The Slovakian company BME Design launched a real challenge in the bicycle world with their limited edition B-9 NH Urban Stealth single speed bike.
The carbon fibre frame is matte black, giving an overall impression of being a precision machine with a mission. According to BME’s founder Braňo Mereš, it was inspired by the look of Lockheed’s F-117 stealth attack aircraft.
Each B-9 NH Urban Stealth bicycle is handmade with the frame, fork one-piece stem handlebar and saddle made of carbon fibre.
The choice of material is highly important as carbon fibre is an extremely strong and light fibre-reinforced plastic made from carbon filaments and a binding polymer. Carbon fibre is ideal when a high strength-to-weight ratio is required, such as in aerospace and automotive applications. With BME’s design, the carbon fibre technology makes its definite mark in the bicycle world. Cranks and other metal parts are CNC-machined from a 7075-aluminium alloy.
The B-9 NH Urban Stealth bicycle is designed for tough use and demanding environments. It comes with a security system from atomic22. Due to the design and choice of materials, the bicycle is almost maintenance-free. The carbon belt drive requires no greasing and is lighter and quieter than a metal chain. It also lasts much longer.
The size of the bicycle is suitable for body heights of 175-185 cm and inseam length of 82-86 cm. The stand-over height is 80.5 cm. The total weight of the B-9 NH Urban Stealth bicycle is only 8.8 kg!
A pre-production series of B-9 NH was made for testing. All parts passed the tests by the accredited Engineering Test Institutes in Czech Republic and fulfils the EN 14764:2006 standard.
Only one hundred B-9 NH Urban Stealth bicycles will be made, as it is a hand built limited edition. They are all built by Braňo Mereš himself in Slovakia in the European Union, and can be personalized to the individual customer.
BME Design is based in Bratislava, Slovakia in Europe. The founder Braňo Mereš began building bicycles in 2001, exploring the possibilities of carbon composites. Mereš has both a M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering; hence he is an expert on empirical analysis of mechanical structures, material technology, development and creative construction methods in the bicycle world.
