After numerous hours within the saddle, rigorous scrutiny, and intensive deliberation among the many Biking Weekly Crew, we’re able to crown the 2024 Race Bike of the Yr.
Earlier than we reveal our prime picks, let’s discover our stringent choice and testing standards, offering context for the ever-evolving panorama of recent race bikes.
Our major choice criterion is that bikes have to be raced on the highest stage. Eight of our 9 contenders are at present being ridden at WorldTour stage, excluding the Envee Melee, which is able to journey the Tour de France with Professional Continental group TotalEnergies. As an illustration, the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8 is favored by a number of prime groups—4, to be exact.
This requirement, alongside the inclusion of the Van Rysel RCR Professional, creates what would have been a juxtaposition just some years in the past. Now, nonetheless, the RCR Professional is the weapon of selection for elite riders like Ben O’Connor and Aurélien Paret-Peintre – and maybe the most well liked subject of 2024 to this point.
(Picture credit score: Future)
At any time when potential, we’ve got chosen essentially the most distinguished bikes launched previously twelve months. Nevertheless, this isn’t an unique rule. Our take a look at consists of fashions just like the Merida Scultura and Canyon Final CFR, which, regardless of not receiving current updates, stay aggressive on the sport’s highest stage, being raced with nice success by the likes of Matej Mohoric, and Jay Vine.
Although the market has began to lean again in direction of a single race bike as a substitute of the two-pronged setup of aero and climbing bikes, there are nonetheless manufacturers in our listing that make numerous bikes used at WorldTour stage. In such circumstances, we have chosen the bike that stands out and greatest showcases the most recent know-how. For instance, the brand new Big TCR is an apparent selection over the marginally older Big Propel, and the Canyon Final, an all-round race machine, gives stiffer competitors towards the Van Rysel RCR Professional.
This brings us to maybe the largest change within the bike trade over the previous 12 months – the battleground for enchancment is shifting. The times of gangbuster aero claims of 15 watts at 45 kph are gone – effectively no less than if the reality is being advised. With aerodynamics now effectively understood by means of superior know-how and iterative design, it has develop into a normal consideration for any bike. A look on the WorldTour reveals that bikes are trying extra comparable than ever, with producers converging on what makes a quick bike. So, what separates the most effective from the remainder?
(Picture credit score: Future)
These days, the beating coronary heart of a motorcycle is extra essential than ever. As tube shapes develop into routine, the true engineering marvel lies beneath the paint. The carbon layup could make or break a motorcycle, and having the standard management to push the bounds of fabric science is what actually units a motorcycle aside, which makes our job of paramount significance – greater than ever earlier than.
When our tester Joe Baker used to work at a motorcycle store, there was a strict coverage of consumers driving bikes earlier than the purpose of sale to actually perceive the character of a motorcycle past the stats sheet. Within the modern-day age of low-budget carbon frames and cutting-edge materials science, this could solely be adhered to extra strictly.
We’re fortunate sufficient to journey an unlimited variety of bikes right here at Biking Weekly, and as such, we’re capable of actually delve deep into the only real of every bike we take a look at. Pushing the bounds, generally with restricted mechanical sympathy in your greatest curiosity is what we do greatest, and it permits us to actually separate the most effective from the remainder – manufacturers, claims, and aesthetics apart.
So, after many hours of dodging potholes and deliberating, we have arrived at which mannequin is the worthy winner of Race Bike of the Yr, in addition to those who took first place within the Greatest Aero Bike, Greatest Worth Bike, Most Fascinating and Greatest Climbing Bike classes. However first, a phrase on the opposite contenders…
Biking Weekly’s Race Bike of the Yr
Wilier Filante SLR
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Wilier Filante SLR has greater than stood the take a look at of time – if something it’s aged like a effective wine. It’s been the weapon of selection for Mark Cavendish, who obtained so tantalizingly near claiming that illusive thirty fifth stage win.
