Supercross Envy BLK 2 | Exclusive

First look at the new Supercross Envy BLK 2 and a short catch up with Anthony Dean

Supercross Envy BLK 2 | Exclusive

First look at the new Supercross Envy BLK 2 and a short catch up with Anthony Dean

With all the new carbon frames on the market we’ve been waiting to see what the guys over at Supercross BMX would do with the second generation of their Envy BLK … and now we know, it’s here and it’s stunning!

In typical Supercoss fashion they have gone down the evolution route rather than building from the ground up, after-all, the Envy BLK 1 is a finely tuned piece of product design and engineering … ‘it’s evolutionary, not revolutionary’ as they said about the beautiful Envy RS7, the alloy sibling of the BLK.

Visually the BLK 2 still looks like the carbon frame that we all know, it’s got the same overall profile, the same geometry (if it’s not broken don’t fix it) and it’s still using a Euro bottom bracket while most have gone the press fit route … ‘Have you ridden a Press Fit BB, have you heard the creaking? I know a lot of people really like the idea of the Press Fit BB, but the rigors that a BMX race frame is put thru the Threaded Euro BB has a huge advantage. It is easy to find for almost all crank spindle sizes, easy to install, and when properly faced and machined like our ENVY Frames spin ultra-smooth. It would be less expensive and easier for us to of gone with a Press Fit BB, but it wouldn’t be as universal and durable’ Bill Ryan, of Supercross, commented.

But look deeper and the BLK 2 is not the same, ‘The ENVY BLK 2, is a Lighter, Stronger and Faster Accelerating Frame. Period.’ Ryan told us. ‘The layup of the frame has been optimized for a faster accelerating and to be a more responsive frame … it won’t be like Redbull and give you wings, it just allows you to use the wings you have more efficiently.’ This was mainly achieved, we’re told, by working with Torray, ‘who continue to innovate and push the technology of carbon fibre material’. The outcome was to build the new frames from T1100-KS Carbon … the same grade material used in Fighter Jets and Formula One race cars!

Bill Ryan filled us in on the complexities of building a thoroughbred race frames with carbon, his explanation also sheds light on the high cost of the frames … ‘One thing that most people don’t know is that Carbon Fiber has different grades of quality and strength. When we first introduced the ENVY BLK 4 years ago our Tag line was “Not all Carbon is created Equal” and that was true then and it is true now. Originally when we started working with Torray we started by using the Nano Alloy Pre Preg T700S material. Which is different than the T700 as it has a higher Yield strength and allows the frame to ride better and last longer. So, as you start increasing the strength of the carbon, the yield starts to change, but Torray has been working at a NANO level to increase the modulus along with the tensile strength, so the material is so much stronger, that we are able to use less layers of the Pre-preg material to allow us to reduce weight while maintaining and increasing the strength. People can’t see it, but in a Carbon frame, there is a lot of engineering that goes into it. There are over 400 pcs of cut pre-preg carbon that gets laid up into the frame and you need to carefully apply each layer in its proper place. And it is also unique in the carbons layup that it is not symmetrical as there are asymmetrical forces on the frame, so even if it looks like both sides are identical, there are different layers of material in each side of the frame to make it stronger, while still reducing the weight. And when you start with the best materials, it makes our job as an engineer easier to give you the best bike you can possibly buy.’

One thing that we were slightly disappointed about is the lack of an integrated disc brake option … you all know by now that we love disc’s … but as we should have guessed Supercross have looked at them and decided, not just yet … ‘we have experimented with them and seen the flaws with them on an adjustable rear wheel. And with BMX at the current time, you are still using an adjustable rear wheel. I saw what Meybo did with the Fixed rear axle, and that makes it where the Disc brake is usable, but then they had to add a tensioner to adjust the chain tension which is extra drag. And honestly, how many people can decide on exactly where they want their rear wheel. I mean, a 15.25” pro rear end is awesome, but some want longer, others shorter, are you going to build custom frames for every 1/4” rear end length as well as the front-end lengths? We do have a few prototypes with Disc Brakes here now on the RS7, and they are going to Tim Dinger, and to Andy at Sorted our UK distributor, we are playing with it, as we know eventually it will be more mainstream, but it’s time is not now.’

The Supercross Envy BLK 2 is available to pre-order now via their SITE, in sizes from Junior all the way up to Pro XXXL, where you’ll have a huge amount of customizable options from finish to colours and decals. The frame retails for $1,395.95 … we want one!

Anthony Dean Winter Nationals 2018 - Kirby Cronk

Anthony Dean | The BLK 2 and 2018 so far …

With the release of the Envy BLK 2 and the obvious new builds that have been happening we though it was a good time to catch up with Anthony Dean to get his thoughts on his new frame and the 2018 season as it unfolds …

15: First off, the new Envy BLK 2 … it looks like you’ve got the first one out of the molds, what did you think when you first got your hands on it? It looks stunning!

Anthony: Loved it, clean and elegant looking. Lighter and I love the raw carbon and grey to match.

15: Have you built yours up yet? How does the new lighter and stronger carbon feel out of the gate and around the track?

Anthony: I only got it yesterday, so I am planning to build it up today and get on the gate tomorrow. But I am sure it’s going to feel amazing.

15: Where’s the first race for you and the Envy BLK 2?

Anthony: First race will be Rockhill, SC for the USA BMX SX series next weekend. Can’t wait!

15: We realize it’s early but how do you feel the start of the season has gone? Knocking on the podium door both days at Black Mountain and you’ve just taken all the cash at the first Tangent ProAm … happy so far?

Anthony: The season has started slow for me, which was planned. I always come into the season firing and tire out mid-year and come back strong towards the end. This year we have a new plan, a plan I’m excited for … where we come into the season just starting training and progress and come world champs we are 100%.

15: You’ve gone full on Supercross Factory Kit this season … is it just the more integrated look or has anything else changed behind the scenes?

Anthony: Yes, I have, and yes, a lot more behind the scenes. I got a pay rise from SX this year to run the full outfit, and TLD have been great enough to continue my same deal from 2017 and allow me to wear the SX Jersey. So, I’m very thankful all around.

15: We hear rumors that you’re looking for a new 4310 frame from Bill … have you tested the SX450 in Barry’s back yard yet?

Anthony: I actually just got it yesterday also, planning to build it up and have some fun in Barry’s backyard.

15: What’s the overall plan for this year? What are the big events you’re aiming for?

Anthony: UCI World Cups & World Championships for me. I need a World Cup win and World Championship result. I feel that I’ve been working super hard for years and deserve one of those for myself. So that’s my total goal for now.

15: Is Tokyo still a little too far away for it to become the focus yet?

Anthony: Absolutely not, it’s only 2.5 years away and time flies. I am excited for it and 2016 is still on my mind … I have unfinished business.

See Anthony’s Envy BLK 2 build video > HERE <

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Photos: Supercross BMX | Kirby Cronk