A simple idea spirals out of control: the search for the best road bikes of 2025 leads to the creation of our very own racing team, culminating in the ultimate showdown in the Dolomites. After countless kilometres on the 8 hottest race bikes of 2025, with brutal all-out efforts and searing calf cramps, we finally have the answer! Which bike gets to celebrate with a champagne shower?
Table of contents
- Our dream team: the GRAN FONDO Rari Racing Club (RRC)
- What’s the best? The quest for the fastest road bike of 2025
- What type of roadie are you? Racer, climber, or all-road explorer?
- The test field at a glance – a comparison of the best aero and all-round race bikes for competition in 2025
- What does the fastest road bike of 2025 need to deliver? The 7 speed criteria
- Team presentation: our GRAN FONDO Rari Racing Club
- Tops and flops
- Trends and insights from the group test
It’s always the same: whether it’s a group ride, a race, or that crucial Strava segment; if the pace isn’t right, the excuses are inevitable – blame the bike. But not for us! For this race bike group test, we focused on the best road bikes to eliminate every possible excuse and embark on the quest for ultimate speed. To make it happen, we founded the GRAN FONDO Rari Racing Club in collaboration with Rapha. Our goal: the Tour de France*. Our approach: the best gear, the best coaches, every marginal gain, and all the aero tricks in the book. In other words, if we don’t claim the Maillot Jaune, the blame lies squarely with us…
*We can dream, can’t we?
Our dream team on the best road bikes: the GRAN FONDO Rari Racing Club (RRC)
Marginal gains? The latest tech trends? The best aero tricks? Yes, please! Armed with top-notch support, a ruthless coach, and a team doctor whose morals are, let’s say, a bit… flexible, we set out to find the fastest, most versatile and innovative race bike to smash new personal bests in the 2025 season. No trend from the pro peloton was off-limits, because we believe that only the best road bikes can keep up with our hunger for speed.
Pogi’s rocking 165 mm cranks? We’ve got to try that too! A 36 cm handlebar with loads of flare? Let’s give it a go! Hookless rims – a safe bet? Or is there a catch?!
What are the best road bikes? The quest for the fastest road bike of 2025
The roar of the engine echoes through the tight bends, the air vibrates, and there he is: our directeur sportif, blasting up the pass like a red flash in a Ferrari Rosso Corsa, making our ears ring over the team radio. For a fleeting moment, it feels like we’ve been transported back to the ‘90s. Cipollini is sprinting across the finish line in his tiger-striped jersey, and Pantani is powering up Alpe d’Huez at superhuman speed, thanks to a dodgy team doctor.
But the moment is as fleeting as the scent of hot asphalt. We’ve come a long way since then: cutting-edge aero bikes, electronic drivetrains, and performance kits. We’re now riding the best road bikes, pushing our limits with state-of-the-art gear.
In collaboration with Rapha, we’ve designed a team kit that delivers not just speed, but serious style. The eight race bikes in our test represent the pinnacle of what the 2025 road bike market has to offer, carefully selected to showcase a range of technical innovations and race bike philosophies.
No matter the cost, the goal of our Dolomites test camp was simple: find the one bike that wins races – no excuses! That’s why we lined up only the best road bikes, each one promising to be the ultimate race machine, capable of flying through corners with razor-sharp precision, transforming every pedal stroke into explosive forward momentum, and offering the reliability, versatility, and technical innovation to leave the competition hobbled from the start line.
While technological advancements in the pro peloton used to be slow and steady, today’s high-performance gear is bursting with innovations and bold new promises. But what actually works, and what doesn’t? Which of the bikes really deliver those extra seconds, or that pure riding experience, and at what cost?
What type of roadie are you? Racer, climber, or all-road explorer?
For me, it’s only the fastest! The temptation to pick the race bike of the reigning Tour de France champion – often hailed as one of the best road bikes – when buying a new ride is completely understandable. But is it really the best road bike for everyone? Definitely not! Race bikes are designed for one thing: racing. Shaving seconds and saving watts are top priorities; comfort, everyday practicality, and even the joy of riding – not so much. If you ride for the love of it, you should ask yourself what your dream bike absolutely needs to deliver before making a decision.
Do Alpine passes under cloudless skies sound like your perfect ride? Not to snag a KOM, but simply to soak in the breathtaking views and the unbeatable feeling of conquering the summit? Climbing specialists are excluded from this group test to avoid comparing apples to oranges, but don’t worry! If you’re after a purebred mountain goat, our recent climbing race bike test, conducted Everesting-style on the legendary Mont Ventoux, has you covered!