Unsurprisingly, the Filante SLR stays a formidable contender in immediately’s fiercely aggressive market. Early to embrace the ‘aero, light-weight, select each’ philosophy, it boasts a chic frameset geared up with fashionable bike options. Its angular entrance finish, topped with Wilier’s modern one-piece handlebar and stem, provides to its attract. The mix of splendid geometry and stiffness makes it a sprinter’s delight, whereas the flat-topped bar gives a cushty platform for these looking for the banned ‘pet paws’ place, and regular hand placement alike. It’s a cushty bike too, a clean journey, courtesy of these dropped rear seat stays.
It’s a case of oh-so shut, in virtually each class for the Filante. Close to on 120 years of name historical past has created each a murals and an impressive driving expertise, however it will get surpassed, simply fractionally, by a few of the competitors. That mentioned, it’s nonetheless a worthy contender – slicing by means of the wind with supreme effectivity, and tackling climbs with vigor.
- Value examined: £11,999 / $13,700
- Weight: 6.32kg
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- Wheels: Wilier SLR42KC Carbon
- Tires: Vittoria Corsa Professional 28mm
- Handlebars: Filante Carbon
Van Rysel RCR Professional
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Van Rysel RCR Professional is undeniably essentially the most hyped bike of 2024. Because the steed of selection for Decathlon AG2R this 12 months, the RCR Professional boasts a spec sheet that makes it notably attractive – a lot in order that pre-orders of the highest mannequin offered out in simply two hours again in April. With such buzz surrounding it, I used to be desirous to pit it towards the largest names within the enterprise to reply the burning query: is it actually the superbike killer?
At first look, its fashionable aesthetic, paying homage to the Specialised Tarmac SL7, and a powerful claimed body weight of 810 grams, set excessive expectations. But, I am not completely satisfied by Oliver Naesen’s daring declare that it will ‘flip the market the other way up.’
Make no mistake, the RCR Professional is a premium race bike, however it didn’t ignite the identical ardour in my driving that different bikes set off – a essential ingredient for somebody with a high-level racing background.
Designed in collaboration with French aerospace specialists Onera, Van Rysel aimed to create a race bike that teetered on the UCI’s 6.8kg weight restrict whereas retaining aerodynamic prowess. The bike’s slender head tube and elongated tube profiles certainly translate to a clean, swift journey really feel, however my situation lies in the way it will get up to the mark.
From the very first journey, the bike lacked the responsiveness I’ve come to anticipate from top-tier fashions. This wasn’t a query of uncooked efficiency – there’s no denying the RCR Professional is quick, as evidenced by its summit finishes this 12 months – however quite a matter of journey really feel. The bike appeared barely torpid when sprinting, a vital second when speedy energy switch is paramount. On steep climbs, it advised an analogous story, missing the agency footing of the thoroughbred climbers in our take a look at. Paradoxically, this additionally made it one of the vital comfy bikes I’ve ridden.
Nevertheless, flip these gradients, and the RCR Professional begins to shine. Its barely longer 410mm chainstays provide a secure base throughout descents, particularly at excessive speeds, and the entrance finish exudes confidence. The bike’s protected, assured dealing with allowed me to push its limits on technical sections, though should you’re on the lookout for a motorcycle that adjustments route as rapidly as a housefly, the Van Rysel may not be your excellent match.
Finally, the RCR Professional excels in sure areas whereas falling brief in others. It’s a well-engineered machine with loads to supply, however it might not revolutionize the market as some have claimed. For many who prioritize consolation and stability, particularly on descents, this bike is a worthy contender. For these looking for razor-sharp responsiveness and explosive energy switch, there is likely to be higher choices on the market.
- Value examined: £5,500 / $6,999 with SRAM Pressure
- Weight: 7.28kg
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8170 Di2
- Wheels: Shimano Ultegra 8170
- Tires: Continnental GP 5000s 28mm
- Handlebars: Deda SuperZero RS
Issue O2 VAM
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Issue O2 VAM felt like dwelling from the primary journey. Having spent a whole race season in Italy on the earlier era O2, I immediately acknowledged the identical beloved geometry from 2022. The O2 VAM builds on this platform, after which some.
