Berlin-based bike manufacturer Standert launches the third generation of its Triebwerk Mach3 steel racer – and this time it’s packed with interesting innovations. We had the exclusive opportunity to test the Mach3 on the roads around Girona and admire the special-edition paint job and the posh spec. At € 7,299, is it a good investment? And can steel still keep up with carbon?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test
Max von Senger and his trusted team overhauled their Standert Mach3 extensively: for the third edition of their steel racer, the German bike builders teamed up with Columbus to develop a special mix of tubes to offer an optimal balance between comfort and stiffness. The chunky Columbus Max chainstays and the double-ovalized Life downtube are designed to provide stiffness and efficiency for optimal acceleration. The lighter Spirit top tube and the filigree Keirin seatstays offer great comfort for long rides. On top of this, Standert relies on the new T47 bottom bracket standard, which is the result of a collaboration between Argonaut Cycles and Chris King. Why do we need another standard? We all know that press-fit bottom brackets have problems with durability and noise development, and the T47 threaded bottom bracket is designed to address these exact issues. And there is one more innovative feature for the Mach3: all frames are prepared to take a Di2 groupset and feature neat internal cable-routing which makes for a clean look. But don’t worry if you still prefer mechanical groupsets – Standert offers this as a spec option for the Mach3 too.
Stiffer carbon handlebars
Carbon seatpost for more comfort on the rear end
Our test bike in the Special Edition paint finish features Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, a Zipp Firecrest 303 wheelset, Vittoria Corsa G+ tires, Zipp Service Course SL 70 Ergo carbon handlebars, and a Zipp Service Course SL aluminium seatpost and stem. The classic frame design doesn’t feature a sloping toptube, but the carbon components and oversized headtube lend it a modern touch. The weight of 7.91 kg in size 56 (M) doesn’t make the Standert the lightest racer in our test, but we all know that the perks of steel frames lie elsewhere.
From the very beginning, you can feel a strong connection with the Mach3. It literally asks you to pedal harder! When sprinting, the concept of the Standert totally makes sense. The frame feels stiff and very efficient right from the start – only the flex of the Zipp carbon handlebar affects its sprinting qualities. Thanks to its racy geometry, the Mach3 offers a stretched and sporty riding position and provides for tons of fun – but only if you’re a skilled rider. On long climbs we could notice the extra weight while watching the carbon competition slowly riding off. For a steel bike, the Standert offers a rather low level of comfort; on rough tarmac its steel rivals from Wilier and Speedvagen offer a clear advantage. A carbon seat post with good compliance would noticeably improve the overall comfort
The Standert inspires confidence on downhills and you never get that bad feeling of losing touch with the tarmac – not least thanks to the grippy 25 mm-wide Vittoria Corsa G+ tires. We only wish we could stop the cable buzz of the otherwise gorgeously-solved internal cables. The superb handling of the Triebwerk reminds us of its strong criterium genes and makes it the most direct bike in our test. As such, the Mach3 requires a skilled rider, as it can react quite brutally in corners. The loud squeaky brakes in combination with the undefined bite point strongly affected our confidence on downhills.
From the very beginning, you can feel a strong connection with the Mach3. It literally asks you to pedal harder!
The Standert Triebwerk Mach 3 in detail
Drivetrain Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Wheelset Zipp 303 Firecrest
Brakes Shimano Dura Ace
Tires Vitorra Corsa
Weight 7.91 kg
Price € 7,299
The geometry of the Standert Triebwerk Mach 3
Conclusion
The aggressive handling and the somewhat brutal steering of the Standert Triebwerk Mach3 requires an experienced riding style, but it then delivers great racing performance with a classy, carefree package. It’s a classic design paired with modern performance – Standert style!
Top
– Great acceleration/comfort balance
– Neat cable routing
– T47 bottom bracket
– Vittoria Corsa tires
Flop
– Brake/wheelset performance
Uphill
Downhill
Sprint
For more info heaf to: standert.de
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test
All bikes in the test: 3T Strada | BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Disc Team | Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 | Corratec EVO eTap Konfi | Fuji SL 1.1 | Rose X-Lite 6 eTap | Scott Addict RC Ultimate Disc | Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 | Speedvagen Road | Trek Emonda SLR 8 Disc | Wilier Superleggera SL
This article is from GRAN FONDO issue #008
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Words: Manuel Buck, Robin Schmitt, Benjamin Topf Photos: Noah Haxel
