PRINCIPIA PROPRIETARY ALUMINUM (PPA)
A modern classic. You might call it a classic Principia frame - some would venture it a classic in its own right - the Principia Aluminum frameset. Immaculate welds, virtual works of art, is the first thing the eye catches. Next, maybe the anodised surface, or stunning paint. But the real beauty of a Principia ppa frame is below the surface. The tube inserted welding - TIW, the visco milling process - VM2 & VM3, the carefully selected tubing for each size - D2S and all the small touches that make a difference: carbon friendly seat tube, UPS hanger, the elegant cable routing, the tapered steerer, the triple sealed head set, the elegantly integrated cable glider, the legendary SX geometry. Everything lines up to match the unbelievable Principia ride with unbelievable elegance and sophistication.
NEW PRINCIPIA MTB GEOMETRY
The new Principia mtb geometry is designed to accommodate the new generation of longer travel forks gaining popularity. The geometry is designed to work best with 80-100 mm travel forks. The geometry will be racing oriented with a 80 mm fork - with a steeper head tube angle. With a 100 mm travel fork the head tube angle will be around 1 degree more relaxed - a perfect fit for the longer travel fork. A new reinforcement of the down tube has also been developed for 2006. It distributes the load of the longer travel forks better to the sides of the down tube.
*Measuring Conventions
Frames with sloping top tubes have top tube lengths that are measured horizontally, from the head tube to an imaginary, extended seat tube. The amount of slope is measured as the vertical deviation from head tube to seat tube. Standover height is measured at top tube midpoint.
| Frame Size |
Seat Tube Length mm (A) |
Top Tube Length mm (B) |
BB Drop mm (C) |
Chain Stay Length mm (D) |
Wheel Base mm (E) |
Head Tube Length mm (F) |
Seat Tube Angle (G) |
Head Tube Angle (H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 414 | 552 | 38 | 425 | 1039 | 98 | 74,0 | 71,0 ° |
| M | 454 | 583 | 38 | 425 | 1063 | 107 | 73,5 ° | 71,0 ° |
| L | 495 | 612 | 37 | 425 | 1089 | 124 | 73,5 ° | 71,0 ° |
| XL | 539 | 639 | 36 | 425 | 1117 | 142 | 73,0 ° | 71,0 ° |
VISCO MILLED LEVEL 3 (VM3)
Visco Milled Level 3 is reserved for only the most perfect frames of the production line. VM3 reduces frame weight by up to 175 grams, while maintaining overall fatigue strength. VM3 is the new Formula 1 of aluminum framesets.
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UNCOMPROMISED PERFORMANCE SHIFTING (UPS)
Replaceable derailleur hangers are a gift from the heavens. Especially if you travel with your bike. Going to races, flying to the canary islands in the spring - every time you put your bike on a car rack, in the trunk, in a box or worst of all - check it onto an airline, your derailleur hanger is in severe danger. There are only so many times a hanger can be bent back into shape, very few in fact, so many years ago Principia introduced replaceable hangers on all frames. It is the least we could do for our customers.
But, to be honest the replaceable hanger also introduced some problems. Some were too weak, and would bend too easily, ruining shifting performance. The main problem though, was that the hanger was not stiff enough for precise shifting. So some other bike manufacturers have resorted to using non-replaceable hangers. This is definitely not in the best interest of the riders.
So for 2006 Principia has introduced the new UPS replaceable hanger system. The idea is simple - instead of replacing only a small and fragile hanger part, the entire dropout is bolted to the frame. Very securely by the way. The UPS solution is the best of both worlds - it has the stiffness of a one-piece dropout and hanger, but can still be replaced after African Airlines threw several 35 kg. suitcases on top of your formula one level, precision sports instrument.
An industry first for road bikes!
BRAKING OPTIONS
The new Principia MSL series feature both disc and cantilever brake mounts. So if your preference is for the lightweight porn of the traditional cantilever brake or the ultimate control of the modern disc brake, you can have it your way. And change your mind again. And again. No worries.
IT TAKES MORE THAN A FRAMESET TO MAKE A BIKE
Principia makes framesets only, but obviously no Principia frame will ever be used without being built up as a complete bike first. So, to give an impression of what the complete bikes will look like, we have built up some samples for you to enjoy while browsing the Principia frameset range. Please consult your local authorized Principia dealer for more information on a suitable build for you.
KICK THE TIRES
Want to see one in real life? Pull the brakes and kick the tyres a bit? Find an authorised dealer near you.
