What’s the best bike to conquer the Giant of Provence? Modern race bike allrounders are now nudging the mystical 6.8 kg mark, boasting aero-optimisation and promising enhanced comfort. But is that enough to dominate the notorious Mont Ventoux and leave thoroughbred climbing specialists trailing behind?
Table of contents
- Mont Ventoux – The giant of Provence
- Must-haves for an epic ride – What really matters
- The road bikes in this test at a glance
- Tops and Flops
- The best bike to conquer Mont Ventoux – The ultimate ride for an epic day.
- Key Takeaways
1,600 metres altitude gain over 21 km. Fierce winds, the sun beating down your neck, and relics of cycling history at every turn. A monumental ascent where legends were born, and a summit that has been on our test-location bucket list for ages. We’re hyped, the weather forecast seems to be on our side. We kick off the day with clear skies and one big question: what is the best bike for such a challenge, and what is it that really matters?
Is weight still the holy grail for enjoying a climb? How important are geometry, handling, and spec? And what role does aero-optimisation play on the descent?
To find out whether thoroughbred climbing bikes are being outclassed by lightweight all-rounders, and to reveal which rider type has the most fun with which bike, we tested four of the hottest bikes currently vying for the “King of the Mountain” title, racing up and down the southern approach of Mont Ventoux. On y va!
Mont Ventoux – The giant of Provence
There are places that captivate you instantly, and then there’s Mont Ventoux. Standing defiantly at 1,909 metres, this lone giant rises from the Provence like a towering monument, tickling the sky with its barren summit of white scree – one hell of a sight!
A mountain that has been shaping the Tour de France since 1951, Mont Ventoux tells stories of triumph and defeat and has long been a pilgrimage for cyclists. Alongside the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees, the summit finish at Alpe d’Huez, and the Col du Galibier in the high Alps, Mont Ventoux is one of the most infamous climbs in cycling’s most prestigious race. The stage is set for an epic battle!
The exposed location makes Mont Ventoux particularly tough, with extreme wind conditions and the relentless heat of the barren scree adding to the challenge. Thankfully, we didn’t experience the mountain’s record-breaking 320 km/h gusts, but even on calmer days, the fast, exposed descent is treacherous due to turbulent crosswinds.
The northern flank of the mountain remains iced over in early April, while the southern route begins in the village of Bédoin. From here, the early, relatively flat kilometres offer stunning views of the white summit looming ahead.
We’re going up there!? – an explosive cocktail of excitement and awe makes it hard not to overdo it in the first few kilometres. A sharp bend abruptly ends the warm-up and launches you into a tough 9 km climb through the forest. The gradient readout on the bike computer flickers between 9 and 14%. Your heart rate rises, and your thoughts wander to the battles fought here in the peloton and the heroes of the past.
A quick break at Chalet Reynard, and then it’s on to the final ascent to the summit. Along the way, you’ll pass World Tour pros and amateur cyclists deep in their pain caves, grandads on folding bikes, and couples on tandems grinning from ear to ear. Everyone in their own mindset, with their personal goals, both for themselves and their bikes. But all share the same goal: reaching the iconic weather station at the top.
At the summit, red cheeks and a shared passion for cycling unite everyone who’s made it to the top. We didn’t quite manage to beat Pogi’s KOM of 59 minutes and 57 seconds, which we’ll blame on Christoph’s flat tire and that freezing-cold Coke stop at Chalet Reynard 😉. After snapping a few pictures next to the summit sign, grabbing snacks from our jersey pockets, and soaking up the euphoric atmosphere with the stunning views, it’s time to descend.
The sweeping bends, superb grip on the dry tarmac, and long straights encourage you to let go of the brakes. The wind whistles through our helmets, and our freehubs try to drown out the roaring sound of supermotos.
BAM. A loud bang shakes us out of the flow. A deep crack in the tarmac sends a wave through the bike and straight into our hands, catapulting a water bottle into the scree field. The exposed road snakes down the southern face, and is consistently battered by crosswinds. Once back in the forest, the wind eases, the tarmac smooths out, but tight corners and rapid direction changes keep the adrenaline pumping all the way to the final kilometres back into Bédoin.
