Btwin Ultra 900 (2018) - Review

The Btwin Ultra 9 has a Btwin Ultra Evo Dynamic frame The frame on this bicycle is made using an IM and HM carbon fibre blend, which makes for the best weight-to-speed ratio. Having been designed to be used to compete on, being lightweight is essential. This bicycle weighs a mere 7.8 kilograms (without pedals). The internal cabling points to the fact that this bicycle has been designed to be aerodynamic. This frame has been specifically designed for the most demanding climbers and sprinters.This bicycle comes equipped with a Btwin Ultra Evo Dynamic fork, which is exclusive to the Btwin Ultra Evo Dynamic frame. The fork absorbs shock felt from riding on cobblestones, and/or bumpy uneven roads, efficiently.

The Btwin Ultra 9 comes equipped with a complete Shimano 15 drivetrain. This bicycle is a beast, and tackling climbs and flat roads is a breeze when on the saddle. The compact chainset offers for crisp, seamless shifting which is pleasing when you are looking for that immediate push in power. The shifting was crisp and efficient with no evident lag. The shifting is controlled by Shimano Shifters which require the slightest click to shift.

Btwin has hit one out of the park in this department, with the Ultra 9. The colour finish and branding has been kept clean and simple which enhances the overall aesthetics of the bicycle making it look classy and sleek. The bicycle we test rode has a full-black frame, with simple, minimal branding and decals in white. The bar tape was a bright yellow, which created a great looking colour contrast. This bicycle is sure to stand out when on the road.

The Btwin Ultra 9 comes equipped with Shimano 15 brakes with a direct mount brake at the front. The braking was extremely powerful, and is great for fast-paced riders looking for powerful and reliable braking. The braking was as effective on both dry and wet terrains on the test ride. Feathered braking felt controlled and stable; however there was a slight lag in power for abrupt/sudden braking.The handlebar on this bicycle felt well designed with the right sizing dimensions that enables the rider to place their hands on the drop bar without being in an overly aggressive, strained riding position. I found the riding position extremely comfortable when I tested this bicycle out.

The Btwin Ultra 9 comes equipped with fast rolling Btwin 7X25c puncture-resist tires, on Mavic Aksium 17C wheels. The wheelset offered good stability while being fast rolling. Cornering was smooth and stable without feeling overly strained. The saddle on this bicycle is the Btwin Sport Chromo Ergonomic Saddle. I found the saddle to be quite comfortable and plush. The major plus point here is that while the saddle is slightly hard, it's ergonomic design makes it comfortable on short and long rides alike. It does not have the squishiness of many “comfort-oriented” saddles, yet it is one of the most comfortable stock saddles on a bicycle.