Weighing in at a mere 730 grams for a measurement 54, this frameset is the third lightest in our take a look at. Regardless of its featherweight construct, Issue has addressed the top tube stiffness issues I had with the earlier mannequin.
Issue has vastly improved the O2 VAM’s dealing with by reinforcing the top tube space. The end result? Among the best-handling bikes I’ve ever ridden. Though it does not ship the identical razor-sharp energy switch as our prime climbing bike, Issue has expertly tuned the O2 VAM for electrical climbing efficiency, and sheer enjoyable. Our full construct, that includes a Black Inc cockpit with stellar geometry and width decisions and light-weight wheels, tipped the scales at simply over 6kg and was as thrilling as you may think.
Race bikes ought to be quick, however for these of us investing severe cash, enjoyment is essential. Issue has crafted a wild, exhilarating machine within the O2 VAM, and I completely find it irresistible!
- Value examined: £11,999 / $12,999
- Weight: 6.32kg
- Groupset: SRAM Crimson AXS
- Wheels: Black Inc 28/33
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1
- Handlebars: Black Inc
Canyon Final CFR
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Canyon Final CFR is one other platform that has stood the take a look at of time. The most recent iteration of the Final has been the selection of Alpecin-Deceuninck for effectively over twelve months now, by which time it has racked up an entire host of wins on the game’s greatest stage.
Canyon as a model, is synonymous with worth due to a direct-to-consumer method, and with the Final CFR, it’s no totally different. Our range-topping mannequin, full with model new SRAM Crimson AXS and Zipp 353 NSW wheels is available in at $10,499 / £9,999. After all, that is removed from petty money, however it nonetheless undercuts the likes of Specialised by round two thousand {dollars} or kilos.
The marginally extra wallet-friendly price ticket doesn’t appear to have an effect on the journey high quality both – the Final CFR has impressed me from begin to end. The bike gives a springy, but resilient journey high quality, absorbing bumps with out hindrance to energy switch. Integration is nice too, due to the CP0018 adjustable one-piece cockpit. As a bundle, Canyon has put collectively an impressive bike, however I do assume it will profit from barely shorter chainstays to actually deliver the dealing with to life on meandering tarmac.
- Value examined: £9,999 / at present on sale for $9699
- Weight: 6.85kg
- Groupset: SRAM Crimson AXS
- Wheels: Zipp 353 NSW Hookless
- Tires: Pirelli P Zero Race LR Basic 30mm
- Handlebars: Canyon CP1008 Aerocockpit
The Awards
Total Winner – Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8
(Picture credit score: Future)
Biking Weekly’s Race Bike of the Yr is the Specialised S-works Tarmac SL8.
However maintain on, it will be a simple selection for us to select essentially the most marketed bike of the final 12 months, made by one of many greatest names within the enterprise as our Race Bike of the Yr, so let’s delve in with a effective tooth comb to see what actually units the SL8 except for the remainder.
Upon its launch, the SL8 was met with harsh criticism round whether or not or not it was a big improve over the outgoing SL7. Having put effectively over one thousand kilometers on the brand new bike, I can firmly say that it’s; in truth, it units a brand new commonplace in our trade.
The up to date SL8 actually started the pattern of the transfer again in direction of a ‘one bike to do all of it’ philosophy and marks a brand new period for the biking trade when it comes to each aerodynamic understanding, and carbon fibre mastery. Specialised started the event of the SL8 by pasting the carbon layup from the ultra-light Aethos onto the SL8’s body form, and slowly including materials bit-by-bit to attain the stiffness required for a modern-day race machine.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Over 50 computational iterations ultimately led to the manufacturing body, which weighs simply 685 grams for a measurement 56 (painted), one thing that, when contextualized with how this bike rides, is really staggering.
