The Velocity Ace-AFO, the full name of the model, was already in the spotlight last summer. Thanks to Jonas Abrahamsen. After all, the Norwegian Uno-X pro rode the as yet unreleased model for the Tour de France for several days in the mountain and green jersey. Now Dare has officially lifted the curtain and unveiled the spectacular racing machine. The Taiwanese company claims to have created one of the fastest aero racing bikes in the world. "Our goal in developing the Velocity Ace was not just to be better, but to be the best," the Taiwanese company says.
Aero expertise from Swiss Side
Dare enlisted the expertise of Swiss Side and spent so long working on the frameset in simulations and wind tunnel tests that they claim it is 4.7 watts faster than "top aero bikes from competing brands". Although the Asians do not specify an absolute aero performance, the complete bike is said to improve by 11.4 watts compared to its predecessor, the VSRu. According to the official information, Dare, like TOUR, used the GST wind tunnel in Immenstaad. Tests were carried out over large angles of attack (-20 to +20 degrees) and at 45 km/h. Unlike TOUR, however, Dare did not use a dummy.
The bike pushes the technical regulations of the UCI cycling association to the limit and is characterised by extremely flat components. The design is no longer entirely new: Simplon and Storck are also pushing the boundaries of what is permitted with their "aero flounders". Both bikes currently (as of October 2024) top the TOUR list of the fastest production bikes. The Pride II achieves 199 wattsthat Aerfast.5 follows close behind with 201 watts.
Handlebars with aerofoil shape
In addition to the streamlined frame set, the fully integrated cockpit catches the eye. With its aerofoil shape, it is designed to significantly improve aerodynamics. In addition to established handlebar widths, Dare also offers an extreme version with 340 millimetres, which undercuts the UCI minimum dimension by 10 millimetres. The adjustment range of the saddle is also exciting: according to Dare, it can be adjusted in length by 30 millimetres, just like on a sled.
The question of weight is an interesting one, but the Taiwanese have left it unanswered. Thanks to the combination of high-quality Toray and specially developed carbon fibres, the frame is said to be 100 grams lighter than the previous aero specialist VSRu. For orientation: The Abrahamsen toolwhich was already fitted with lightweight tuning parts, weighed in at 8.06 kilograms at the Tour de France. The Aerfast.5 shows that you can also go lighter with strong aerodynamics. With a single drivetrain (SRAM Red) and 62 millimetre high aero wheels (DT Swiss ARC 1100), the Storck weighed 7.2 kilograms on the TOUR scales.
Missing distribution network
The Velocity Ace is not (yet) a serious alternative to the fastest competition bikes in the world. After all, the new product is almost exclusively available in Asia for the time being. A TOUR enquiry about distribution in the DACH region has so far gone unanswered. At the market launch, Dare is only offering frame sets. Depending on the colour option, these will cost 5200 or 5800 US dollars (approx. 4900 or 5360 euros).
Julian Schultz
Editor
