Just In: J.Laverack’s new R J.ACK Disc bike with Shimano Dura-Ace and Chris King

Last year we awarded J.Laverack’s race focused R J.ACK titanium road bike a spot in our coveted Bike of the Year awards, so when the British company asked if we wanted to test their new disc-equipped version of this model, we obviously said yes.

And here it is. What do you think?

The new bike is built to the same specifications and geometry as the rim brake model that we tested but obviously, there are a few key changes. There’s an Enve Road Disc 2.0 carbon fork with 12mm thru-axle and internally routed brake hose, a 12x142mm rear thru-axle and flat mount brakes.

- Terrific titanium: 14 of the loveliest titanium road bikes we've ridden

Those changes aside, it’s the same 3Al/2.5V double butted titanium tubeset with unique profiling, a tapered head tube adorned with a Gryphon head badge, a threaded bottom bracket and internal cable routing. As usual, the attention to detail and quality of the finish is first class, very much what we’re used to seeing from this young company.

J.Laverack is keen to emphasise its ability to offer a level of customisation, from the geometry to the finish (this is the new pave finish), the type of bottom bracket and even additional mounts for racks and mudguards. They also offer a full bike fitting service so if you’re not sure what size you need, they can help you out.

An interesting deviation from the original rim brake version is the development of two versions of this new R J.ACK Disc. We have the ‘race’ version with a stock Enve fork and most aggressive geometry, but the company has developed its own fork for a version it calls the ‘classic’. The development of its own fork has enabled the ‘classic’ to have a geometry that is slacker and more relaxed. It actually sits a bit closer to the company’s original J.ACK road bike.

“We wanted to translate the proven geometry, speed and agility of the original R J.ACK to a disc brake model in order to a create a spirited and elegant bike for the discerning road rider,” explains Oliver Laverack, designer and founder of J.Laverack Bicycles.

- Could titanium bikes be set to get cheaper?

The trend for wider tyres means even race bikes are now accommodating of fat tyres, and this one takes up to a 32mm tyre, a clear advantage over the max 28mm tyres of the rim brake model.

You can buy the new R J.ACK Disc frameset from £2,380 and complete builds start from £3,650. No expense has been spared in the test bike the company has provided us for review. A full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, Chris King headset and hubs on the company’s brand new Aera AR|36 carbon wheels (more on these wheels in a future article), Schwalbe Pro One tyres, PRO handlebar, stem and seatpost, and a Brooks Cambium saddle. The cost? About £8,500.

Weight on the scales is a snifter over 8kg (17.6lb) which is pretty good for a titanium road bike. Watch out for the full review soon.

More at www.jlaverack.co.uk