Originally designed with the cobble-ridden spring classic races in mind, the Pulsium 600's carbon frame has prioritised rider comfort with a whole new approach. Their SAT (Shock Absorption Technology) design has placed an elastomer at the junction between the top and seat tubes, isolating - to a degree - road buzz and small impacts from the rider. Shimano Ultegra components keep everything moving, while Zipp deliver the bar and stem and Mavic the Aksium wheels.
Although quite an unnerving concept, the top tube is split into two as it reaches the seat tube. The top is a flat carbon piece, while the bottom is split with an elastomer bridge. The theory is the top part will flex while the bottom will provide the spring and damping motion. Of course only carbon could be trusted to do this with no concerns for fatigue strength, and the result is pretty eye opening.
If you are expecting the plush travel of mountain bike suspension you will be disappointed, but the subtle removal of small stones and imperfections in the road is quite liberating over a long haul. It doesn't remove it altogether, simply dulling it to the point it isn't as wearing.
Stepping on the pedals it is quickly clear that power transfer hasn't been adversely affected either, with what feels like every drop of drive going straight to the wheels with little flex. This is helped greatly by the top notch Ultegra groupset quietly getting on with the job.
An excellent innovative road bike then, with long ride capabilities far beyond simply building some compliance into a frame. It feels like it gets the best of both worlds, and we wouldn't hesitate to lift the Pulsium 600 if the call of an all dayer is to be answered.
