A bike for all conditions, whether road, all-road, or gravel? The Falkenjagd Aristos RSR in review is designed to feel at home anywhere, as long as speed is the focus. And with its titanium frame and Campagnolo groupset, it’s definitely a tad extravagant – the right match for the Rari Racing Club?
Known worldwide for their titanium frames, Falkenjagd brings the latest and greatest in titanium craftsmanship with the Aristos RSR. With its seamless integration concept and aero look, the German Ti-racer speaks the same design language as most modern all-round racers and yet, it’s made from titanium! This can be achieved through a blend of advanced titanium manufacturing techniques. While this complex process only allows for small production batches, it enables customisation and adds a touch of “boutique flair” only the smallest names in the drop-bar business can deliver.
But does that necessarily translate into racing performance? At least the high-end feel, with its titanium frame and sought-after Campagnolo Super Record Wireless groupset, is a fit for the Rari Racing Club. The real question is: can the Falkenjagd Aristos RSR in review hold its own against the competition?
Falkenjagd Aristos RSR – Truly one of a kind
Whether you’re cruising down the Strade Bianche or sipping on a caramel-latte at the café, the Aristos RSR is designed to make a strong impression. For Falkenjagd, this means nailing both the look and ride feeling, which is why they pick titanium as their material of choice. The Aristos isn’t just built as a true racer but is also meant to perform on different types of terrain, which requires a material as robust as titanium – a perfect fit for the bike’s boutique flair.
In its natural raw titanium finish, the bike stands out even from a distance. The blend of raw titanium and a simple, black carbon fork and cockpit makes it all the more enticing. But it’s not just about the look; this bike is built for everyday practicality. With tire clearance up to 35 mm, it’s the ideal platform for wide road and all-road setups, though it’s just at the limit for gravel.
Top tube525 mm535 mm550 mm565 mm585 mm605 mm
Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seat tube | 510 mm | 520 mm | 540 mm | 560 mm | 590 mm | 600 mm |
Head tube | 120 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm | 155 mm | 175 mm | 185 mm |
Head angle | 71.5° | 71.5° | 72° | 73° | 73.5° | 74° |
Seat angle | 74° | 74° | 73.5° | 73.25° | 73° | 72.5° |
Chainstay | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm |
BB Drop | 73 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm | 71 mm | 70 mm | 68 mm |
Wheelbase | 980 mm | 990 mm | 996 mm | 1000 mm | 1012 mm | 1020 mm |
Reach | 372 mm | 382 mm | 387 mm | 393 mm | 404 mm | 414 mm |
Stack | 534 mm | 534 mm | 550 mm | 571 mm | 594 mm | 605 mm |
The sky’s the limit! – The spec of the bike
Alongside the premium titanium frame, Falkenjagd rely on several standout components for the Aristos RSR. The Parapera carbon cockpit fits the bike perfectly, with its clean, 400 mm handlebars and 100 mm stem– perhaps a touch old school, but it suits the bike’s all-rounder vibe.
Just as timeless is the Campagnolo Super Record Wireless groupset, which adds a touch of Italian luxury to the high-end setup. Equipped with battery pods similar to SRAM’s AXS system, it’s completely wireless. Our test bike comes equipped with a 11–32 cassette and 48/32 chainset, which suit the bike’s versatile purpose well.
But the Italian race pedigree doesn’t stop there: with the Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO wheelset with 45 mm rims, Falkenjagd take exclusivity up a notch. At 30 mm, the Schwalbe Pro One tires are the widest in this test, and add to the bike’s style.
A truly unique feature is the carbon masterpiece at the bike’s rear: the Schmolke Carbon TLO seatpost and Selle Italia SLR C59 saddle showcase the possibilities of modern carbon fibre, ensuring ultralight weight while adding a touch of flex. Impressive, though the concept doesn’t fully come together.
With titanium and a Campagnolo groupset, even the Rari looks pale
The components are undoubtedly stylish, but whether this lightweight approach pays off is questionable, as the bike weighs in at a hefty 7.78 kg. One thing’s for sure, though: Falkenjagd’s flood of high-end components and titanium craftsmanship come at a price – €13,987, around €1,500 above the average.
