This week Cyclingnz.com caught up with Eric Mackenzie of EMC2 (E=MC2) bikes in the plush new confines of Cyco Ponsonby.  The Auckland bike designer who grew up racing on the country roads of Kawerau then plied himself to his trade as a professional on the hard roads or Europe had just landed some pre season 2010 bike models and was about to wing his way through to Melbourne for this weekends Aus Bike show.

2010 looks to have brought around many new upgrades in the EMC2 range including a new carbon fibre frame design for the Dura Ace R 1.0 model and its siblings running the new Ultegra and 105. 

With absolute rigidity being the direction for the new year and according to Eric without sacrificing comfort either,  rather than reducing the lateral rigidity and inducing flex in the rear triangle and BB zone, Mackenzie has introduced some clever traits which involve flattening of the carbon tubes at strategic points on the seat and chainstays which add to the compliancy of the ride whilst maintaining what Mackenzie deems the most important ride quality "rigidity."  With power through to the BB equaling movement forward, there is no sacrifice on the R 1.0.

Up front we see some proprietary technology in the EMC2 with the new 1 � inch head tube at the integration point with the fork, adding some real beef and precision to the handling.  The Head tube tapers to 1 1/8 at the top to accommodate any standard stem attachment.  Mackenzie adds whilst most riders were comfortable with the handling of the industry standard 1 1/8 steerer, the new 1 � design has that extra rigidity up front if it's needed, be it pushing hard into a corner on a descent or that extra control in harsh conditions.

On the top end R 1.0 a tidy package is rounded out with the Full FSA spec bar, stem and post keeping this light but still room for an upgrade if you are a slave to carbon fibre in the cock-pit.

We will hear more from Eric on his return from Aus Bike and check out the new range in a store near you in the near future.