Test from the Axxome RR Origin: lightweight and versatile

Launched this summer, the Axxome RR is the latest evolution of the iconic best-seller from the French brand Origine Cycles. After 12 years of continuous development on the Axxome range, this RR model represents the technological pinnacle of the brand based in Somain (Northern France). Designed for mountain pass hunters and demanding cyclosportives looking for absolute performance, lightness and precision, the Axxome RR is also more technical and exclusive than its predecessors like the Axxome GTR. With a frame that is 120g lighter, it still benefits from excellent value for money compared to the competition. And it remains accessible on the route.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©Vincent Lyky

Thanks to the use of a very high-end and ultra-exclusive carbon fiber as well as a completely revised molding system, The Axxome RR frame is announced at less than 750 g in size M, 120g lighter than the Axxome GTR, while retaining the same classic lines and geometry. A great performance that allows you to consider the montagand a very light bike, like here with our bike test which benefits from the best options to lower the weight around 6,5 kg complete, or 300 g below the weight limit of the UCI regulations.

This light weight obviously influences the user's experience while riding., especially as soon as the route rises. The Axxome RR is light when it picks up speed, easy and responsive when dancing, while remaining accessible to almost all levels of riders thanks to a weight-rigidity ratio that was cleverly balanced during its design. It is certainly a great success, which demonstrates all the expertise of the engineers at Origine, even if the bike as it stands is not, in our opinion, a pure competition bike.

Technical innovations: a revolutionary triptych

At the heart of the Axxome RR's manufacturing, three major advances redefine performance standards for Origine:

• The choice of Toray M40X carbon fiber, one of the highest-end fibers available to manufacturers, which is 14% lighter than the fiber used on the Axxome GTR, without compromising durability.
• Redesigned carbon layers to optimize stress distribution, which increases lateral rigidity by 6% compared to the GTR, according to the brand.
• An innovative EPS molding process (expanded polypropylene foam) which offers a thinner and more precise internal architecture, so as to reduce the areas of superfluous resin to reduce the weight of the frame as much as possible without weakening it.

No surprise here, since Origine adopts the same optimization techniques for its highest-end models as the most prestigious brands. This is simply the first time the French firm has gone this far. The result: a very light frame, but which retains the DNA of the Axxome model, namely a classic and timeless line, a geometry with a pilot stationtage slightly raised to remain accessible to many categories of riders and versatile behavior. In terms of comfort, the Axxome RR is a little drier on the route with a lighter and slightly stiffer frame than the GTR, with a tendency to bounce a little more on bad surfaces, but it doesn't feel stiff. And above all, it is compatible with tires up to 35 mm in section, which can allow it to adapt to less committed gravel or at least to rough asphalt, while excelling on routehilly and mytagneuses.

Fully configurable

Like all bikes in the Origine range, The Axxome RR is painted and assembled in France. So, thanks to the configurator on the brand's website, the bike can be personalized in many ways, whether for colors or for equipment. From €8100 to around €10,520 with a SRAM Red groupset, new Prymahl prototype wheels weighing 1,295 g with carbon spokes (which we will tell you more about later) the bike weighs 6,56 kg in size M. It is even possible to request a THM Clavicula carbon crankset like for this bike test, to save around 200g while lightening your wallet by an additional €1500. Frankly, given the price of the option and the constraints linked to the fragility of this type of equipment, we do not recommend it.

Overall, The price of the bike is substantial but remains significantly lower than many competing bikes that are also light on the scale.. Beyond a worldtagAn exclusive bike designed to be among the leading light bikes, the Axxome RR is a balanced bike that retains the basic qualities of the GTR. While it may be a little more exclusive than the model from which it is derived and slightly less comfortable, it is the perfect machine to make you feel like you have wings.tagThis very high-end equipment only adds pleasure to the overall performance of the bike, designed here to reach the summits both literally and figuratively.

On route : rigid, but not too much

When you step onto the Origine Axxome RR, its character is immediately revealed. Thanks to its light weight, this bike is lively and light when restarting, offering very engaging responsiveness from the first accelerations.When dancing, it provides a unique feeling of lightness, as if it almost disappears between the legs during changes of rhythm, which facilitates explosive restarts on demanding courses.

On climbs, especially when tackling steep slopes, the Axxome RR excels. Its excellent weight-rigidity ratio allows for easy climbing, each pedal stroke being transformed into efficient propulsion. The 46/33 chainrings, clearly oriented for thetagne, reinforce this ability to tame the steepest passes. But this configuration can limit versatility on flat courses where bigger gears are needed, whether for riding fast against the wind or for sprinting.

Non-specifically aerodynamic tubes also limit performance on only slightly hilly courses, where a more streamlined bike might take the leadtage. With the equipment of this model of test, the bike also seems to lack a bit of inertia, which is not an advantagetage to easily maintain a cruising speed above 40 km/h on long straight stretches. The Axxome RR therefore finds its preferred terrain in very mountainous routes.tagor at least which impose frequent changes of rhythm, since its lightness and overall performance work wonders.

Downhill and at high speed, the Axxome RR displays good overall balance. It remains stable and predictable, even on routes techniques, offering appreciable confidence. The frame, rigid without excess, offers a good compromise between performance and comfortIt transmits power efficiently, but doesn't feel as demanding as a pure racing bike. Sitting on the saddle, you don't feel any floating even when pedaling hard. But when standing, the machine seems to show a little more elasticity, which makes it easy to pick up speed without hitting the stiffness of the frame.

Compared to the Axxome GTR, comfort is slightly lower, particularly because of the carbon saddle of the bike. test, particularly rigid. Using wider tires (up to 35 mm, compatible with the frame) could reduce this feeling and improve comfort on long journeys or routes damaged. On the other hand, in terms of geometry, the raised position induced by the steering socket and the pilot positiontagThe ergonomic design promotes a comfortable posture for long outingsThe Origine Axxome RR is not positioned as a pure aerodynamic competition bike, but rather as an ally of choice for lovers of long climbs and high mountain challenges.tagne.

A born climber, versatile but specialized

The Origine Axxome RR is a machine designed for lovers of passes and demanding routes. Its lightness, responsiveness and weight-rigidity ratio make it a formidable ally for the steepest climbs, while remaining accessible to a wide range of riders thanks to its comfortable geometry and fairly easy handling. Less comfortable when you have to ride fast on the flat or on fast courses that require advanced aerodynamics, it shines with its balance and versatility for long mountain rides.tagWith advanced customization via the Origine configurator and a competitive price for such a lightweight bike, the Axxome RR is a great option for hill climbers.

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