FALKENJAGD ARISTOS RSR
€ 13,987
Specifications
Seatpost Schmolke Carbon TLO Round
Brakes Campagnolo Super Record WRL 160/160 mm
Drivetrain Campagnolo Super Record Wireless 2x12
Stem Parapera Carbon Cockpit 100 mm
Handlebar Parapera Carbon Cockpit 400 mm
Wheelset Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO 45
Tires Schwalbe Pro One 700 x 30c
Cranks Campagnolo Super Record Pro T Carbon 172,5 mm
Cassette Campagnolo Super Record 12 11-32
Technical Data
Size XS S M ML L XL XXL
Weight 7.78 kg
Specific Features
Titanium frame
Subtle logos
Campagnolo Super Record Wireless drivetrain
Long and flexible carbon saddle
A true all-rounder through and through
The Aristos RSR stands out in every way in this test field. But does that mean Falkenjagd’s bike is less race-ready than its direct competitors? Right from the start, it lags behind slightly.. While the Aristos efficiently translates watts into forward motion, it doesn’t quite reach the raw performance of other race bikes. This also shows up on climbs, where the 7.78 kg system weight – about half a kilo more than average – becomes apparent.
The geometry is more relaxed for an all-rounder, which is ideal for endurance rides and gran fondos, though less suited to carving around corners at 50 kph in your local crit. The higher front end ensures long-distance comfort, while the bike’s intuitive, stable handling brings extra peace of mind. The Aristos responds to steering input predictably and forgives minor riding mistakes, which makes it the ideal choice for newbies. Cornering is straightforward too: much like the Specialized Tarmac, the Falkenjagd handles tight turns with ease.
Aero efficiency, however, is its weak point. Lacking the advanced aero features of the wind-tunnel-developed competition, it falls behind in this regard.
Ergonomics and compliance on the Aristos RSR are a mixed bag. While each component is ergonomically sound, the overall compliance leaves something to be desired. The titanium frame, carbon fork, and cockpit absorb some of the small chatter but offer limited flex. The Schmolke seatpost and Selle Italia saddle should, in theory, improve comfort, but in practice, compliance varies greatly with the riding position, swinging between very comfortable and rather stiff.
Ultimately, the Falkenjagd Aristos RSR is more of a fast all-road bike than a thoroughbred racing machine. While it can take on the occasional race, it’s outperformed by the test field’s dedicated race bikes when it comes to raw, uncompromising performance.
Tuning-Tipp:Wider tyres for even more all-round versatility.
What type of racer is the Falkenjagd Aristos RSR made for?
While the Falkenjagd Aristos RSR can handle races, it’s really more of an everyday companion. A bike that tackles any challenge – whether it’s road, all-road, or gravel – the Aristos won’t let you down. It’s perfectly suited for the occasional gran fondo too. This titanium bike is bound to stand out at the start line amidst a sea of carbon frames, attracting many curious looks in the process. The Aristos isn’t an uncompromising racer or sprint specialist; it’s a friend for life, a bike to experience and enjoy. Not just another Tarmac or Teammachine, it’s Aristos (meaning “the capable”) – a bike with true character.
Conclusions about the Falkenjagd Aristos RSR review
The Falkenjagd Aristos RSR is a unique bike from an equally unique brand. With its titanium frame, full integration, and top-tier components, it’s easily one of the most exclusive bikes currently available on the market. However, in a racing context, it falls behind modern carbon racers in terms of weight, aerodynamics, and efficiency. Off the track, it stands out with its durable titanium construction and versatility.
Tops
- Intuitive handling
- Stylish, high-quality titanium frame
Flops
- Flex in seatpost and saddle isn’t perfectly tuned
- Geometry is slightly too relaxed for racing
- Cockpit lacks sufficient compliance
More info at falkenjagd-bikes.com.
The test field
This bike was tested as part of the 2024 race bike comparison test – an overview of this comparison test and all other tested race bikes can be found here:
All bikes in review: BMC Teammachine R 01 | Canyon Aeroad CFR | Cervelo Soloist | Falkenjagd Aristos RSR | Lapierre Xelius DRS 9.0 | Specialized Tarmac SL8 | Trek Madone SLR 9 | Wilier Filante SLR
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter