towards this end, many of the technologies used in automobile development have been progressively transferred to other sectors of Malaysian industry and one area which has already benefited is in high-tech bicycles.
Since the late 1990s, Proton has been collaborating with EP Manufacturing (which supplies components to Proton and Perodua) in the development of high-tech bicycles, some of which are suitable for competition. The innovative technology employed has won the company’s products major design awards overseas and most also have British (BSI) and German (TUV) certifications.
Though EP Manufacturing’s core business is in the application of engineering plastic technologies, it has been steadily building up its bicycle business too and has penetrated even the US market where its EP-X bicycle line has been well received by enthusiasts.
Today, the company and its distributor Proton Edar, officially launched its new T-Bike series which comprises the T-Sprint high-performance road-racer and the T-Bolt mountain bike. The high-tech feature in these bikes is the use of state-of-the-art carbonfibre frames which make them extremely light.
While titanium is another exotic material used in specialized bikes, carbon epoxy fibre composite delivers the most shock-absorbent ride of any of the frame materials (the most common being high-tensile steel). Although it’s not shock absorbing like a suspension, it diffuses the vibrations that are sent through it.
EP Manufacturing’s expertise in engineering plastics plus Proton’s advanced design capabilities have meant that the more advanced method of frame construction –monocoque – is used. Unlike the other fabricating technique used with carbonfibre which is lugged, either using aluminium lugs or special lugs also made of carbonfibre, a monocoque frame is molded in a single piece (like a passenger car’s). Because the material is laid up by hand, the fibres can be directionally positioned to decrease vibration and increase torque stresses.
The only thing about this approach is that such frames are not quite as stiff as some steel and most aluminium frames. Nevertheless, enthusiasts consider them highly desirable because of their light weight and smoothness – and virtually no corrosion. In fact, carbonfibre frames are so lasting that the T-Bike frames come with a 5-year warranty against workmanship and material defects (not transferable to subsequent owners after first owner).
Due to the different surfaces and conditions each bike will encounter, there are some differences in design between the T-Sprint and T-Bolt. While the T-Sprint is used on smooth roads and requires less additional shock absorption, the T-Bolt has a shock absorbing front fork (alloy steerer) and a monoshock as well as a tough but light alloy swingarm. The T-Sprint’s framework is entirely of carbonfibre, apart from the handlebar and saddle support.
The crux of bicycle design is in the frame which is EP Manufacturing’s forte while the other components such as the gear sets, brakes, pedals, etc are taken from other companies which specialize in such things. As would be expected, the top names are found on the T-Bikes: Shimano, Alex, Tektro, Kalloy, Joytech, SRAM and Velo.
Prices for the T-Bolt start at RM2,700 while the T-Sprint costs RM3,750. For a limited period, Proton Edar will be selling them at special offer prices which are a few hundred ringgit lower. They are available at selected Proton Edar branches nationwide as well as certain bicycle dealers.
Speaking at the launch of the new bicycle, Proton Edar CEO Datuk Maruan Mohd Said said that the company’s venture into lifestyle products such as the T-Bikes is to encourage the development of Malaysian sports and support a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians. “We are confident that the youth of Malaysia will take this friendly encouragement to sharpen their skills and enhance our country’s image in the international sports scene,” he said.