Are all-out sprints, interval training, and chasing podium places not really your thing? Are you instead looking for a bike that prioritises riding fun, comfort, and versatility? Cool! Not everyone needs a hardcore race bike. Check out our comprehensive all-road group test for relaxed rides, all-day adventures and maximum comfort on any surface.
Still here? Then buckle up, because now it’s about to get seriously fast – and seriously expensive. Eight uncompromising race bikes with an average price of € 12,398 and an average weight of 7.35 kg. Calculating the price per kilo? Pointless. You’re paying for what doesn’t show up on the scales. All but one of the bikes on test are equipped with the top-tier groupsets available from SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo, and all roll on carbon wheels. Combined with the latest advances in carbon and titanium craftsmanship, this lineup is pure bike lust.
In this race bike group test, the focus is on uncompromising top-level performance and the differences between pure aero bikes, modern all-rounders, and exclusive enthusiast models. We’ve assembled only the best road bikes to find the best riding performance, innovative solutions, and high-end components that deliver heaps of marginal gains. But does speed always come with the highest price tag? As a benchmark, we’ve included the Cervélo Soloist – a race bike designed for those without a team sponsor.
In the end, we’ll not only crown the fastest race bike of the season, but also reveal which type of rider it’s best suited for. Plus, we’ll highlight market trends and share tips on how you can make your current bike even faster!
The test field at a glance – a comparison of the best road bikes for competition in 2025
| Brand | Price | Weight (kg) | Tested Size | Groupset | Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Teammachine R 01 | € 14,999 | 7.16 | 56 | SRAM RED AXS | DT Swiss ARC 1100 62 |
| Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2 | € 9,999 | 7.2 | M | Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 50 |
| Cervélo Soloist | € 7,200 | 7.72 | 56 | SRAM Force AXS | Reserve 44 | 40 |
| Falkenjagd Aristos RSR | € 13,987 | 7.78 | L | Campagnolo Super Record Wireless | Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO 45 |
| Lapierre Xelius DRS 9.0 | € 8,300 | 7.36 | L | Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 | DT Swiss ERC 1400 35/45 |
| Specialized SWorks Tarmac SL8 | € 14,000 | 6.89 | 56 | SRAM RED AXS | Roval Rapide CLX II 51/60 |
| Trek Madone SLR 9 | € 18,199 | 7.24 | M | SRAM RED AXS | Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 |
| Wilier Filante SLR | € 12,500 | 7.0 | L | SRAM RED AXS | Miche Kleos RD 50 |
| Average | € 12,398 | 7.35 |
Italo Disco and Italian Madness – Testing the best race bikes in the Dolomites
Forza ragazzi! Party vibes on the team bus! We’re off to Bella Italia. Iconic images of the Sellaronda are burned into every cyclist’s mind. A loop through the breathtakingly beautiful Sella Massif in the Dolomites sits high on most roadies’ bucket lists – and for good reason! Beyond one stunning view after another, the Alta Badia region also boasts top-notch cycling infrastructure. Our host, Klaus Irsara, has taken it a step further by tailoring his hotel, Melodia del Bosco, entirely to the needs of road cyclists.
A bike storage room with a workshop, homemade energy bars, strong espresso, and insider tips for route planning: “The Passo Valparola is currently closed, but no problem on a bike 😉. That’s where you can really let it fly!”
It doesn’t get better than this: fast straights, winding descents, tough climbs, and not a car in sight. A perfect test route for back-to-back comparisons, while also taking in the best of the legendary Maratona dles Dolomites. Sure, everyone knows the Sella Ronda, but it’s only after tackling the killer ascent of the Mür dl Giat, with tifosi – and our directeur sportif – yelling at you, that you realise you’re truly nearing the finish line.
Our goal? To find the ultimate race bike. No easy task with such a diverse lineup, even if the result was clear in the end! But first things first: how do you identify the fastest bike among the best roads bikes? What really matters?
What does the best road bike of 2025 need to deliver? The 7 speed criteria
The fastest bike in the wind tunnel at a specific yaw angle? The stiffest bottom bracket on the test bench? No question: as roadies, we love geeking out over numbers like CdA, watts, and N/mm values. BUT: isolated figures don’t determine a bike’s (or rider’s) chance of victory. What’s the point of having the most aerodynamic or lightweight bike if it rides like… well, let’s just say terribly?
