May 9, 2008 --
Press Release: Scott Bicycles announced today their plans to debut the new Plasma2 TT/Triathlon bike at this year’s Giro, D’ Italia. Riccardo Ricco, the young team leader for Saunier Duval – Scott at the Giro, will be on the new bike. The Plasma2 is an evolution of the original Plasma, drawing upon the years of R&D conducted since its release. Scott engineers relied on input from professional cyclists on Team Saunier Duval – Prodir along with data acquired from wind tunnel testing to improve the design. Scott has also made dramatic improvements in their carbon processes since inventing the “tube to tube” style construction introduced with the CR1.
Scott has further developed and improved their carbon processes, resulting in an entirely new method of maximizing carbon material called IMP™ (Integrated Molding Process). The first bikes to feature IMP™ were the Addict and Spark models, both category weight leaders in 2007. This process allows Scott engineers to optimize the use of material in critical areas of the frameset using shape, thickness and a unique blend of carbon called HMX™ (High Modulus Xtreme) to save precious weight while maintaining the integrity of each layer of carbon fibre. The CR1 process was a turning point for carbon bicycle construction as it managed each layer during the process in regards to tension in the fibres, bias of the material and preventing folds and voids in the carbon. The Plasma2 features IMP5™; in this new and sophisticated process the individual top, head, down and seat tubes along with a portion of the chain stays are created in one step. The Twin Turbo™ chain stays are tucked away from the often-turbulent bottom bracket area, resulting in a very clean aero profile and less drag. The Plasma2 represents a 20% decrease in overall drag in the wind tunnel, while retaining it’s lightweight competitive edge. The Plasma2’s Shelter127™ wheel coverage provides an increased area of protection and cause the bike to be more slippery and aero in a headwind. Another quality of the bike is the SDS seat stays which are much more compliant than standard aero tubing stays, resulting in reduced fatigue over the course of a TT or triathlon split.
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THE NEW PLASMAIMP5 – An advancement of Scott’s carbon expertise, constructing the 5 tubes in the fuselage in one step
Shelter127SM – total 127° of seamless wind coverage (rear: 80° + front: 47°)
Super narrow tube profiles – guarantees a maximum of aerodynamic characteristics by reducing width
Integrated fork and fuselage – Aerodynamically shaped, when paired the unit channels air flow cleanly
Speed SkegSM – Innovative and aerodynamic BB design add wheel protection on a leading edge of the frame
TwinTurboSM aero carbon chain stays – Hidden behind the BB shell, the stays create no drag
Completely internal cable routing – With aero entry and exit points, designed to let the tubes stay aero
