Road bike test in the lab and on the road: An overview of the TOUR test procedure

The focus of the TOUR road bike tests is on the complete bike, which is increasingly being designed as a complete vehicle with integrated solutions such as aerodynamically optimised cockpits, integrated brakes and specially tuned wheels.

The test areas at a glance

Move the cursor over the image and click on the buttons that appear to read more about the TOUR test procedures:

TOUR tests well over 100 bikes of different categories every year. The weighting of the individual categories of the test bikes is based on their intended use: while the aerodynamics of competition bikes are analysed by means of complex wind tunnel measurements is tested, comfort is more important for marathon racing bikes. For competition road bikes, the aerodynamics and weight of the complete wheel are given particularly high priority, as these have a direct impact on riding performance. For marathon or endurance road bikes, comfort values or ease of maintenance/adjustment are more important, while aerodynamics play no role. You can see how the test score is made up and how each individual score is weighted in our detailed breakdown of the entire TOUR test procedure.

Naturally, the mounted group also plays a decisive role in the test score. You can find out how weight, assembly, workmanship and operation are included in the calculation in our Explanation of component evaluation. We have also compiled an overview of the specialised test procedure for wheels and explain them, how we determine the rolling resistance of road bike tyres.

From the TOUR lab: precision work in the video