Extra spectacular although, is the rise in stiffness that goes alongside the burden discount. Specialised claims a 33% enhance in stiffness-to-weight ratio – that’s a uncooked stiffness enhance too. Vertical compliance has additionally seen a 6% reported rise, one thing which, as we’ll come onto, is to not be sniffed at.
Put all this know-how on a top quality street within the Brecon Beacons mounains, and you might be in for an absolute deal with. The SL8 boasts a poised demeanor and easy acceleration. Its compliance lends it a definite smoothness, whereas its feathery design ensures it floats over the street with the benefit of a whisper, making each journey a pleasant expertise in velocity and agility.
With our take a look at bike weighing in at a quite slight 6.62kg for a measurement 54, the bike climbs precisely as you’d anticipate. Tremendous brief 405mm chainstays, coupled with an unyielding backside bracket enable rider and bike to tango up the steep gradients in excellent concord. The duet continues whenever you summit the climb too. The tremendous brief 978mm wheelbase of the SL8 makes for in all probability the quickest dealing with bike on take a look at too, dealing with corners with a surgical stage of immediacy and precision.
Nevertheless, the Tarmac’s true ace within the gap lies in its means to keep up it’s velocity. The seamless fusion of stiffness and aerodynamics proves invaluable on undulating terrain and really interprets to real-world racing situations the place each small acceleration conserves treasured vitality. After taking each bike on take a look at on no less than one sooner group journey, the Tarmac turned my default for tackling our chaingang, despite the fact that it’s historically an ‘Aero bike’ biased route.
By way of climbing prowess, the Big TCR and the Specialised Tarmac SL8 actually are neck and neck, but on the flat, the SL8 merely pulls away. In spite of everything our testing and scrutiny, if I used to be going to attempt to survive a Grand Tour, there is just one bike I’d do it on, and that’s the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8.
- Value examined: £12,000 / $14,500
- Weight: 6.68kg
- Groupset: SRAM Crimson AXS
- Wheels: Roval Rapide CLX 11 51mm
- Tires: S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR 26mm
- Handlebars: Roval Rapide cockpit
Greatest Aero bike – Look 795 Blade RS
(Picture credit score: Future)
Aero bikes
Aerodynamics are a major consideration for all fashionable race bikes. The truth is, virtually each bike we take a look at is a product of computational fluid dynamic fashions, which are sometimes examined rigorously wind tunnels in an effort to avoid wasting watts wherever potential.
So how can we classify an aero bike, from say a contemporary all-rounder? Actually, the traces are extra blurred than they was; Specialised, for instance, dropped its devoted aero bike, the Venge, from its line-up some time again, deciding as a substitute to imbue the Tarmac with lots of its drag-reducing advantages. However whereas deep-section tube shapes and built-in cabling are options shared throughout all of our bikes right here, Look’s Blade 795 RS stands out.
With a deal with straight-line velocity over flatter terrain, it is a bike that sprinters and rouleurs alike ought to relish. Its stiffness – notably within the backside bracket space – is absolute. It interprets to each planted dealing with and a powerful top-end velocity. However why it additionally will get our vote is that it delivers all of this with out the harshness usually related to aero bikes.
When Look launched the Blade 795 RS on the 2023 Tour de France, it adopted the rising pattern of a transfer in direction of much less ostentatious and extra deal with optimum aero design. Slightly than go for huge truncated tube profiles, Look has refined smaller tube profiles to create a motorcycle that’s mentioned to be extra environment friendly all through a race, quite than a one-trick pony – so why does it take the crown for Greatest Aero Bike, I hear you ask?
The up to date frameset, although quite slender, continues to be 945g for a measurement medium, which is over 2 hundred grams greater than different efficiency bikes on this listing. Nevertheless, all that further materials is put to extremely good use.
Look has used its Extremely Excessive Modulus carbon fibre on the Blade 795 RS, for “optimised responsiveness, effectivity, and luxury,” and it exhibits. The 7% enhance in backside bracket stiffness is strikingly obvious each over the outgoing bike and its rivals on take a look at, making it a drive to be reckoned with in a race state of affairs.
