“Secret of Speed” is the punchline of Corratec’s CCT Evo eTap, which wants to combine lightness and stiffness in a unique way. If you roll up on a set of Lightweight MEILENSTEIN wheels, you’re certainly allowed to brag a little. But can the alleged super-sport machine from Bavaria take on the competition?
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
Corratec has been building bikes for the last twenty-six years, focusing on combining tradition with quality and the promise of only using European components. The Corratec CCT Evo eTap is the super-sport machine from Corratec’s portfolio with some nice upgrades from their configuration program. With the configuration program Corratec wants to offer freedom for individualisation and allow you to build your dream bike to your very own specifications.
Better wheelset
Wider tires for more grip
Cockpit and components
Compared with the € 2,000 eTap entry model, our € 9,499 test bike features a couple of very impressive upgrades: a Lightweight MEILENSTEIN wheelset and a set of Shimano Dura-Ace direct mount brakes. The rear brake sits under the bottom bracket and hides on the underside of the chainstays. With a weight of just 6.51 kg in size 54, the Corratec is one of the lightest bikes in our test.
With its chunky frame, oversized head tube, and very classic design, the Corratec CCT Evo eTap looks a little old-school compared to the other bikes in our group test. The slim Zzyzx components don’t match the overall style of the bike and fail to meet the high expectations raised by the Corratec’s hefty price tag. Also, design enthusiasts will feel a little shortchanged by the many decals on the Corratec.
The CCT Evo truly shines on climbs and sprints with its stiff, efficient frame and light wheelset – the lightest one in our test, in fact. The dropped chainstays are a pretty detail of the CCT Evo’s frame; this clever trick prevents the chain from slapping hard, especially on rough terrain. Does that mean it’s ready for cobbles? Not really! The Corratec’s substantial lack of comfort totally disagrees with rough surfaces. With its chunky seat stays, the super-stiff Lightweight wheelset, and a stiff front end, the CCT Evo is not the optimal choice for spring classics or rough tarmac outings. The nervous front end requires constant readjusting in corners, and the pulsating, poorly modulating brake-wheel combination doesn’t seem to improve the bike’s downhill credentials either. A substantial lack of comfort, the narrow 24.5 mm Continental GP 4000 S II tires, and an unpleasant mix of bad cornering characteristics combined with the nervous front end heavily affected the Corratec’s performance in our GRAN FONDO Race Session. The poor handling fails to inspire confidence and puts the Corratec right at the back of our test field.
The Lightweight MEILENSTEIN upgrade was pretty disappointing too. Compared to other U-shaped rims with a similar depth, the MEILENSTEIN V-shaped rims are way more susceptible to side winds. The MEILENSTEIN wheels also struggle to build up speed and require far too much energy to keep them rolling. The flat carbon aero spokes are actually more of a hindrance and create a lot of drag with diagonal air forces. Additionally, the rim width of just 20 mm (external) doesn’t reflect the modern trends of wider tires and appears a little dated.
The CCT Evo truly shines on climbs and sprints with its stiff, efficient frame and light wheelset – the lightest one in our test, in fact.
The Corratec EVO eTap Konfi in detail
The geometry of the Corratec EVO eTap Konfi
Conclusion
Climbs and sprints are the true strengths of the Corratec CCT Evo eTap. If you like climbing and riding on curvy roads, the Bavarian Lion might just be your ideal companion – provided you’re an experienced rider. If you’re looking for a racing rig with a confidence-inspiring handling and superb performance, you’re better off looking elsewhere. The € 2,000 upgrade for the Lightweight MEILENSTEIN wheels doesn’t pay off.
Top
– Uphill-Performance
Flop
– Design
– Lack of comfort
– Nervous front end
Uphill
Downhill
Sprint
For more info head to: corratec.com
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 | Fuji SL 1.1 | Rose X-Lite 6 eTap | Scott Addict RC Ultimate Disc | Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 | Speedvagen Road | Standert Triebwerk Mach 3 | 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