Imagine bombing into a corner at 80 km/h, heart rate through the roof, barely holding on as your bike develops a terrifying speed wobble. At that moment, when you’re pushing yourself to the limit, handling characteristics could mean the difference between standing on the podium or lying on a stretcher. That’s why the best road bikes aren’t just about numbers; they deliver confidence, control, and ultimate performance when it truly counts.
In the end, true performance on the road is all that matters, not isolated stats on paper. Every bike is a complex system of interdependencies, and the best test ground for this is still a closed mountain pass. Here, our test crew puts each bike through its paces in realistic race scenarios: explosive sprints, fast descents, mountain attacks, hard braking, tight corners, long straights into the wind, and mixed surfaces. If anyone still has any energy left, maybe they’ll throw in another one or two passes on the way home.
Once the testing is done, we compare impressions, analyse cause and effect, account for rider preferences, and assess each bike’s performance relative to the field. Our mission: to crown the best road bike of the year. But in this field of the best road bikes, which one truly delivers on all fronts?
What matters? Performance, versatility, and meaningful technological innovations. The fastest bike of the year should be capable of winning, whether it’s your local Gran Fondo or a Grand Tour – without compromise. To achieve that, we’ve outlined clear requirements for the perfect race bike:
1. Handling and control – The fastest and best road bikes must stay on track
Fancy losing control in a corner at 80 km/h? Neither do we. Handling is the key factor for precision, safety, confidence, and maximum cornering speed. Without precise control, all your leg power is wasted, never making it to the tarmac or the finish line. Handling is crucial to a bike’s overall performance, making it the most important evaluation criterion in this test. If the handling is poor, no amount of brilliance in other areas can save the bike.
How does the bike respond to steering inputs? How does it behave at the limit? Is it intuitively simple to ride, or is it an attention-seeking diva? How composed is the bike at varying speeds? Does it behave predictably, or does it throw in a few surprises?
Even the best road bikes are nothing without dialed handling, so we categorize this trait from intuitive to demanding. That way, both beginners and pros know what to expect when pushing the limits.
2. Acceleration, lightness, stiffness – Must-haves for the race track
A loud beep in your ear, the DS yelling over the team radio, the power meter in the red zone – and you feel like you’re going backwards. A nightmare. A race bike must feel responsive and quick in every situation. To evaluate the best road bikes for acceleration, we test each bike from a standing start, at high speeds, and on climbs.
What factors influence acceleration? Weight, wheelset, frame stiffness? All-out sprints (usually 😉) generate massive forces. Do any unwanted side effects creep in, like unintentional steering inputs? If the frame, fork, or cockpit flex too much, energy is wasted, and the handling becomes sloppy. A true race bike channels every watt into forward momentum, delivering explosive acceleration, without compromising stability or control.
3. Efficiency – Aero 101
“Is my brake rubbing or what?” Poor aero performance on fast straights translates directly into tired legs. The faster you go, the more critical aerodynamics become – a factor we’ve demonstrated clearly in our aero wheelset group test. In the bike-and-rider equation, however, the bike itself accounts for only about a quarter of the total aerodynamic drag. The main culprit? The rider perched on top, pedalling away.
Does the frame geometry and cockpit allow for an efficient aero position, while still letting you put power through the pedals? How aerodynamic are the hand positions? Do the wheels create a noticeable sail effect? How effortlessly does the bike maintain high speeds? Even the best road bikes can’t defy physics completely, which is why real-world tests are so important. This isn’t some sterile lab test with fixed variables—these are practical results you can truly feel on the road.
4. Comfort meets speed: Can a race bike deliver both?
Setting a personal best with back pain? No chance! Comfort is a crucial factor, especially on long or rough stages, ensuring you’re still somewhat fresh when it’s time for the final sprint. Fitness levels may vary, but the core principle holds true for everyone: vibration-damping technologies, wider tires, and ergonomic contact points help reduce strain on the body – ideally without compromising performance. Even the best road bikes won’t save you if you can’t ride them pain-free.