Sprinting rapidly revealed the bike’s means to speed up with none trace of motion from the underside bracket, one thing which my 1500-watt dash ( sadly, my solely remaining spectacular energy determine) can usually make bikes come unstuck.
The identical materials science wizardry makes climbing impressively manageable too. Whilst you do discover the added weight over slighter bikes, 7.48kg for our construct, the bike manages to cover it effectively, sustaining a clean, magic carpet-like journey really feel, that may’t await the Flamme Rouge.
- Value examined: £ / $11,000
- Weight: 7.48kg
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- Wheels: Corima 47mm MCC Evo Tubeless
- Tires: Continental GP500s 25mm
- Handlebars: Look Combo Aero Carbon
Most fascinating – Enve Melee
(Picture credit score: Future)
Most fascinating
What makes a race bike fascinating? Naturally, it must journey exceptionally effectively, however desirability is all the way down to greater than this alone.
Why we’re drawn to 1 machine above all others is basically subjective. Aesthetics are very important in fact; it must not solely catch our eye however retain our consideration mile after mile. However then there are the subtleties, the nuances and the intangibles, which is the place the Enve Melee excels.
Like a cashmere sweater constituted of the best-grade yarn and woven in Scotland on age-old looms, it doesn’t have to shout to get our consideration. As a substitute, its class – and its confidence – is derived from a mix of understated branding, high quality workmanship and the model’s cachet. Whereas the US-based firm now gives framesets and elements for WorldTour groups – and has expanded its factories exterior of Utah into abroad – it’s maintained its boutique standing. Flip as much as a membership run on the Melee and it is prone to be the speaking level amongst a sea of acquainted bikes which have lengthy since exhausted dialog.
When the Enve Melee graced the Biking Weekly workplaces, I used to be instantly captivated by its attract – a real picture-perfect pedal machine. Its deep satin blue hue, complemented by the modern gloss black Enve SES 4.5 wheels and accented with tan sidewall tires, introduced a hanging visible feast. But, my preliminary pleasure was tempered by a touch of skepticism – Enve, famend for crafting top-tier elements, has not lengthy been within the body trade, so might it ship?
To my delight, the Melee exceeded all expectations, defying any reservations I harbored. However earlier than delving into its deserves, let’s contextualize the Enve Melee’s uniqueness, for it stands other than its friends in a number of notable methods.
Making its WorldTour debut this 12 months, the Melee boasts mudguard mounts, and cockpit customization on the level of sale, due to bikes being offered as a frameset or rolling chassis. Mixed with clearance for 35mm rubber, the Melee oozes versatility.
Put plain and easy, the Enve Melee is one in all my favorite bikes so far. Get it up to the mark, and also you’ll expertise an airborne sensation comparable that’s extra akin to a time trial bike, all wrapped up in serene supple journey high quality. It actually is a elegant bike to journey. Enve has managed to rigorously surf the knife fringe of stiffness and luxury with the Melee, giving it an imperious journey really feel, and all-day, all-surface consolation.
Whereas its climbing prowess could not match some lighter contenders, the disparity is negligible in real-world situations, and solely noticeable when driving the bikes again to again. Descending, nonetheless, is the place the Melee actually shines, effortlessly gliding by means of winding bends with grace and finesse, delivering an unparalleled mix of velocity and exhilaration.
But, maybe the Melee’s most enchanting side is the post-ride reverie it conjures up. After conquering different terrains with easy grace, one is rewarded with the serene great thing about this machine, a spectacle to behold whereas unwinding on the café.
- Value examined: £10,400 / $10,645
- Weight: 7.56kg
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra
- Wheels: Enve SES 4.5
- Tires: Enve SES 29mm
- Handlebars: Enve In-Route Aero Cockpit
Greatest Climbing Bike – Big TCR Superior SL 0
(Picture credit score: Future)
Climbing bikes
Historically slender tubed and shallow-wheeled, a featherweight climbing bike is the go-to possibility for riders not desirous to compromise on the specialised self-discipline of driving uphill very quick. Nevertheless, over the past decade, the road between climbing and aero bikes has develop into more and more blurred as analysis and information exhibit the advantages of getting each options designed into one bike.
