Appalache Real

FRAME OVERVIEW

After Balfa brand had gone to UK, the original Balfa philosophy stayed in Canada, where Jerome Roy (Balfa co-founder) prepared the successor of Balfa BB7 under new name - Appalache Cycles

The Real utilises all unique Balfa's idea and solutions (see "BB7 Frame overview" for details):

High pivot suspension design with chain pulley;
"Parallel trajectory" axle path;
Aluminum front, Cr-Mo swingarm.

But it is also:

Lighter - 9.5 lbs (4320 g) with FOX DHX with titanium spring;
Lower bottom bracket, lower top tube;
Shorter chainstay and wheelbase.
A bit simplier - less complicated swingarm links and pulley location

THE DIFFERENCE

As users and reviews report, the Real maintains BB7's advantages due to similar high pivot suspension design - the frame still maintain momentum over rough impacts and has stable wheel base. However, weakest points of old design were improved - frame is lighter, shorter and lower, therefore it can be much more agile and nimble at low speeds, while still being stable at high speed.

So, you may ask, is this bike better, than BB7? Yes, it is.

See "Links" below for more information.

BALFA VS. APPALACHE GEOMETRY COMPARISON

For details about Balfa BB7 geometry go to "Geometry data" page.

	Balfa BB7 (Regular)		Appalache Real (Medium)
	Imperial (inches)	Metric (mm)	Imperial (inches)	Metric (mm)
Seat Tube length	16.6	422	15.5	393.7
Top Tube length*	23	585	23.25	590.5
Head Tube Angle	66°		66°
Seat Tube Angle	63°		69°
Chainstay Length	16.9	430	16.25	413
Wheelbase	45.2	1149	?	?
Bottom Bracket Height	15	380	14.75	375
Head Tube Height	4.6	118	4.5	114

* Appalache Real is available in two sizes:

Small - 21.75" (552.4 mm) top tube
Medium - 23.25" (590.5 mm) top tube (used for comparison)

Important note: Geometry data above is based on official website and applies for first frames made. Currently available model has slightly modified geometry.