Back at the bistro, we knock back a shot of espresso to flush the lactic acid and adrenaline out of our veins, and refuel with a pain au chocolat. There’s no debate that this was a true bucket-list ride, but what made it so special? What role did the bikes play, and which one would I choose for tomorrow?
This is where our real work begins – going beyond the numbers of a test bench to bring you genuine riding impressions and evaluations from our experienced, diverse test crew. Our reviews aren’t just about comparing bottom bracket stiffness and weight, because real-life cycling isn’t a game of Top Trumps. We see the bike as a complete system, a harmonious interaction of components, which we evaluate within the context of its intended use and the preferences of different rider types. So, what really matters on an epic climb like this, and what should a road bike be capable of to make a ride like this truly unforgettable?
Must-haves for an epic ride – What really matters
Anyone who’s ticked off a ride they’ve been dreaming about for years knows how different it can feel from your regular post-work spin. Months of anticipation, meticulously planned routes, and the buzzing group chat in the weeks leading up to the trip build excitement and high expectations. The last thing you want on such a special day is a bike that doesn’t perform the way you need it to. To make the most of an epic climb like Mont Ventoux, a bike needs to bring certain key qualities to the table:
Climbing bike essentials: Power transfer and acceleration
When tackling a 1,600-metre climb, nimble, direct acceleration and sharp power transmission are crucial. The bike’s weight distribution, the inertia of the rotating mass, and overall weight all play a big role. A snappy, responsive bike boosts the fun factor and keeps you motivated on those long, steep climbs.
Handling for climbing and descending
Handling is the crown jewel of any test ride and often the deciding factor in determining when and where a bike excels. We assess handling by examining how a bike behaves on a scale from playful to sluggish. How precisely does it carve through corners, and how directly does it respond to steering input? The best bikes strike a perfect balance between agility and composure, delivering sharp cornering performance without feeling twitchy or vague. For long days in the mountains, the bike’s behaviour on slow climbs and fast descents is key to how comfortable and confident you feel in the saddle.
Wind stability – a must have at the Mount Ventoux
When riding in the mountains on fast, exposed descents, crosswind stability is a critical safety factor, which can quickly lead to unpleasant surprises. If the bike is hard to control in crosswinds, it undermines your confidence, reducing your sense of safety, and, ultimately, killing all the fun on descents.
Control and confidence
Handling, wind stability, build quality, and the performance of key components all contribute to the level of control the bike allows for and the confidence it inspires. A nervous bike saps energy and focus, taking away from the ride itself. Road cycling is inherently risky, so unreliable components just aren’t an option. Predictable handling without surprises at the limit, paired with a high-quality, well-performing spec, builds trust in the bike and helps you manage risks more effectively.
Comfort for epic climbs
Comfort is key to staying fast for longer and avoiding unnecessary suffering. On long, gruelling rides, comfort can be the difference between an epic adventure and a horrible experience. Greater compliance improves control on descents and reduces fatigue in your core muscles. The best bikes dampen vibrations and absorb impacts without sacrificing steering precision and power transfer efficiency.
Fun factor
The essence of handling, speed, control, comfort, aesthetics, feel, and functionality – all distilled into one sensation. It’s more of a feeling than a measurable value. For those who find this too vague, we came up with a universal formula for ride fun years ago:
Number of smile lines
+ Number of tears of joy
x Splashes of dirt on your teeth²
÷ Riding time
= Fun Factor
The road bikes in this test at a glance
What bikes are fit for a showdown on Mont Ventoux? We decided to bring four very different contenders to the test, from ultra-lightweight climbing specialists that tip the scales far below the UCI limit, to racy all-rounders that are just a tad heavier. None of our competitors compromises on components, with all four bikes relying on a top-tier spec with either a Shimano Dura-Ace or SRAM RED groupsets. The sleek aesthetics make it clear that none of these bikes are here for a leisurely ride. However, this performance-focused approach is reflected in the price, with our four bikes costing an average of € 11,324.25 – so it’s not just the climb that’s thinking in superlatives.