With the development of composite layup know-how, the aerodynamic tubing profiles usually related to extra mass have develop into more and more light-weight, enabling framesets to retain their climbing credentials whereas changing into more and more aerodynamic.
The Big TCR Superior SL 0 is a primary instance of this light-weight aero marriage. The sunshine and stiff frameset delivers an extremely responsive really feel – tremendous slippery but immediately conscious of pedal energy. This permits riders to profit from the most effective of each worlds, making it a jack of all trades whereas persevering with to be a grasp of climbing.
The Big TCR Superior SL 0 is the latest bike on this 12 months’s awards, releasing simply a few months in the past again in March. Now in it’s tenth incarnation, the TCR has seen thirty years of refinement, with a wealthy historical past of racing pedigree and revolutionizing geometry. It’s completely no shock then, that the Big TCR, as soon as once more is a success – however there are extra adjustments than meet the attention.
Equally to this 12 months’s winner – maintain tight – the Big TCR’s adjustments have occurred principally beneath the paint job. A 4.2 watt energy saving at 45kph over the earlier mannequin is overshadowed by a 75 gram weight saving off the body, which brings an unpainted body all the way down to a feathery 690 grams in measurement 56, the second lightest on take a look at.
Big has additionally made the bike stiffer, albeit by simply 0.53%. Tiny margins, however I have to say they quantity to a very splendid bundle, evident nowhere greater than on steep climbs. The TCR, greater than any bike on take a look at presents a fizzing journey aura whenever you get out the saddle. Slightly than lugging the bike behind you, the TCR invigorates you to maintain urgent on.
What unquestionably units this bike other than fellow climbing bikes immediately, nonetheless, is how effectively the bike performs away from the steep gradients. Big claims to have narrowed the hole to only 5 watts at 45kph between the Propel aero bike and the TCR, and it actually exhibits. On quick group rides, the TCR was simply as lethal when accelerating on the flat because it was on the climbs.
As soon as once more the climbing bike formulation of light-weight frameset, stiff backside bracket, and quick dealing with culminates in a compelling journey expertise. This bike runs our winner the closest race, and in fact, might be a one-piece carbon cockpit away from a near-tied victory.
- Value examined: £11,999 / $12,750
- Weight: kg
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- Wheels: Cadex 40 Max Hookless
- Tires: Big Gavia Course 0 Tubeless 28mm
- Handlebars: Contact SLR
Greatest worth – Merida Scultura 9000
(Picture credit score: Future)
You is likely to be questioning why our ‘Greatest Worth’ award was not given to the Van Rysel RCR Professional. Absolutely this tremendous bike-killing WorldTour machine is the most effective worth bike on take a look at, proper? As soon as once more, we have to dig deeper to uncover the reality beneath the paint.
Enter the Merida Scultura. Though it’s not the latest bike in our lineup, it captivated me, notably after we in contrast its glorious race bike journey really feel with its remarkably aggressive value factors throughout the vary. Our take a look at bike, the Merida Scultura 9000, was the second least expensive on take a look at, at £6,749. Merely put, there was no linear relationship between price and efficiency right here.
Technically, the Scultura platform may appear a bit outdated, using extra rounded tube profiles that classify it as a climbing bike. Nevertheless, when Merida will get this formulation proper, it turns into a stellar blueprint for an distinctive race machine.
Merida has mastered the basics with the Scultura. Sharing a comparatively conventional geometry with its aero counterpart, the Merida Reacto, it includes a steeper 73.5-degree head angle paired with brief 408mm chainstays, permitting for pinpoint cornering.
