Aero road bikes for around 5000 euros: The Benotti Fuoco Aero SL Force AXS on test
Julian Schultz
· 09.04.2024
Just in time for the start of the season, Benotti presents an upgrade of its streamlined racing machine. Compared to the Fuoco Aero the new model is based on a higher-quality frameset with particularly tensile and lightweight carbon fibres called T1000. Because the manufacturer and direct distributor from Lower Saxony also uses carbon fibre for the wheels, cockpit and seat post under its own Engage brand, the Fuoco Aero SL takes the top spot in the test field in terms of weight: The Benotti saves more than 1000 grams compared to the heaviest bike. Its predecessor, which had an almost identical design apart from a heavier groupset, weighed just under 500 grams more. Consequently, the Fuoco Aero SL competes with significantly more expensive models in one of the two most important disciplines of a competition bike.
Benotti Fuoco Aero SL: Riding behaviour
In terms of aerodynamics, this is not yet entirely successful, but the 213 watts are still a good value and close to the fastest bikes in the TOUR test. As with the old model, the wheels, which are extremely light thanks to the 60 millimetre high carbon rims, exploit the aerodynamic potential of the subtly optimised frameset. The result is very agile handling. Compared to most of its competitors, the Benotti accelerates almost effortlessly and also feels relatively light-footed on climbs. The voluminous time trial tyres and the comfortable carbon saddle conceal the low level of suspension comfort on the seat post and cockpit, which makes maintenance and position adjustment more difficult due to integrated cables.
The comparatively upright seating position is unusual for the race category. Benotti - the name behind the brand is that of founder Bernd Nolte - offers the aero racer in a total of eight equipment variants. All models come with carbon wheels and electronic shifting groupsets from Shimano or SRAM. At attractive prices and now with a six-year instead of a two-year warranty. In the course of development, the smallest frame size (46 centimetres) was removed from the range and a larger one (61 centimetres) was added.
Benotti Fuoco Aero SL Force AXS
- TOUR grade: 2,1
- Price: 5299 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 7.5 kilos
- Aerodynamics: 213 watts
- Frame sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 (test size bolded)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 520/565/162 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 584/389 millimetres/1.50
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 635/577 millimetres/1.10
- Wheelbase/caster: 995/56 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.) | Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: SRAM Force (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT 28 mm (eff.: 30 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Impellers: Engage 60C Evo
- Impeller weights: 1137/1530 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Low overall weight, high-quality wheels
- Minus: Low spring comfort
* In an initial version, the categorisations for area of use, surface and seating position were incorrect. We apologise for the error.
Julian Schultz
Editor