5. The best kit for race-day performance
DNF despite being in the form of your life? You’ll be throwing your bike like a toddler having a tantrum! Reliability is crucial for maximum performance. A race bike’s groupset needs to deliver top-level performance while offering the reliability and gear range required for competitive riding. Power meters are a must-have for pacing, both in training and during races. The cockpit, seatpost, and wheels should prioritise speed above all else, designed to be as light, precise, and aerodynamic as possible. The golden rule for every component: if it makes you faster, it’s a winner.
6. From aero gains to carbon layups – technological innovations in the best race bikes
Is there still room for improvement? Apparently so. Speeds in professional races continue to set new records season after season, thanks to advancements in carbon fibres and resins, refined moulding processes, innovative aero designs, and clever weight-saving techniques. Cutting-edge technology plays a central role in modern race bikes.
In our quest for the best road bikes, we focus on the latest trends from the peloton and the bike industry, putting them to the test to see if they deliver tangible benefits. Can an average rider like us reap the rewards? Is it worth following suit?
7. Hot design and speedy looks – because style matters
Outfit on point. Your new bike gleams in the evening sun. Admiring glances at the gelato stand. A compliment. The roadie ego is soaring. A sleek, fast aesthetic not only earns style points, but also motivates you to give it your all. An eye-catching design boosts confidence and, at least in your mind, adds a few extra watts. Aggressive or timelessly classic? That’s a matter of personal taste. Still, there are universal design principles that can be applied to any bike.
Team presentation: our GRAN FONDO Rari Racing Club
Who doesn’t dream of sprinting across the finish line like Mark Cavendish? Of champagne showers on the Champs-Élysées, or a stern scolding from the DS in the support car?
There’s no denying it: professional racing is something many of us mere mortals love to dream about. And let’s be honest – we end up buying gear we don’t actually need, but absolutely want! Hardly anyone can buy, let alone drive, the equipment used by Formula 1 drivers. But in cycling? It’s possible! It lets us all channel our inner Merckx, Van der Poel, or Pogi.
You know our motto: why dream about it when you can just do it? So we did.
The Rari Racing Club is probably the fastest-assembled race team in the world. Up until four weeks before the test camp, we weren’t even sure if we’d get all the bikes in time. That’s why we hadn’t started planning yet. Once we knew the gear would arrive, it was full steam ahead: we needed riders, kits, sponsors, bikes, a directeur sportif, mechanics, a team doctor – and, of course, a Ferrari! Easy, right?
We pulled every string, signed up the entire GRAN FONDO test crew and a few friends, and ordered the best team doctor we could find on wish.com 😉. Sure, we wanted Pogačar and Van der Poel on the roster, but most pros are locked into long-term contracts. So, we took what we could get – including a few amateurs whose performance, according to our team doctor J. Fuentes, will soon be at pro level. At least, that’s what he promised. Naturally, we made sure to supply everyone with the best road bikes, because speed is non-negotiable for the Rari Racing Club!
The team now includes riders of all types and experience levels, clocking anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 km a year. Not exactly ideal for winning races, but perfect for evaluating race bikes from different perspectives! Some are seriously fast, while for others, it’s more about looking fast.
Our team kit, from Rapha’s Pro Team collection, does that job effortlessly. With espresso-brown bibs and cream-coloured jerseys, it pairs perfectly with Ferrari red. The sleek sunglasses come from the experts at 100%, who supplied us with two models to choose from: the Korbin and the Hypercraft. Fancy a team jersey? Head to the Rapha store in Munich! The limited-edition kit is available there – just 41 pieces – until the end of 2024.
Now, let us introduce you to our team riders and staff.
A directeur sportif of the old school, frequently seen hanging from the team car window like Marc Madiot. Manne drives the team to new heights with his relentless energy.
Il dottore – J. Fuentes is a young sports physician on the rise, unbothered by scruples or the Cologne List as he pushes the limits of performance enhancement.
Badlands finisher and workshop virtuoso, Uwe is the mastermind behind maintaining the fastest gear of the year. Naturally, he makes sure the best road bikes stay in peak condition.
With MVDP otherwise engaged, CZ is tasked with setting up the sprint train. Choo choo!
A mountain biker, triathlete, and super domestique. The young all-round talent excels with impressive descending skills and strong legs.
Always glued to C. Zajac’s rear wheel, il capitano bides his time, ready to launch the final sprint at the perfect moment.
Art director by day, roadie by night. As long as the jersey matches the socks, Lemme has no complaints.
Signed straight from the roadside, rookie T. Janetz was until recently a bike guide in the Dolomites. His local knowledge and weeks of altitude training make him an invaluable asset.
