The "ring free" bell doesn't ring when we unleash the two new aero road bikes on each other for the ultimate showdown. Nevertheless, the comparison between the Simplon Pride II and Storck Aerfast.4 Pro Disc comes pretty close to a duel between two heavyweight boxers. Our ring is the wind tunnel. However, both manufacturers had already started the exchange of blows before our Wind tunnel test in Immenstaad.
The Pride II is "currently breaking all wind tunnel records", Simplon announced at the presentation of the model in late summer 2021. The Aerfast.4 is "the fastest racing bike in the world", Storck added confidently. The official weigh-in - to stick with boxing jargon - was not yet won by anyone. But because there can only be one winner, we fired up the blower and established the facts. Simplon or Storck: Who builds the fastest production road bike in the world?
UCI adapts regulations for aerodynamic frame constructions
This much in advance: both the Pride II and Aerfast.4 achieve unrivalled aerodynamic values. This was made possible by adjustments to the technical regulations of the world governing body. Since January 2021, the UCI has permitted larger and flatter shapes on the frame triangles. Individual components may now be more than three times as long as they are wide. This may sound complicated, but the core message behind it is comparatively simple: thanks to the changes in the so-called "Clarification Guide", the UCI is giving manufacturers more leeway for aerodynamic frame designs - and Simplon and Storck are exploiting this in different ways.
Curiously, Simplon's development department only learnt by chance that the world association was working on corrections to the regulations under the then Technical Director Jean-Christophe Péraud. "We had already started development, but were able to react in time," recalls chief developer Jonas Schmeiser. "As a relatively small company, we are flexible. However, you can assume that other brands will soon follow suit," adds the 34-year-old. One manufacturer, Orbea, has already done so. Last September, the Spaniards presented the Orca Aerowhich, with its aggressive frame shape, resembles the Pride II - and is available from us in TOUR 3/2022 is also tested.
Simplon Pride II
- Aerodynamics 199 watts
- Price 10,049 euros
- Weight 7.8 kilos
- www.simplon.com
TOUR measurements for the Simplon Pride II
- Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,258/472/66 grammes
- Frame sizes** 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61 cm
- Seat/top tube/head tube 510/565/139 mm
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 551/410 mm/1.34
- Wheelbase/caster 1,000/51 mm
Equipment:
- Drive Shimano Dura-Ace (52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Gearshift/brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Di2/Shimano Dura-Ace (f./h. 160/140 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62/Schwalbe Pro One 25 mm (v/h: 1,283/1,634 grams)
When Simplon last revised its Pride, we were quite astonished. With its aggressive design language, the aero racing bike clearly stood out from the competition and finally emancipated itself from the original model. Almost five years later, history repeated itself. With the Pride II, the Vorarlberg-based company rolled out another unrivalled road bike in late summer 2021. Simplon was the first manufacturer in the world to apply the modified UCI technical regulations and, together with the aero experts from Swiss Side, pushed the new frame shapes almost to the limit.
The most striking new development is the approximately 150 millimetre long head tube, which looks more like a vertical aerofoil. In combination with the flat frame triangles, this creates a sailing effect that makes the Pride II measurably faster in crosswind conditions. With aerodynamic handlebars and the two-part stem, the Simplon offers little surface to attack even in frontal airflow.
+ Outstanding aerodynamics, various configuration options in the modular system
- susceptible to crosswinds, high price
Storck Aerfast.4 Pro Disc
- Aerodynamics 201 Watt
- Price 8,699 euros
- Weight 7.5 kilos
- www.storck-bikes.com
TOUR measurements for the Storck Aerfast.4 Pro Disc
- Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,096/512/92 grammes
- Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Seat/top tube/head tube 500/545/116 mm
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 525/388 mm/1.35
- Wheelbase/caster 985/59 mm
Equipment
- Drive SRAM Red (50, 10-33 t.)
- Gearshift/brakes SRAM Red eTap AXS/SRAM Red (f./h. 160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62/Continental GP 5000 25 mm (v/h: 1,283/1,634 grams)
Storck presented six new models last year. But hardly any other bike caused as much of a stir as the Aerfast.4 Pro Disc - especially among the TOUR editorial team. The Hessians advertised their new model at the launch with a new -aero best value of 199 watts, determined "according to TOUR standard test procedures". However, when asked, Storck confirmed that the value was only based on simulations. The Storck faces its first real TOUR wind tunnel test in this duel with the Simplon.
The Aerfast.4 Pro Disc is a further development of the Aerfast.3, which is still available. The cockpit has been modified with the support of the aero experts at Swiss Side. This is characterised by a very wide contact surface and extremely flat front, but is easy to grip despite its extreme dimensions. Secondly, the fork has undergone an aerodynamic update. Thanks to the new UCI regulations, the sheaths almost reach the maximum width of 80 millimetres and are only 15 millimetres thick.
+ Very good aerodynamics, comparatively favourable
- Limited range of applications, extreme superelevation
You can find all the technical details, the complete test and the individual ratings of the bikes below for download for 2.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer information, test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension 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 sitting position.
****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
