Falkenjagd Aristos R gravel bike in review

The Falkenjagd Aristos R is one of the bikes that immediately stands out from the test field. With its beguiling titanium construction and parts from a 3D printer, you simply can’t miss it. But can the gravel bike from the German bike manufacturer also stand out with its performance? Our test provides the answer!

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best gravel bike 2022 – 19 models on test

Precision, endurance and speed – these are the virtues that resourceful hunters demand of their falcons. And that is precisely what the name of the titanium bike manufacturer from Garching near Munich alludes to. Precision is also required for the production of the Falkenjagd Aristos R, even incorporating 3D printing – when you look at the perfect workmanship of the bike, there is plenty of precision to be found. Having looked at the Falkenjagd Aristos R (read review here) in our last issue, it now has to face competition from the best gravel bikes of the year.

In addition to the mounting points for two bottle cages in the main triangle, the frame itself hides mounts for mudguards, a luggage rack, a front light and even the wiring integration for a hub dynamo. For the gears and brakes, Falkenjagd rely on Campagnolo EKAR, the mechanical 1×13 gravel groupset which combines a 38 t chainring and 9–42 t cassette, giving it slightly more range than the SRAM XPLR groupsets on test. This pays off when riding fast. The biggest weakness of the shifting is that it is very difficult to adjust correctly, sensible on the ride, and comparatively clumsy and spongy when shifting. However, due to running improvements, newer EKAR models already work much better than the first batches.

---

---

Titanium masterpiece – 3D printing makes previously impossible shapes possible. Hardly any bike attracts so many looks!

Compared to the model from our previous review, Falkenjagd have given the Aristos R different tires, replacing the Schwalbe G-One Bite with the 700 x 45C Schwalbe G-One R. This a marked improvement for the bike, because it rolls more efficiently on compact surfaces without losing grip or traction. Its 45 mm deep carbon aero wheels from Parapera with their 24 mm inner width are a good basis for medium-width gravel tires, providing solid support. By contrast, the 440 mm Parapera aluminium bar with its 15 mm rise and 18° flare, looks very bulky. While it allows an upright riding position on the tops and a lot of control due to its flare, the drops should be a bit longer. The bike’s weight of 9.00 kg in size L is also somewhat heavy. On the other hand, the € 8,484 price tag is more than reasonable for a titanium bike of this quality.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat tube	490 mm	510 mm	530 mm	550 mm	570 mm	600 mm
Top tube	520 mm	535 mm	555 mm	570 mm	585 mm	600 mm
Head tube	110 mm	125 mm	145 mm	160 mm	185 mm	200 mm
Head angle	70.5°	71.5°	71.5°	71.5°	71.5°	71.5°
Seat angle	74.5°	77.5°	75.0°	75.0°	72.5°	72.5°
Chainstays	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
BB Drop	78 mm	78 mm	75 mm	75 mm	73 mm	73 mm
Wheelbase	1,022mm	1,024 mm	1,035 mm	1,050 mm	1,061 mm	1,076 mm
Reach	375 mm	374 mm	379 mm	390 mm	392 mm	403 mm
Stack	541 mm	560 mm	576 mm	591 mm	612 mm	629 mm

The handlebar’s rise provides a stiff feel at the front and reduced pressure on the front wheel, which can be a problem when cornering very aggressively. The slight toe overlap also needs to be accounted for. Otherwise, the bike convinces with a high level of confidence in the vast majority of riding situations. On the one hand, this is due to the very good braking power of the Campy stoppers, which is safely transferred to the ground by the Schwalbe tires on varied terrain. On the other hand, the frame feels stable and secure, reassuring you that you are sitting on something robust and durable.

On the comfort side, the Aristos R is more on the “firm” team, despite the damping properties of the frame and components. However, this fits well with the bike’s propulsion-oriented character. Vibrations and small impacts are still pleasantly damped, while rougher impacts are noticeably transmitted to the rider. Here, the otherwise good efficiency of the Falkenjagd suffers. Back on flatter terrain, the bike accelerates readily for its weight and maintains speed very efficiently thanks to the bike’s integration, the deep rims and the associated aero advantages. There is also largely positive news in terms of handling: the Falkenjagd Aristos R is direct and precise without sacrificing smoothness, and thus convinces with balanced and intuitive handling that helps both experienced riders and beginners to have fun. The bike feels especially at home through fast and long turns, without cutting a bad figure on more tighter tracks or flow trails.

Tuning tip: a handlebar without rise and with a little less flare for a more sporty ride

The Falkenjagd Aristos R doesn’t outperform all its competitors in terms of handling, comfort or speed, but it is one of the few bikes at the top of the rankings in all categories. With this good performance across the board, high riding pleasure, wide range of applications and great looks, it deservedly secures a place on the podium in this group test.

Falkenjagd Aristos R conclusion

Speed, precision, endurance – the Falkenjagd Aristos R not only convinces with the characteristics of a falcon, but also with a wide range of uses and solid performance. This puts it in the top end of this group test and, thanks to the many mounting points, it is also a good choice for sporty bikepacking or everyday commuting. However, if you want ultimate performance, you should choose a lighter bike with electronic gears.

---

You can find out more about at falkenjagd-bikes.de

The testfield

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best gravel bike 2022 – 19 models on test

All bikes on review: 3T Exploro Ultra (Click for review) | BMC URS LT ONE (Click for review) | Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE (Click for review) | Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 eTap Suspension (Click for review) | Cervélo Áspero GRX Di2 (Click for review) | CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLT (Click for review) | Curve Kevin of Steel III (Click for review) | Falkenjagd Aristos R | Felt Breed 20 (Click for review) | FOCUS ATLAS 6.8 (Click for review) | GIANT Revolt Advanced 0 (Click for review) | OPEN WI.DE. (Click for review) | Ridley Kanzo Fast (Click for review) | ROSE BACKROAD EKAR LTD (Click for review) | SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Crux (Click for review) | Stelbel Nina XCr (Click for review) | Storck GRIX.2 Platinum (Click for review) | Wilier Rave SLR (Click for review)

---

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Photos: Benjamin Topf, Peter Walker