Peter Sagan retired, so we found the next best thing. The Swabian joker in the team rides short-shorts year-round, popping wheelies all the way up the mountain.
Since we were in Italy for testing the best road bikes, there was only one choice for the team car: an original Ferrari 348 in Rosso Corsa, naturally in the GTB sport variant. A classic car from 1993, perfectly suited to our old-school DS and mechanic. A little old-school “encouragement” bellowed from the window of the team car should keep everyone in line.
Va bene, what’s missing? Oh yes, the hottest bikes of the season!
The best road bikes of 2025 – Tops, flops, winners and recommendations
Tops
Flops
Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2
A true aero weapon for fast races, the Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2 excels in efficiency at high speeds, falling just short of the test-winning BMC. Its innovative, maintenance-friendly cockpit and sleek aero bike aesthetic make it the perfect companion for everything except long climbs.
Cervélo Soloist
The all-rounder from a brand renowned for its pro-level aero and climbing specialists. Versatile, comfortable, and with a budget-friendly price point thanks to its mid-tier spec, the Cervélo Soloist is specifically designed for amateur racers without sponsorship. While it sets the baseline with a respectable performance, it doesn’t trouble the top-end bikes in Cervélo’s range, or the other bikes in this test of the best road bikes.
Falkenjagd Aristos RSR
Unique doesn’t even begin to describe the Aristos RSR. A true connoisseur’s dream, crafted from titanium and fitted with high-end components like Campagnolo Super Record WRL and Bora Ultra WTO wheels. While it lags behind more performance-oriented modern race bikes on the track, it’s a show-stopper at any café stop, making it the most exclusive bike in this test.
Lapierre Xelius DRS 9.0
Lapierre’s first true all-round race bike doesn’t hold back. Despite the comfort features in its frame and comparatively forgiving wheels, it’s one of the stiffest bikes in the best road bikes test. With excellent climbing performance and razor-sharp handling, the Xelius DRS 9.0 is built for steep mountain passes and delivers fantastic value for money as the second-most affordable bike in this test.
Trek Madone SLR 9
This bike will leave jaws on the floor. With its € 4,000 Project One paint job, the Trek Madone SLR 9 is the king of style at the gelato stand. But it’s not just about looks – on the racetrack, it delivers top-tier climbing and aero performance, the highest comfort in the test field, and incredibly intuitive handling, proving the Americans know exactly what a modern all-rounder needs.
Wilier Filante SLR
Long, stiff, and oh-so Italian, the Wilier Filante SLR is a no-compromise race bike with the latest components. For riders who can handle its demands, it offers unmatched efficiency and precision – a true performance blade with unmistakable Italo flair.
Test Winner – The best road bike of 2025: BMC Teammachine R01
Pure race vibes. Absolute precision in handling and craftsmanship. With the deepest wheels, an ultra-aggressive cockpit, and marginal gains at every turn, the BMC Teammachine R01 brings together everything that screams speed. This unmatched combination makes it the fastest bike in the test.
Paired with an impressively low weight and surprising climbing capability, it tackles even the steepest ascents with ease and remarkable agility. It’s no surprise the BMC Teammachine R01 fully deserves the title of ultimate race bike of 2025. Bravo!
Best Buy: Specialized Tarmac SL8
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 is the epitome of a modern all-rounder. Incredibly efficient, yet the lightest bike in the test, it boasts a balanced geometry, excellent comfort, and intuitive handling. A race bike that’s perfect for everyone – from beginners to WorldTour pros. If you’re looking for a bike that ticks every box, this one deserves our top recommendation.
Trends and insights from the group test: Which features truly set the best road bikes apart?
New approaches to aero gains
“Aero” isn’t what it used to be. Deeply sculpted frame shapes are becoming a rarity. Modern all-round race bikes are shedding material wherever possible to keep weight to a minimum. Yet they’re still as fast as last season’s dedicated aero bikes, thanks to clever innovations.
Trek, for instance, use water bottles specifically shaped to match the frame, redirecting the airflow seamlessly. BMC draw on Formula 1 expertise from Red Bull, evident in their uniquely wide fork design. Meanwhile, Specialized merge the aerodynamic front end of their Venge with the lightweight rear of their climbing-focused Aethos, blending the best of both worlds.
