Alberto Contador was unable to celebrate another stage win at this year's Tour of Italy after 2021 and 2023. Nevertheless, the ex-pro and founder of Aurum must have been satisfied with the performance of the Polti-Kometa team. After all, the professionals of the second-class team were always at the front of the peloton and thus showcased the new Magma.
Aurum Magma: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: from 6.5 kilogrammes
- Frame/fork weight: 780/375 grams (size 54)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 570/393 millimetres/1.45 (size 56)
- Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58
- Prices: 8099 to 14999 Euro
Three years ago, the race all-rounder was still the only platform of the young brand of Contador and his former companion Ivan Basso. The new version of the Magma is now Aurum's fourth model and is available in the online shop and from a handful of dealers in Germany alongside the slightly cheaper competition bike Essentia and the gravel bike Manto. The characteristics remain unchanged: The Magma is an all-rounder that combines low weight and - at least according to the manufacturer - good aero performance.
The importance attached to aerodynamic development is made clear in the official press documents. On five pages, Aurum breaks down what was done to address a central point of criticism in the TOUR test of the original model to fix. With 231 watts at 45 km/h, the test bike only achieved an average value for a race all-rounder, comparable models are sometimes up to 20 watts faster. Now the new frameset is said to benefit from special NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) tube profiles; according to our own CFD simulations, the frame and fork save seven watts.
The new design is only recognisable at second glance. The change to the control centre is more striking: instead of a two-piece handlebar/stem combination, a fully integrated monocoque cockpit is now clamped to the steerer tube. This innovation is said to save ten watts, but at the expense of position adjustment and ease of maintenance. The Spaniards have not announced a total figure for the aero performance.
Despite the slightly flatter frame, the chassis is said to have become lighter. This is primarily made possible by higher pressure in the negative mould, which allows the laminate of high-quality carbon fibres and individual resin mixture to be "compacted more precisely" and forms a "stronger, lighter structure". For size 54, Aurum states a frame weight of 780 grams, which is around 180 grams less than the measured frame weight of the predecessor. The fork is said to weigh 375 grams and thus reach the level of the old model. The lightest equipment variant weighs around 6.5 kilograms.
In terms of stiffness, the first Magma was not guilty of anything. This is unlikely to change for the second generation either. According to the Spanish manufacturer, the chassis should be even stiffer. However, it is questionable whether the new aero seatpost can match the suspension level of the round carbon seatpost on the predecessor. The increased tyre clearance could at least help. Instead of the previous 30 mm, tyres up to 35 mm wide can now fit through the fork and frame.
Equipment and prices
At market launch, the new Magma is available in ten equipment variants - and is unfortunately very expensive. Even the basic models with Force AXS or Ultegra Di2 and wheels from Enve cost just over €8,000. With Dura-Ace Di2 or the new Red AXS and high-tech wheels from Enve, Princeton or Lightweight, the price tag reaches five figures. The frame set is available for 4499 euros, including the handlebar/stem combination for an additional 500 euros. ,
Magma Force
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.)
- Impellers: Enve Foundation 45 or Enve SES 3.4
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (28 mm)
- Powermeter: no
- Prices: 8099 or 9199 Euro
Magma Ultegra
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: Enve Foundation 45 or Enve SES 3.4
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (28 mm)
- Powermeter: no
- Prices: 8499 or 9599 Euro
Magma Red
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.)
- Impellers: Enve SES 3.4, Princeton Peak 4550 or Lightweight Obermayer
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (28 mm)
- Powermeter: Yes
- Prices: 11499, 11899 or 14999 Euro
Magma Dura-Ace
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: Enve SES 3.4, Princeton Peak 4550 or Lightweight Obermayer
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (28 mm)
- Powermeter: no
- Prices: 11499, 11899 or 14999 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
