The Aerfast stands for speed. The "quad" in the Comp version leaves no doubt about this and once again achieves a dream result in the GST wind tunnel: Only 204 watts are needed for the Storck to overcome its own air resistance at 45 km/h. This puts the Bolide at the top of the comparison test and once again secures a top ten place among the fastest production bikes in the TOUR test. The frame set, including the distinctive fork, is perfectly matched to the fast DT Swiss wheels; with our Zipp 404 reference, the Aerfast.4 is two watts slower. The aero racer also benefits from a narrow cockpit, which measures 360 millimetres at the upper handlebars and is therefore only just above the minimum dimension required by the Cycling World Federation.
Storck Aerfast.4 Comp: What's missing to win the test?
Even the slightly smaller frame size, which Markus Storck sent for testing, should at least not have a negative effect on the aerodynamics. However, in order to benefit from this, you have to upgrade the basic model for 4499 euros, as it comes with simple aluminium wheels as standard and is not nearly as fast. However, the 500 euros for the 62 millimetre DT Swiss set are a very good investment and can almost be considered a bargain. Although the Storck weighs just over eight kilograms, it is very spontaneous on the throttle and displays almost Italian virtues, as it reacts extremely directly to steering commands for an aero-optimised road bike.
On fast descents, it almost feels nervous, which is also due to the narrow handlebar-stem unit. The race-like riding position suits the competitive character of the Aerfast.4. Sounds like a test-winning bike? But it's not. Because on a long day in the saddle as well as on the comfort test bench, the Storck reveals its biggest weakness: the aero seat post is extremely unyielding. Wider tyres promise a little more comfort; tyres of up to 30 millimetres are possible. The Aerfast.4 is available in four equipment variants and numerous configurations. The successor has also been available since March, with exclusive equipment that saves almost 1000 grams of weight.
Storck Aerfast.4 Comp
- TOUR grade: 2,1
- Price: 4999 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.1 kilos
- Aerodynamics: 204 watts
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (test size greased)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 500/550/115 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 537/383 millimetres/1.40
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 583/535 millimetres/1.09
- Wheelbase/caster: 980/61 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2 x 12; 52/36, 11-34 t.) | Shimano 105 Di2 (2 x 12; 52/36, 11-34 t.) Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000, 25 mm (eff.: 26 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1400
- Impeller weights: 1304/1763 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: First-class aerodynamics, fairly priced
- Minus: Hardly any spring comfort
Julian Schultz
Editor
