share on BufferThe limited-edition 4C IFD bicycle was developed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre in collaboration with Compagnia Ducale.
The acronym IFD (standing for ‘Innovative Frame Design’) places the accent on the intensive research aimed at making the frame as light as possible.
The same principle was applied by Alfa Romeo for its latest creation, the 4C, which thanks to lightweight materials (aluminum, steel, lightened SMC and carbon fibre) and specific manufacturing processes achieves a dry weight of only 895 kg and a weight/power ratio lower than 4 kg/HP.
The structure of the 4C IDF is shaped as a simplified “4” and is inspired by the streamline style of the Alfa Romeo 4C.
The innovative “C”-shaped cross-section of the frame introduces a carbon-fibre half-tube structure.
The profiles converge dynamically towards the junctions of the handle bar, the chainset and the saddle to form structural strength points joined by steel tie-rods which enhance the special construction of the frame.
The 4C IFD bicycle is entirely crafted by hand in Italy and will be available from December 2013 starting from 3,500 euro.
(Source: Alfa Romeo)
At almost 7 kg it’s not “as light as possible”. There are some full chromoly-steel bicycles being around 8.3 kg. And with such carbon half-tubes it’s neither stiff nor beautiful.