Audi Duo Road by Renovo
The Audi Space Frame meets hardwood, and the vehicle loses a couple of wheels in the process. These four-ringed bikes are built by Renovo, the world’s only wood-frame bike manufacturer. (We were surprised to learn that there was a wood-frame bike manufacturer.) Why use wood? It’s durable, it absorbs vibrations, it’s recyclable, and it just plain looks stunning. Plus it’s sort of light, but not quite as light as carbon-fiber or aluminum.
If a wood monocoque and Audi don’t quite mesh in your mind, the disc brakes, aluminum stays, carbon-fiber forks, and LED lighting may help put things into context. And recall that Audi is doing some pretty cool stuff with wood in its interiors, so that’s enough of a connection, right? Cables are run internally to keep the look as clean as said Audi interiors, and the wood has been selected specially to match the carmaker’s cabin offerings.
The three models in the Duo line—Road, Sport, and City—come with high-end components and prices to match. The road model (above) uses a conventional but top-of-the-line derailleur-based 20-speed setup from SRAM, which employs carbon and titanium parts to reduce weight. At $7460, it’s a bit steep, but not outrageous when you consider that a similar Renovo frame retails for around $3000 and the drivetrain components alone are another $2K.
Audi Duo Sport by Renovo
While the Road is the no-compromises lightweight model of the trio, Audi’s Duo Sport is more of a do-everything bike that’s suitable for commuting and long-distance rides. It adds LED front and rear lights and a cargo rack, and gets a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub with belt drive. Price tag: $7350.
The appropriately named City is intended for around-town use. As such, it adds fenders and has a more upright riding position. Eight speeds are available from a Shimano Nexus internal hub. It can be yours for $6530.
And no, this isn’t an April Fools’ joke.
Audi Duo City by Renovo
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