Aerodynamic road bikes are synonymous with additional speed, and it’s this speed that truly makes cycling exhilarating. Whether on a flat surface or downhill, air resistance plays a significant role when striving for high speeds.
Aero bikes represent the forefront of road bike technology, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes a fast bike. The latest aero bikes feature specialized frame tube profiles and a new level of component integration, all aimed at minimizing air resistance during racing. While these bikes may not always be the lightest in terms of weight, it’s worth reconsidering the belief that an 8kg road bike can’t be fast.
Table of Contents:
- Scott Foil RC Pro (2023)
- Trek Madone SLR 9 eTap (2023)
- Felt AR Ultegra Di2
- Lapierre Aircode DRS 8.0
- Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD
- Cervelo S3 Disc Ultegra
- Cube Litening SLT C:68X SL
- Giant Propel Advanced SL 0
- Cannondale SystemSix Hi-Mod eTap AXS
- Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap
Scott Foil RC Pro (2023)
The latest Scott Foil model is said to save up to 16 watts of power at a speed of 40 km/h due to improved aerodynamics. This was made possible by tests in an aerodynamic tube under the guidance of Simon Smart, who, among other things, participated in creating the ENVE SES wheel range. The new Foil is also very light – 7.4 kg, despite having more profiled tubes than the previous model.
The frame geometry here is the same as that of the Scott Addict RC – it provides precise and predictable handling even at high speeds. Moreover, it does not compromise comfort, especially when it comes to the saddle. This is possible thanks to the three-component seatpost with a rubber insert and a wide 28-millimeter rear tire.
This bike is simultaneously fast, light, and comfortable.
Trek Madone SLR 9 eTap (2023)
This bike has a genuinely aggressive look: the Trek Madone SLR is a complete racing aerobike.
The IsoFlow seat tube lets you redirect the airflow behind the rider, which enhances aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the old IsoSpeed system’s comfort is partly retained.
The rigid frame and precise handling ensure swift riding with a predictable bike response, which naturally boosts rider confidence. However, we observed that the bike is somewhat susceptible to crosswinds – this could be due to the high Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 rims. Additionally, the stock 25mm tires seemed a tad narrow, especially considering they aren’t tubeless.
Felt AR Ultegra Di2
According to the manufacturer, the AR Ultegra Di2 model is aerodynamically 9.4% better than the previous model, and on the road, you’ll definitely feel that this bike rides differently than a classic road bike. It’s not as lightweight as other aerobikes in our review, but that doesn’t stop it from being a bike that’s really great to ride.
As for the component selection, Felt employees did an excellent job here, and it’s truly almost flawless. For example, the bike features a carbon handlebar, Ultegra Di2 groupset, Reynolds wheels, and Continental GP5000 clinchers.
The internal cable routing looks great, of course, and adds aerodynamic benefits. However, because of this, adjusting the handlebar height here is difficult, and that’s something to keep in mind.
Lapierre Aircode DRS 8.0
The Aircode DRS 8.0 bicycles reflect the trends of aerobikes with integrated disc brakes and full internal cable routing. The clearances here are suitable for tires up to 28mm in width.
To some extent, engineers have addressed typical aerobike issues with comfort and weight – the new Aircode frame weighs 900 grams, and the carbon layering, according to the manufacturer, contributes to better vibration damping.
Despite the aggressive geometry that encourages you to accelerate as soon as you get on the bike, it can be said that it is indeed comfortable. This is an excellent upgrade, and the component selection is also very good – for example, the Ultegra Di2 transmission and DT Swiss wheels. There is even an aerodynamic handlebar with bolt-on mounts here – for better versatility and a balance between price and functionality.
Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD
The latest generation Orca Aero model, according to the manufacturer, allows the rider to save 15 watts of power compared to the previous one. The bike feels fast, yet comfortable, and the adjustments are all in order. The component selection also raises no questions. The complete bike comes with a removable water bottle, and there is a storage space for small items inside the downtube – however, according to UCI rules, such storage is prohibited.
The handlebar is excellently integrated, although we found that its sharp angles can dig into the hands during sharp accelerations. It’s good that this bike can be equipped with a standard stem and handlebar.
The Orbea bike is not lightweight – it weighs 8.3 kg. However, we didn’t really feel it during the ride, thanks probably to the excellent comfort.
Cervelo S3 Disc Ultegra
Cervelo engineers invented aero bikes, and the S3 Disc model is the natural outcome of their 25 years of experience. According to the manufacturer, this model reduces power losses due to air resistance by up to 13 watts compared to the previous one. It is also 68g lighter. All cables are routed internally, but the handlebar and stem are separate for better bike fitting.
Even on larger-sized models, the wheelbase is short, providing precise handling. However, it wouldn’t hurt to replace the aluminum DT Swiss P1800 wheels. When used with inner tubes, they shake noticeably on rough surfaces – however, replacing the tires with wider ones, such as 28mm, may help with this.
Cube Litening SLT C:68X SL
In the Cube Litening lineup, there is this aerodynamic frame (which, by the way, has been renamed to Litening Aero since our review) and there is the Litening AIR, released in August of this year. The latter model is a slightly lighter frame for those who need a versatile bike with aerodynamic elements.
Returning to the test bike, it should be noted that a weight of 7.54kg is really cool for an aerobike. Additionally, it comes with the SRAM Red eTap groupset and Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc wheels.
This bike immediately rides very fast, so you want to keep riding it. And the single-piece low-profile “stem-handlebar” additionally helps the rider cut through the air.
Giant Propel Advanced SL 0
This bike weighs just 6.9 kg, which is really low for an aerobike. Moreover, according to the manufacturer, it is lighter than the previous model.
It is designed to be as trouble-free as possible, but the integrated seat post still means that when you cut it to the desired length, the remaining range of seat height adjustment will be only 4.5 mm.
The tires are 25mm wide, although there is enough clearance here for 30mm tires. Nevertheless, riding this bike is quite comfortable. The two-piece handlebar and stem provide decent adjustment options, but remember that Giant hasn’t released handlebars wider than 40cm.
Cannondale SystemSix Hi-Mod eTap AXS
This bike is truly incredibly fast – it makes us think that when creating aerobikes, other brands are actually chasing Cannondale.
The Hi-Mod bike’s frame is made from the stiffest carbon fiber from Cannondale. But despite this stiffness and aerodynamic tube profiles, we found that riding this model is very comfortable.
The SRAM eTap AXS groupset, 64mm carbon rims, and two-piece aerodynamic KNOT handlebar from Cannondale are included in the build, which also has many adjustments.
Regarding the price, it is, of course, high, but when compared to the prices of other bikes with such a set of components, it can be said that the price is quite competitive. And if the top model is too expensive for you, don’t forget that there is also the Cannondale SystemSix Carbon Ultegra bike.
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap
The latest Canyon Aeroad truly impressed us – it’s very fast and functional, yet it’s comfortable to ride on even on rough asphalt, thanks in part to the relatively wide tires – 28mm at the rear and 25mm at the front.
As for the component set, it features a complete SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset with a power meter (on one side) and DT Swiss carbon wheels with 50mm rims.
The three-piece handlebar with a well-thought-out design from Canyon is adjustable in width and can be easily disassembled, which is convenient for transporting the bike on trips. The size L bike weighs 8.3kg, which is also very good. On our test bike, the front brake pads slightly touched the disc – it was easy to fix, but remember that with Canyon bikes, you often order them from the manufacturer, so you won’t have a free mechanic with tools if you need to adjust anything.
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