The Scultura actually shines when pointed uphill. The truth is, Merida, in my opinion, could have misnamed its bikes – the Scultura is extremely reactive! Out of the saddle, the bike remained tightly managed when making use of energy, accelerating effortlessly from low speeds. The in-house cockpit supplied by Merida enhances this expertise, with the handlebar geometry permitting me to lean into the bike, delivering an impressed journey high quality that inspired me with each climb.
At speeds of 40 or 50 kph, the normal tube profiles pose no issues. Our construct got here with glorious Reynolds wheels, and the concealment of cables and hoses created a clear, aerodynamic edge.
In brief, the Merida Scultura was the shock of the take a look at. It supplied an thrilling, compliant, and most significantly, quick platform that was genuinely justifiable for the price. With Ultegra builds out there for £5,949, it comes near the worth of the RCR Professional in comparable spec, but outshines it on the street.
So, whereas the Van Rysel RCR Professional dazzles with its fashionable aesthetics and high-tech pedigree, the Merida Scultura, with its compelling mix of efficiency and value, earns our ‘Greatest Worth’ award. It proves that generally, an older, well-crafted design can nonetheless outshine its flashier, pricier rivals.
- Value examined: £6,749
- Weight: 7.55kg
- Groupset: SRAM Pressure AXS
- Wheels: Reynolds BR 46 Professional DB
- Tires: Continental GP500s 28mm
- Handlebars: Merida Crew SL 1P Cockpit
How we take a look at
No number of street floor, incline, nook or pothole escaped Joe Baker’s quest to find which bike could be topped Race Bike of the Yr 2024. The poor chap rode till his legs virtually fell off…
To judge this 12 months’s secure of race bikes as pretty and as comprehensively as potential I subjected every to a wide range of rides, exams and challenges. Definitely, the muse for testing was merely placing the miles in, over varied topography and in a variety of situations – not all of them nice! A lot of the routes had been within the stunning, undulating English Cotswolds and gorgeous Welsh mountains of the Brecon Beacons.
As winter slowly superior into spring this 12 months, the climate situations within the UK barely eased up, which gave me loads of alternative to check all of the bikes on soaking-wet roads. Fortunately, as summer time lastly approached, I used to be capable of enterprise out into the dry, which enabled me to place the hammer down eventually.
For extra particular evaluation, I evaluated every bike on my go-to take a look at circuit simply east of Oxford. This 22km journey has a little bit little bit of all the things, together with quick, flat sections, punchy inclines and a few swift, flowing corners to gauge how effectively these bikes deal with. Street surfaces fluctuate all through the route from clean asphalt to tough vibration-inducing tarmac, with loads of damaged surfaces and, in fact, potholes galore. Elevation is barely 260m, however a few of the steeper sections ramp up into double-digits – sufficient to have me out of the saddle, dancing on the pedals.
Moreover, I took every bike on no less than one lengthy 100km+ journey, plus a quick group journey or two. After many hours of dodging potholes and deliberating, I’d arrived at which mannequin is the worthy winner of Race Bike of the Yr.
