The Olympia Leader embodies the excellence of Italian craftsmanship applied to the modern racing bike: with a frame weighing only 850 grams in size 54.5 cm, it positions itself as the lightest and most versatile disc brake bike ever produced by the historic brand founded in 1893. Designed for demanding cyclists who spend long hours in the saddle, this aerodynamic all-rounder combines exceptional stiffness, long-distance comfort and cutting-edge technologies for total performance on all terrains.
High-performance carbon architecture
The Leader's monocoque frame exploits a strategic combination of three Toray carbon fibers: T1000 (high modulus) provides maximum stiffness and strength to stress areas, M40J ensures vibration absorption and necessary compliance, while T800 (intermediate modulus) harmonizes the mechanical properties of the whole. This sophisticated architecture is implemented via EPS technology with double latex mold: an internal mold in expanded polystyrene covered with latex supports the carbon fiber, then the assembly is heated, inflated and cured. Once the latex is removed, a perfectly smooth internal surface is obtained, without excess material, guaranteeing a more compact, lighter and stiffer structure with consistent performance.
Geometry and technical design
- Oversized 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" headset: massive tapered head tube offering maximum solidity, reliability and steering precision, in the spirit of time trial bikes
- Fork rake reduced to 42 mm: combined with extended trail to improve straight-line stability, facilitate high-speed cornering and eliminate shimmy effect (handlebar oscillation)
- Profiled tubes with ribs: reinforced sections at the front of the frame with integrated lateral ribs to optimize aerodynamics while maintaining structural stiffness
- Oversized asymmetric chainstays: specific architecture to support disc brake stress and efficiently transmit pedaling power
- Press Fit 86.5 mm bottom bracket: enlarged central area for optimal torsional stiffness during sprints and accelerations
- Six-size geometry (52 to 58.3 cm): extended range with reach from 365 to 409 mm and stack from 381 to 591 mm to suit all body types
Modern standards and integration
The Leader fully embraces current road bike standards: Flat Mount disc brakes with 12x100 mm front and 12x142 mm rear thru-axles guaranteeing stiffness and braking precision. Cable routing is fully internal (except for mechanical configurations where the housing remains external to the handlebar for smoother shifting), with a single entry in the upper part of the down tube simplifying all types of setup. The frame accepts tires up to 28 mm, the ideal compromise between aerodynamics and comfort for a pure racing bike.
Versatility and possible builds
- Compatible with electronic and mechanical groupsets: Shimano Dura Ace Di2, Ultegra Di2, 105 Di2, SRAM Force eTap AXS, SRAM Rival eTap AXS
- Various wheel options: from standard Miche Race DX to high-end carbon wheels Vision Metron, FSA, or Shimano depending on build
- Three color finishes: Metallic Black-Silver (sleek and elegant), Black-Dark Blue, or Black-Red as option
- Aerodynamic seatpost: Leader AeroShapes in monocoque carbon integrating the optimized shapes of the frame
Heritage and Italian manufacturing
Olympia, founded in 1893 in Milan, is the second oldest Italian bicycle manufacturer still in operation. Since 1960, under the management of the Fontana family, production takes place in the ultra-modern 4,400 m² facilities in Piove di Sacco (Padua), in Veneto. The Leader won the 2013 Design and Innovation Award at ExpoBici in Padua, recognition of the successful alliance between refined aesthetics, 3D simulation-assisted design and high technologies. This model represents the culmination of more than 130 years of experience in the service of cycling passion, from the podiums of the Giro d'Italia in the 1940s to current XCO World Cup circuits.
Performance and positioning
The Leader stands out in the premium segment of disc brake road bikes with its exceptional weight/performance ratio. Designed for cyclists who don't rely on the draft of pelotons but favor autonomy and versatility, it excels both on long endurance rides and demanding hilly routes. Its endurance-performance oriented geometry with seat tube angles between 73° and 74.5° and head tube angles between 71° and 73.5° depending on sizes offers an ideal balance between reactivity and stability. The frame effectively absorbs road vibrations thanks to the properties of M40J carbon, while remaining exemplarily stiff to transmit every watt during accelerations.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Frame material | Monocoque carbon Toray T1000 / T800 / M40J with EPS Latex technology |
| Frame weight | 850 grams (size 54.5 cm) |
| Construction technology | EPS with double latex mold - perfectly smooth internal surface |
| Fork | Leader Monocoque carbon Toray Hi Module |
| Headset | Tapered 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" (oversized) |
| Bottom bracket | Press Fit BB 86.5 mm |
| Fork rake | 42 mm (extended trail for optimal stability) |
| Braking | Flat Mount Disc Brake - 12 mm thru-axles front/rear |
| Tire clearance | Maximum 28 mm |
| Hub standards | Thru-axle 12x100 mm front / 12x142 mm rear |
| Available sizes | 52 / 53.5 / 54.5 / 55.5 / 56.5 / 58.3 cm (top tube size) |
| Cable routing | Fully internal with single entry down tube |
| Available colors | Metallic Black-Silver / Black-Dark Blue / Black-Red (option) |
| Compatible groupsets | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 / Ultegra Di2 / 105 Di2 - SRAM Force eTap AXS / Rival eTap AXS |
| Country of manufacture | Italy (assembly in Piove di Sacco, Padua) |
| Launch year | 2020 (current version) |
| Awards | ExpoBici 2013 Design and Innovation Award - ADI Design Index |
Produits alternatifs
Ces autres produits pourraient vous intéresser