The brand Aurum does not represent exclusively the bicycles of the boys of the Team Eolo-Kometa, but it is first of all a set of ideas that have taken shape. We don't see them much around now, but behind it there is a brand development project that should not be underestimated.
One step at a time, because nothing should be left to chance. Aurum is the brand of Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso, so we asked the champion from Varese a few questions.
Where and how are Aurum bicycles born?
Aurum bicycles are born mainly from Alberto's (Contador, ed.) ideasHe was not only a great champion, but he is still someone who seeks the maximum and technical perfection, precise and meticulous. For engineers who have to develop a bicycle it is a sort of bête noire. I did my part, considering that the requests and needs of the two profiles are very, very different.
What was the result?
By and large we have given shape to many ideas, to a passion and the result is a mix with a high technical rate. As Aurum we have an office in Taiwan, where our production is also located.
Where does design find inspiration?
Starting from the assumption that Aurum are not open-molds, but are exclusive productions, designed and engineered by us, the will was to create a bicycle with clean shapes, almost essential. There was no other bike model that inspired us, but we certainly tried in every way to reconciling elegance with efficiency.
How long did it take to get to the bike we see today equipped with the guys from Team Eolo-Kometa?
Two years. The first two frames were black, in sizes 54 and 56, with disc brakes. The bicycles were Alberto's and mine respectively., from here we started a series of tests.
The next step?
Immediately after, however before proceeding with the actual production, they arrived 40 frame-kits for 40 riders/testers, of all categories, from juniors up to the prosDifferent sizes and different characteristics, from sprinters to the lightest climbers. All these tests completed the bench testing process.
After this multitude of tests, did you request any changes to the project?
The two symbolic models of Aurum, la Magma and the essence has remained substantially the same, just a few small changes to the details. When we started production, we were confident the product was top-notch.
The brand has gained considerable visibility thanks to the team, yet the bikes are hard to find, at least here in Europe. What could be the reason?
We have focused on online sales and distribution right from the start, also considering a certain maturity of sales through the network and thanks to Contador we started from SpainBut the policy of taking one step at a time is something that belongs to us. That's why the Aurum project must grow gradually.
Have you identified your next steps?
We have set ourselves goals, that's clear, but it's also true that Our current production capacity would not allow us to meet large requests. This factor goes hand in hand with a quality that does not want to be sacrificed.
Then?
We want be credible and increase Aurum's credibility without haste. A gradual growth path, just like a rider does before becoming a champion.
Is there a future marketing and growth plan?
Absolutely. But from now on for Aurum bicycles every race, demonstration and event is an exhibition of the brandEvery rider is a sort of ambassador.
What events are we talking about?
For example la Mallorca312 , Alberto Contador GranfondoEvent support must also provide a comprehensive, high-quality image; it must not simply be a randomly displayed flag.
And what about a new platform and a new model?
It will be an important novelty in a short time and even in this case it will not be a banal bicycle.