Race Bike of the Yr Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8 | Enve Melee | Big TCR Superior SL 0 | Issue 02 VAM | Look Blade 795 RS | Wilier Filante SLR | Van Rysel RCR Professional | Merida Scultura 9000 | Canyon Final CFR |
| Body weight (claimed) | 685g | 850g | 690g | 730g | 940g | 830g | 790g | 822g | 762g |
| Bike weight (on take a look at) | 6.68kg | 7.56kg | 6.42kg | 6.32kg | 7.48kg | 7.44kg | 7.28kg | 7.55kg | 6.85kg |
| Stack | 544mm | 539mm | 545mm | 552mm | 549mm | 538mm | 546mm | 557mm | 560mm |
| Attain | 384mm | 386mm | 388mm | 381mm | 391mm | 388mm | 388.2mm | 395mm | 393mm |
| Head angle | 73º | 72.4º | 73º | 72.5º | 73º | 72.5º | 73º | 73.5º | 73.25º |
| BB drop | 72mm | 73mm | 69.5mm | 70mm | 70mm | Row 6 – Cell 6 | 67mm | 66mm | 73mm |
| Wheelbase | 978mm | 991mm | 980mm | 985mm | 987mm | 990mm | 986mm | 990mm | 998mm |
| Chainstays | 410mm | 410mm | 405mm | 405mm | 410mm | 408mm | 410mm | 408mm | 410mm |
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8 | Enve Melee | Big TCR Superior SL 0 | Issue 02 VAM | Look Blade 795 RS | Wilier Filante SLR | Van Rysel RCR Professional | Merida Scultura 9000 | Canyon Final CFR |
| Value | £12,000 / $14,500 | £10,400 / $10,645 | £11,999 / $12,750 | £11,999 / $12,999 | £11,237 / $11,000 | £12,890 / $13,700 with Dura-Ace Di2 | £9,000 / $10,999 | £12,890 | £9,999 / $9,699 |
| Groupset | SRAM Crimson AXS / Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | Shimano Ultegra | SRAM Crimson AXS Quarq energy meter / Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 FC-9200P energy meter | SRAM Crimson AXS / Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | Campagnolo Tremendous Report EPS | Campagnolo Tremendous Report | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 & R9200-P energy meter | SRAM Pressure AXS | SRAM Crimson AXS |
| Wheels | Roval Rapide CLX 11 Tubeless 51mm | ENVE SES 3.4 | CADEX 40 Max Hookless carbon | Black Inc 28//33 | Corima 47mm MCC Evo Tubeless | Wilier SLR42KC Carbon | Swiss Facet Hadron² 500 Final wheels 50mm | Reynolds BL 46 Professional DB | Zipp 353 NSW Hookless |
| Tires | S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR 26mm | ENVE SES 29mm | Big Gavia Course 0 Tubeless 28mm (efficient) | TBC | Contental GP5000 25mm | Vittoria Corsa Professional 28mm | Continental GP 5000s 28mm | Continental GP 5000s 28mm | Pirelli P Zero Race TLR Basic 30mm |
| Handlebars | Roval Rapide Cockpit | ENVE In-Route Aero cockpit | Contact SLR | Black Inc | Look Combo Aero Carbon | Filante carbon | DEDA X VR cockpit | Merida Crew SL 1P Cockpit | Canyon CP0018 Aerocockpit Carbon |
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Specialised Tarmac SL8 Knowledgeable | Enve Melee Frameset solely | Big TCR Superior | Issue 02 VAM Ultegra | Look Blade 795 RS Rival | Wilier Filante SLR Ultegra / Pressure | Van Rysel RCR Professional Rival | Merida Scultura 9000 Ultegra | Canyon Final CFR Dura-Ace |
| Value | £6,000 / $6,500 | £5,300 / $5,500 | £2,699 / $3,000 | £9,999 / $9,999 | £6,309 /$7,300 | £9,710 | £4,500 | £5,950 | £9,299 / $9,699 |
| Wheels | Roval C38 | N/A | Big p-R2 Wheelset alloy | Black Inc 28//33 | Look R 38 Carbon Tubeless rims | Wilier SLR42KC Carbon | Zipp 303 | Reynolds AERO 46DB | DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut DB |
| Tires | S-Works Turbo 26mm | N/A | iant Gavia Course 1 Tubeless 25mm (28mm efficient)28mm (efficient) | TBC | Hutchinson Fusion 5 Tubeless Prepared 25mm | Vittoria Corsa Professional 28mm | Michelin Energy Cup 28mm | Continental GP 5000s 28mm | Schwalbe Professional One TT 28mm |
| Handlebars | Specialised Knowledgeable Shallow Drop Alloy | ENVE In-Route Aero cockpit | Contact | TBC | Look ADH 1.2 Carbon | Filante carbon | DEDA Superzero RS carbon | Merida Crew SL 1P Cockpit | Canyon CP0018 Aerocockpit Carbon |
