Audi of America announced it has teamed up with Renovo Hardwood Bicycles to create the duo - an Audi-inspired bicycle collection that embodies the best of both worlds: luxury and performance. The duo serves as both a work of art and a mode of transportation that blends beauty and craftsmanship with performance and technology.
As the only all-hardwood bike manufacturer in the world, the Renovo/Audi duo bicycle features a hardwood monocoque frame.
Wood is said to offer the smoothest ride of any bike frame material, thanks to its superior ability to absorb shock and vibration. Since wood's weight per cubic inch is about one-quarter that of aluminum, the duo is lighter than most bicycle frames, while offering equal or superior stiffness, durability, and toughness. Furthermore, the Audi duo is also recyclable and biodegradable.
The duo features innovative drivetrain components such as a belt drive, aluminum and carbon fiber components, disk brakes and LED lighting, as well as wood selected to match the look of Audi vehicle interiors.
Hand-made at Renovo's studio in Portland, OR, the Audi duo is available in three models to suit different cycling styles and needs, including:
• duo City - A cafe/leisure bike, urban explorer and all-weather commuter. Features include an upright position for short distances, comfort and traffic vigilance; wide puncture-resistant 32mm tires; LED lights; fenders; rack; The drivetrain features the grease-free Gates CenterTrack belt drive coupled to the Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal hub gear. Price: $6530 including shipping & handling.
• duo Sport - A fitness, long-distance all-weather commuter. The drivetrain features belt drive coupled to the Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub. Other features include drop bars for long distances; minimum fenders; medium width and puncture-resistant 28mm tires for less rolling resistance. Price: $7350.
• duo Road - A performance road bike, good for club and century rides. Features include narrow tires; no fenders; minimal accessories; and SRAM Red, compact 20-speed gear train. Price: $7460.