| Bike | Weight | Price | Groupset | Wheelset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S Works Tarmac SL8 | 6.96 kg | € 14,000 | SRAM Red eTap AXS | ROVAL Rapide CLX II |
| Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero | 6.72 kg | € 9,999 | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut db |
| Giant TCR Advanced SL | 6.5 kg | € 12,299 | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 | Cadex Max 40 |
| Rose XLITE UNLTD | 7.16 kg | € 8,999 | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1100 62DB |
S-Works Tarmac SL8
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 is the fastest steed in the American manufacturer’s road bike line-up, and is renowned for its impressive aero performance and lightweight design. Paired with a high level of comfort, it’s said to be the optimal choice for long, challenging rides. But how does the most expensive bike in our shootout perform on the legendary Mont Ventoux? Our test will reveal!
Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero
The Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero combines lightweight construction and aero efficiency.At 6.72 kg, it’s the second lightest bike in our comparison test. It comes equipped with 50 mm deep aero wheels and promises to strike a perfect balance between composure and speed. How did it perform on Mont Ventoux, and what strengths did it truly showcase? Read the full review to find out!
Giant TCR Advanced SL
The Giant TCR Advanced SL is a purebred climbing machine, weighing in at just 6.5 kg – which is below UCI’s legal weight limit! Despite its deep 40 mm aero wheels and disc brakes, it’s designed for maximum efficiency and perfectly tuned for steep climbs. It aims to prove its prowess on the legendary Mont Ventoux. Will it succeed? Find out in our test!
Rose XLITE UNLTD
At 7.16 kg, the Rose XLITE UNLTD is the “heaviest” contestant in this lightweight test field, and rolls on the deepest rims. Positioned firmly as an all-round race bike in Rose’s portfolio, it clearly leans towards aero performance. This might sound like a disadvantage for a test on Mont Ventoux, but how much do the differences really matter? We’ve put it to the test to find out.
Tops and Flops
Tops
Flops
The best bike to conquer Mont Ventoux – The ultimate ride for an epic day.
After thousands of vertical metres, thrilling descents, and plenty of blood, sweat, and espresso, we’ve crowned our King of the Mountain: the best road bike for long days filled with epic views. One bike stood out in particular, pushing us to test our limits with its playful handling, ultra-precise steering, snappy acceleration, high level of comfort, and undeniably fast looks. The Giant TCR Advanced SL rode straight to the top.
This is the one bike that consistently gave us the feeling we had the perfect tool for the job, surprising us in all the right ways and delivering the most fun on the road. The well-deserved winner of the “The best bike to conquer Mont Ventoux” title: the Giant TCR Advanced SL.
Key Takeaways
Aero Optimisation:
Yes, even on long mountain tours, aerodynamic improvements are noticeable. You can benefit from them, especially on gentle inclines, and even with deep-section wheels, climbing is manageable. However, on descents with crosswinds, deeper frames and wheels with larger surface areas can quickly become a drawback.
Since roughly 75% of the total air resistance comes from the rider, the riding position primarily determines top speed on the descent. However, an overly aggressive geometry that forces you into a low riding position leads to a significant comfort loss on the climbs. Our conclusion: Aero, yes – but in moderation.
Weight:
Weight matters when it comes to how quickly mass can be moved uphill. But the 600 grams difference between the lightest and heaviest competitor in this test wasn’t decisive for the win. If you’re looking to save weight, focus on rotating components. Wheels, tires, tubes, and cassettes are a great place to start, and they’ll need replacing eventually anyway.
Geometry:
More than weight, it was the bikes’ geometry that made the biggest difference. A geometry designed for long climbing sections dramatically improves comfort, perceived power transfer, and actual pedal power. Riders who feel comfortable and relaxed on their bike can generate more power, which translates into more speed and enjoyment on climbs than an aero-focused position ever could.
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Words & Photos: Jan Richter
