Sticklers for quality, Storck are known for their severe reluctance when it comes to cutting corners. Based in the German city of Idstein, the brand has long-held principles, including a strict adherence to timelessness and insurmountable levels of rigidity. So perhaps that why Storck’s buyers cherish their purchases, surveying them more as assets than one-trick action figures. On the market since 2013, does the Aernario Platinum G1 possess the timelessness that Storck promises?

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Who wouldn’t enjoy riding a bike that combines great acceleration and rigidity with razor-sharp handling and stability? This is exactly what the ingredients of the Aernario combine to create, and the misrepresentation of Storck as creating overly stiff bikes has been well and truly refuted by the Aernario’s level of comfort on poor road surfaces.
Don’t let the aero in the bike’s name fool you: even though its low head tube, aggressive position, Lightweight Fernweg wheels and 39-25 minimum gear are more suited to riding fast on the flat, this isn’t Storck’s aerodynamic bike. (That’s why they’ve designed the Aerfast.)

Storck Aernario Platinum G1 | 6.23 kg | € 13,399
Storck Aernario Platinum G1 | 6.23 kg | € 13,399
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The handlebars raised some eyebrows, and although the classic ergonomic features are all present, the ergonomic hold on the drops isn’t best suited for sprinting. The narrow 22c tubulars are certainly dated these days, but while tubulars are always going to cause a conversation, there was genuine disappointment as the Cane Creek Aer headset broke. For weight reasons, this model has sacrificed a traditional top bearing and instead employs the pressure-sensitive Norglide X2 composite bearing.
All over the Catalan backlands, we witnessed some pretty impeccable descending thanks to the braking power from the Dura Ace brakes in combination with the Lightweight Fernweg wheelset.

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Storck Aernario Platinum G1 in detail

Ergonomic: Thanks to the monolink technology the carbon seat post offers a wide range of individual inclination and position adjustment options.
Ergonomic: Thanks to the monolink technology the carbon seat post offers a wide range of individual inclination and position adjustment options.
Dated: The cockpit feels a little bit dated. The hold on the drops isn't really suited for spriting and the short bar tape makes for a strange feel.
Dated: The cockpit feels a little bit dated. The hold on the drops isn’t really suited for spriting and the short bar tape makes for a strange feel.
Lightwight: The custom Lightweight Fernweg wheels are not only super lightweight and aerodynamic but also very stiff (and incredibly expensive).
Lightwight: The custom Lightweight Fernweg wheels are not only super lightweight and aerodynamic but also very stiff (and incredibly expensive).

Specifications of the Storck Aernario Platinum G1

  • Drivetrain: Shimano Dura Ace DI2 2X11 SP
  • Gears: Chainrings: 53/39 | Cassette: 11-25
  • Brakes: Shimano Dura Ace
  • Tyres: Schwalbe One
  • Wheelset: Lightweight Fernweg
  • Weight: 6.23 kg
  • Price: From € 13,399
Geometry of the Storck Aernario Platinum G1
Geometry of the Storck Aernario Platinum G1

Conclusion

Despite our criticisms, the Aernario gives a strong ride and it’s a worthy choice for anyone who values the classic black look, an aggressive position, razor-sharp handling and pure power. For more regular, frequent riding or exploits in the mountains, the Storck’s spec (bars, headset and wheel choice in particular) strikes us as too specialist.

Strenghts

  • Stiff and efficient
  • Razor-sharp handling

Weaknesses

  • Outdated bars and stem combo
  • Spec limits its usage
  • Sensitive Cane Creek Aer headset with hybrid bearings

For more information check the Storck Website.

About the test

With 10 test riders descending on Barcelona from across the globe, we dedicated 9 days to pushing this season’s most exclusive and exciting and exciting bikes to their limits in a one-of-a-kind group test. Each rider brought his or her own specific experience to the process, with a test team comprised of four women and six men, including former Tour de France riders, biomechanics, bike shop owners, tour guides and amateur riders. In short: a gathering of highly experienced and well-versed road riding enthusiasts. Our goal was a simple one, to give you all the information needed to make you a winner: Why? Becuase life’s too short to ride the wrong bikes.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The 10 most exclusive and exciting bikes in Test



All bikes in test: Specialized S-Works Venge | Ritte Ace | Focus Izalco Max Disc“ | Festka One LT Dazzle | Crema Doma | Cervelo C5 | Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 | Bianchi Specialissima | Trek Madone 9.9

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Words: Markus Ybanez, Robin Schmitt, Emmie Collinge Photos: Constantin Gerlach, Klaus Kneist, Christoph Bayer


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