Chapter2 AO

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  • 2020

  • Product
    Sport and Lifestyle

Designed By:

  • Michael Pryde
  • Sam Allan
  • Michael Nicholls

Commissioned By:

Chapter2 Bikes

Performance Sports Limited

Designed In:

New Zealand

Highly regarded, designer, architect and racer, Michael Pryde opened the next chapter of his life with the birth of a brave new bike brand Chapter2. A growing acceptance of direct to consumer online sales within cycling gave Michael the confidence to develop a brand that would appeal around the world.


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  • CHALLENGE
  • SOLUTION
  • IMPACT
  • MORE
  • The gravel bike market is new. The challenge was to design a bike that could be ridden on-road and off-road using much wider tyres than normal, ideally with the option of two different wheel sizes. This meant a revolutionary approach to the way the frame was designed.

  • The rear triangle of the bike was designed using a dropped chain stay on the drive side of the bicycle. By lowering the chain stay the normal distance between the crankset chainrings and the the frame was no longer a limiting factor for the tyre diameter. By using this design a larger chainring can also be used. An adjustable rear drop out system was developed to enable the user to choose between a 650B or 700C wheel, giving the user greater tyre options depending on their intended use of the bike.

  • The Chapter2 AO was released at the Sea Otter Classic in the USA to much acclaim, with interest shown from around the world. The design helped position Chapter2 as a leading boutique bicycle brand able to compete with the larger industry juggernauts.

  • Able to be used for adventure riding or racing. Adjustable rear drop outs (where the rear wheel is mounted) so you can switch out wheel sizes. CNC chain guides for 1 X (single chain ring) drive trains. Multiple mounts for food and water stowage. Internal cable routing throughout and Internal Di2 battery mounted within down tube. Dropper post to give the rider more clearance when descending. Through axle wheel mount for added rigidity.