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Lightweight road bikes from 6.5 to 6.8 kilosStorck Aernario.3 Platinum - the test winner

Jens Klötzer

 · 31.10.2023

Storck Aernario.3 Platinum, 6.6 kilos
Photo: Matthias Borchers
With the advent of disc brakes, the days of six-kilogram racing bikes seemed to be over. But the designers are working feverishly to make the racers lighter again than the UCI allows. We have tested six - unfortunately rather expensive - candidates, they show the current status. The Storck Aernario.3 is not only light, but also comfortable, stiff and relatively fast: in the Platinum Edition it shows hardly any weaknesses. The suspension comfort of the carbon seat post is sensational.

It comes closest to the new TOUR best score, set by the new Specialized S-Works -Tarmac SL8 (1.3). In terms of weight, the Storck benefits from an extremely light frame, which, combined with high-quality components such as a full carbon saddle and fine-tuning with Aerothan tubes, makes the weight display light up at 6560 grams. In the age of disc brakes and electric drivetrains, it doesn't get much lighter than that. Especially as the Aernario.3 is aerodynamically up to date for a lightweight model and with 220 watts at 45 km/h is the fastest road bike in the test field.

With its aerodynamic tube shapes and fast DT Swiss wheels, Storck wins the aero rating in this comparisonPhoto: Matthias BorchersWith its aerodynamic tube shapes and fast DT Swiss wheels, Storck wins the aero rating in this comparison

The excellent suspension comfort of the carbon seatpost is remarkable. Our test rider already had marathon bikes under the saddle, which reacted much more unyieldingly to bumps. The test version with 50 millimetre high DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels and Selle Italia saddle was not available at the time of going to press, but according to Storck it should be available again in the online shop from the end of February. The waiting time is also worth it because of the price, which, unlike most of the competition, is not yet in five figures.

Storck pushes the weight of the Aernario with a minimalist carbon saddle.Photo: Matthias BorchersStorck pushes the weight of the Aernario with a minimalist carbon saddle.

Technical data and notes Storck Aernario.3 Platinum

Manufacturer information

  • Price: 9599 Euro
  • Frame sizes**: S, M (tested size), L, XL, XXL

Weights and geometry

  • Total weight*: 6.6 kilos
  • Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 806/391/91 grams
  • Seat/top/head tube: 500/570/159 millimetres
  • Stack/Reach/STR***: 585/391 millimetres/1.50
  • Wheelbase/caster: 985/59 millimetres

Equipment

  • Drivetrain/gear system: Shimano Dura-Ace (52/36, 11-30 t.) Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
  • Wheels/tyres (weights)****: DT Swiss ARC Dicut 50/Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT TR 25 mm (f./h. 1,078/1,460 g)

Valuation

  • PLUS: excellent comfort on the saddle, good aero performance, fair price
  • MINUS: susceptible to crosswinds

TOUR grade: 1.5

Storck Aernario.3 Platinum reviewPhoto: TOUR-Testabteilung
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*Weighed weights.

**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.

***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright riding position.

****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.

Jens Klötzer

Jens Klötzer is a qualified industrial engineer and TOUR's expert for components of all kinds: brakes, gears, wheels and tyres - Jens puts everything through its paces. He collects historic racing bikes and owns both a modern time trial bike and a titanium gravel touring bike. When travelling, he likes to explore unknown roads in Eastern Europe - on wide but fast tyres.

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