The EXEPT Allroad Classic is one of the most innovative tailor made race-bikes on the market. EXEPT, the small prestigious frame-builder from Finale Ligure, claims it is currently the only carbon-manufacturer to build frames with a monocoque structure. But how did this modern frame-concept fare against the competition in our exclusive test?

This bike is part of a previous group test. Here you’ll find the latest GRAN FONDO race bike group test.

EXEPT Allroad Classic | 7.13 kg | € 13,250

The creators behind the EXEPT Allroad Classic promise to take you on an exciting 5-step journey towards your dream bike. Potential customers can configure their new ride, either by clicking themselves through EXEPT’s online configurator or by talking directly to one of the brand’s trusted retailers. In the first step you choose your ideal platform: it’s either Aero or Allroad. Next you choose between the Integrated model with D-shaped seatpost and fully-integrated cockpit, or the Classic version which features a classic round seatpost and conventional stem/handlebar combo. After selecting your favourite design in step 3, stage 4 and 5 allow you to choose your ideal spec and bike fit from a number of options.

With its wide tires the EXEPT looks massive – but the black swan is anything but heavy.

Our test bike in the Allroad Classic configuration features a complete Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9170 groupset, ENVE Road stem, ENVE Road Compact handlebars, ENVE seat post and DT Swiss 240s hubs with ENVE SES 4.5 AR disc rims. Envious yet? The wide ENVE rims are fitted with 700 x 28 C P-Zero Velo Pirelli tires, helping them balloon out to an impressive width of almost 32 mm . If you want to see this exclusive, handmade piece of Italian engineering hanging on the wall of your bike-shed, you’ll have to fork out € 13,250. The weight of 7.13 kg in size 56 is totally acceptable.

The EXEPT Allroad Classic in detail

Drivetrain Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9170 2 x 11
Gearing 52/36T und 11–30T
Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace BR-9170 160/160 mm
Seatpost ENVE Road Carbon 25 mm Setback
Stem ENVE Road Stem Carbon 110 mm
Handlebars ENVE Road Bar Compact 420 mm
Wheels ENVE SES 4,5 AR Disc
Tires Pirelli P-Zero Velo 28C

ENVE, as far as the eye can see
The spec of the EXEPT leaves very few (if any) wishes unfulfilled.
Tailor-made
The frame’s key geo specs are hand-written on the seat tube and look like the signature of the builder. A nice touch.
Proud …
… The black swan rolls on 700 x 28 C Pirelli P-Zero Velo tires which measure in at 32 mm on the wide ENVE rims. There’s still plenty of tire clearance though.
Mysterious
One big mystery. Why isn’t the junction box of the Di2 Dura-Ace sitting in the dedicated slot inside the frame?

The geometry of the EXEPT Allroad Classic

The EXEPT Allroad Classic in test

The EXEPT accelerates nimbly both on traffic light sprints and out of corners, providing a hefty dopamine rush in both scenarios. Even when climbing the efficient propulsion of the EXEPT is impressive. The front-end feels extremely lively and playful, though in order to allow the slower rear-end to keep up, you’ll have to calculate your steering inputs sensitively. Especially when riding at high speeds, that lack of directional stability could suppress your lust for speed a little. Nonetheless, the EXEPT team is here to help and direct you through the configuration process to match you to your ideal setup.

Tuning tip Get a biodynamic assessment to have your bike built around your requirements and performance preferences.
Helmet ABUS GameChanger | Glasses Oakley Jawbreaker | Jersey Rapha Core | Bibs Rapha Pro Team II | Socks Rapha Pro Team Socks long | Shoes Shimano S-PHYRE RC9

The chunky tires we had fitted come in handy in all-road applications, though whilst racing, the EXEPT lacks a little definition and directness, especially when riding at high speeds and carving through corners. The tires make up for that with the large contact area providing superb grip, making sharp braking-manoeuvres a true delight.

While the frame itself offers minimal compliance, the sloping top tube results in a decent amount of seat post showing, allowing it to flex and provide extra comfort. ENVE’s seatpost and cockpit both offer outstanding damping qualities, noticeably mitigating vibrations and harder knocks. Despite this, the cockpit still offers excellent feedback, providing the perfect sweet spot between comfort and directness.

Conclusion

If you’re after a unique piece of authentic Italian craftsmanship, the EXEPT Allroad Classic is the two-wheeled equivalent of a fine tailor-made suit. But as with custom-made garments, you should know exactly what you want. In our test-bike configuration the EXEPT is a fun bike for steep climbs and rough surfaces, but the lively front-end doesn’t harmonize with the chunky tires or the sluggish rear-end. However, since this is a custom build, there’s plenty of room for personal adaptations.

Tops

  • Exclusive overall-package
  • Tailor-made
  • Innovative production process
  • Efficient and nimble at startup

Flops

  • Sketchy front-end
  • Despite a dedicated Di2 slot in the frame, the junction box sits right under the stem

Fore more info head to: exept.cc

This bike is part of a previous group test. Here you’ll find the latest GRAN FONDO race bike group test.

All bikes in test: Argonaut Road Bike | Basso Diamante SV 2019 | Bianchi Oltre XR4 Disc | BMC Timemachine Road 01 TWO | Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 | Cervélo S5 | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 9.8 | MERIDA REACTO DISC TEAM-E | Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc SL6 Disc | Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc


This article is from GRAN FONDO issue #011

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl