New Delhi: TI Cycles of India, the leading bicycle manufacturer, part of the USD 3.8 billion Murugappa Group, today announced – India’s leading F1 Racer, Karun Chandhok as their official brand ambassador for Montra. Faster, lighter and stronger than any cycle ever created in India, Montra is the first international standard carbon bike designed and manufactured ingeniously. It was launched in March this year and was designed and created on par with international performance biking standards.

Speaking to media persons while making the announcement, Rajesh Mani, General Manager, TI Cycles of India said, “We are delighted to have Karun Chandhok as our brand ambassador for Montra. In an effort to establish an instant connect between Montra and the Indian masses; Karun Chandhok was the perfect fit. There is a strong connect between the product and its brand ambassador, with both being at the forefront of sports and technology. Karun is one of India’s finest racers and we couldn’t find a better fit for India’s finest bicycle. Moreover, Karun himself is an avid cyclist and cycling is part of his rigorous fitness regime. The Montra brand is very important and close to us at TI cycles. We are proud to be the first Indian company to design and manufacture world-class performance bikes and now, carbon framed bicycles.”

On the occasion of the F1 Grand Prix, TI Cycles also organized a Montra ride with the participation of Karun Chandhok.  The 40 km ride and gave cycling enthusiasts a lifetime opportunity to ride with of India’s finest F1 racer on superior Montra bicycles. The ride was open to all and it also gave a chance to experience the speed and thrill of test riding the range of Montra bicycles.

Commenting on the event, Karun Chandhok said, “TI Cycles has always been at the forefront of innovation in cycling and I am happy to be associated with them. Montra is a brand that reflects  world class performance bicycles, made  in India. I often ride a bicycle to stay fit and found the Montra to be a very comfortable ride. The light weight frame allows for higher speeds and I am glad TI has been able to achieve this technology marvel. I look forward to a long term partnership with TI Cycles where we can jointly build the sport in India”

“While F1 as a sport is growing in India, there is a perceptible rise in cycling enthusiasts, and TI Cycles is trying to leverage this trend, both from the fitness perspective and as a sport. A brand ambassador will help build a closer connect with audiences on the advantages of cycling to stay fit, youthful and enjoy the outdoors, while keeping it pollution free”, Mr Mani added.

The new range of Montra bikes has the following special features:

Available in 2 variants currently:

Montra Techno with a complete Carbon bicycle with 10 speeds a superlight bike with superior performance on road- costing Rs.71,000

Montra Jazz with an alloy frame with an alu-carbon fork and straight handle bar, 8 speeds for city roadies- costing Rs.25,800

3 more variants are expected in the next 6 months

The Montra Techno frame is made of T700 Carbon, an advanced composite material (ACM) used in high performance vehicles such F1 cars, motorbikes and airplanes. Carbon fibre has 1/4th the density of steel but offers superior mechanical resistance characteristics in spite of its light weight.

The frame of the Montra Techno has a carbon fibre monocoque design. It is a single mould,strengthened by its hollow shell. The frame has a topologically optimised design (TOD) which allows for better speed.

The frames also have increased stiffness and vibration absorption features as demanded by the Indian riding conditions.

Montra uses Flat Bead Technology (FBT), a process that removes bead ripples that are usually the result of a TIG welding process. The welding beads are made flat in two consecutive steps thus reducing disruptions to a minimum. It improves aesthetics without compromising on the weld strength.

The Montra Techno uses SRAM Rival technology with tried-and-true competition proven design, while Montra Jazz uses internationally acclaimed Shimano technology.

The design and bikes have undergone extensive and demanding quality tests. Prototype was road tested for over 2000km before design was cleared

More details can be found at www.montra.in