The trend of combining an aerodynamically optimised front end with a weight-focused rear end makes perfect sense and can be seen on several modern race bikes, especially among the best road bikes pushing the boundaries. The pursuit of ever lighter aero bikes is one of the biggest drivers of innovation in the race bike segment.
Aero to Weight
The game of aerodynamics is far from over. Lightweight all-rounders are making significant strides, inching closer to the UCI minimum weight limit of 6.8 kg. As long as this rule remains in place, pure climbing bikes may soon find themselves out of the racing circuit. The lightest bike in our test weighs 6.89 kg in size 56 – close, but not quite there once you add pedals and a bike computer. In the near future, though, we can expect to see aero all-rounders on the market that hit the 6.8 kg mark fully equipped, further defining the best road bikes of tomorrow.
Does this mean climbing bikes are destined to become a thing of the past? Will the UCI lower the minimum weight limit, or replace it altogether? Time will tell! We’ve also taken a close look at how relevant this rule is today and where the differences between climbing, aero, and all-round race bikes truly lie.
Narrow cockpits: a true gamechanger
Why didn’t we think of this sooner? A 36 cm narrow cockpit with plenty of flare and inward-angled hoods isn’t rocket science, but it makes a noticeable difference. Achieving an aero riding position becomes significantly easier, which pays off, especially at higher speeds. Considering that the rider accounts for about 75% of total aerodynamic drag, this is a key area to optimise.
Of course, the UCI being the UCI, there are rules to follow – or bend. Hoods are no longer allowed to be “angled inwards.” The workaround? The cockpit itself is pre-angled inward in the hood area. Clever brands like Canyon have developed modular cockpits that can be configured in various widths and offer a choice between “old-school drops” and modern aero drops with significant flare.
The best part? Cockpits can be retrofitted, giving both the aesthetics and performance of an older race bike a fresh upgrade.
Tire clearance and comfort
Riding Paris–Roubaix on an aero bike? Matt Hayman might’ve managed it back in 2016 when he took a surprise victory on his aero Scott Foil, but he probably didn’t have a very nice time. Now, with advances in frame design and tire clearance, that’s becoming a reality even for us mere mortals. Cleverly placed carbon fibres, innovative frame designs, and an average tire clearance of 32.25 mm mean that modern race bikes now have plenty of comfort in reserve.
On rough terrain, larger tires offer more than just comfort: the added grip and reduced rolling resistance are so effective that even pros are opting for 30 mm tires – and not just for the Spring Classics.
Wheels, wheels, wheels – The trends in aero wheelsets
The shift toward wider tires is driving a rethink in wheel design. Rims need to get wider too, ensuring the perfect interaction between tire and rim for optimal aerodynamics – something we’ve already explored in detail.
The ideal rim depth is also a hot topic, with the test field showcasing a wide range, from 35 mm to 62 mm. Modern all-round race bikes can easily be adapted to different course profiles by swapping wheelsets, offering unmatched versatility.
If you’re ready to dive down the wheelset rabbit hole, our in-depth aero wheelset group test is the perfect guide. Pairing a top-tier wheelset with a modern cockpit is our hottest tip for upgrading your bike’s performance and style.
Hookless? Hooked!
The debate around hookless rims seems to have calmed down. Thanks to new tires and updated regulations, they’re not quite so controversial any more. However, the brands in our test field have taken a clear stance against hookless rims – not a single bike in the lineup features a hookless rim design. That didn’t stop us from digging deeper into the trend, weighing the pros and cons in our detailed analysis.
Short Cranks:
In the bike fitting world, short cranks are old news. Look to the pro peloton, and cranks shorter than 170 mm are also widely used. Yet manufacturers rarely fit truly short cranks, even on smaller frame sizes. Why is that? Can shorter cranks boost performance? What other advantages do they offer? We’ve done the research for you – read all about short cranks and their performance benefits here!
1 Bike to Rule them all:
The trend towards do-it-all bikes is undeniable. With weights dropping ever lower, aero gains are increasingly outweighing the shrinking weight advantage of dedicated climbing bikes. In some cases, the difference is virtually zero when adhering to the UCI weight limit.
As a result, more and more manufacturers are focusing on all-round race bikes rather than separate climbing and aero models. This shift not only simplifies the decision-making process for customers, but also allows pros to stick with the same bike for a variety of race conditions.
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Words: Jan Richter, Robin Schmitt Photos: Robin Schmitt , Jan Richter
