What does the Festka Spectre Space Odyssey Edition have in common with a BMW i8? And what about James Bond, the universe and the Trojan War? Just one glance at this Festka is enough to confirm that this bike isn’t for just anyone. So who then?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?

Festka Spectre Space Odyssey Edition | 7.00 kg | € 13,999

Even Q from James Bond would be proud of the Festka Spectre Space Odyssey Edition; this super stiff bike weighs in at only 7 kg, has a distinctive paint job and a comfortable race-tuned position, plus it rides superbly. Ask us and we’d say it’s THE pro race bike in this group test. The 25 mm Tufo Hi-Composite Carbon tubular tires pick up speed like no other bike in the test fleet, leaving the competition in their wake. The Enve cockpit channels the very same hyperbole, riding with precision, stiffness and comfort. The Campagnolo Record rim brakes and 60 mm-deep carbon Rocket Wheels are the perfect marriage of consistent and powerful braking, which reiterates why the world still isn’t done with rim brakes.

“Who needs aero when you’ve got oomph in your legs.”

The Tune Mig70/Mag170 hubs run smoothly, providing the ultimate acoustics that would have even seduced Ulysses. While ergonomically faultless, the Campagnolo Record EPS shifts with a minor delay, which means its performance isn’t a rival for the top-end SRAM and Shimano drivetrains. Smooth, responsive and predictable, the Festka throws itself willingly into every adventure.

Casquette Café du Cycliste Animal Series Octupus Cap | Glasses Electric Scrambler | Jacket Huez Bomber | T-Shirt Thinking Mu | Pants Thinking Mu | Socks Stance | Shoes Shimano S-Phyre RC9

The design – with different colourways emblazoned on the left and drivetrain-sides of the bike and wheels – isn’t just a love-it-or-hate-it piece of art; it’s also a burden on your bank balance. This finish comes with a € 4,500 price tag, but you can spend even more on your Festka by picking custom geometry and custom paint jobs, carried out by this highly sought-after bike brand in the Czech Republic (we heard Quartermaster Q from MI6 is otherwise engaged).
This specific finish is the result of a collaboration with BMW, designed to celebrate the brand’s 100-year anniversary and fascination with space travel technology.
The admittedly astronomical price of €13,999 for the Festka won’t take you to the moon, so it’s good to know there’s a more down-to-earth and less space-age colourway at a more attainable price point. Those pennies you save will be enough to enjoy a banana split on the promenade in Port Sóller for the rest of your life.

The Festka Spectre Space Odyssey Edition in detail

Drivetrain Campagnolo Record EPS 11spd
Rims/Hubs Rocket Wheels/Tune Mig70 / Mag 170
Brakes Campagnolo Record
Tires TUFO Hi-Composite Carbon 25 tubed tires
Weight 7.00 kg
Price € 14,999
Mehr Infos festka.com

The location of the EPS interface isn’t ideal, but it’s great to know you can team this interface with the My Campy app.
Would we have expected anything else than a Chris King headset on the Festka? Probably not. On the Festka, it all seems impressively considered.
The Enve seatpost and the Enve cockpit are amongst the best on the market right now, delivering the ultimate marriage of stiffness and damping comfort.
Even with Q9 quick release, the Festka is sufficiently stiff.
Refreshingly different in its design with achingly modern and timeless touches.
Geometry
Festka Spectre

Conclusion

Who’d be caught riding the Festka Spectre? Extroverts, riders with confidence, and those who value performance and, of course, individuality. One of the absolute favourites in this test fleet, the bike has a superb performance that’s full of damningly brilliant contradictions.

Strengths

+ A classic frame design
+ Efficiency
+ Handling and overall performance
+ Frame size offerings & custom frames
+ Enve cockpit and seatpost

Weaknesses

– Expensive ?
– The attachment of the EPS interface

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?

All bikes in test: BMC Teammachine SLR01Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMod Ultegra Di2 DiscCanyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2Cervélo S3 Disc Ultegra Di2Giant TCR Advanced Pro DiscHeroïn H1 Limited EditionLapierre Xelius SL 700 UltimateRose X-Lite CDX 8800 | Standert. KreissägeStelbel AntenoreTrek Madone 9.5 Ultegra Di2


This article belongs to the GRAN FONDO Issue #004. For the full interactive experience we recommend reading it in our magazine app for iPhone & iPad – it’s awesome – and free!


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Words: Robin Schmitt, Manuel Buck, Benjamin Topf Photos: Julian Mittelstädt, Valentin Rühl