For the fast lane: The Storck Fascenario.X on test

The frequency with which Markus Storck launches new models on the market is quite remarkable. The Grix gravel bike was refurbished just a few months agonow the Fascenario.X is another new and sporty off-road racer in the portfolio. As the name suggests, the frame is of the well-known competition road racer Fascenario derived. Visible parallels are the aerodynamic frame shapes, the downwardly tapered seat tube and the rear triangle with low-set struts.

Storck has positioned the new model as a platform for fast gravel races and emphasises the claim of transferring the lively handling of the road racer to off-road terrain. The bike thus follows a current trend that is producing more and more sporty and fast gravel bikes with high-end technology. The sporty concept does not require any concessions in terms of tyre width. The test bike rolls on 45 millimetre wide tyres, and there is obviously room for more. Only the delicate profile of the lightweight Schwalbe racing tyres is a sign that the focus is more on speed than grip. The differences in geometry compared to the all-rounder Grix are marginal on paper: slightly shorter chainstays and a steeper seat angle mean slightly more manoeuvrability and weight on the front wheel. The slightly slacker head angle with a longer stem, on the other hand, promises greater riding stability at high speeds. The Fascenario.X also comes with slightly narrower handlebars. By the numbers, however, these are only nuances.

Two athletes in the programme

The Grix, about half a year ago in the test, already proved to be an emphatically sporty gravel bike, with a compact riding position that we would categorise as fully race-ready. Even seasoned racers are unlikely to miss an even more aggressive riding position, especially on long-distance rides. In fact, the handlebars on the race-orientated Fascenario.X are even slightly higher than on the Grix, which Storck describes as an all-rounder. Thanks to a little more frame reach and a one centimetre longer stem, the Fascenario.X also has a sporty, stretched-out position. Interested parties should therefore take a close look at the geometry table: Sometimes a slightly smaller Fascenario.X may fit better.

The ultra-light Zeitjaeger Platinum wheels with carbon spokes, which Storck has given the "Launch Edition" of the Fascenario.X, characterise the handling. Despite fairly wide tyres and a total weight of 8.4 kilograms, the bike accelerates well and feels downright playful off-road. If you ride fast over rough terrain, the light front wheel can make you feel a little nervous, but you can also get over this with a steady hand on the handlebars.

Favourite discipline: Shooting

The Fascenario.X's speciality is forest and dirt tracks, where it can be ridden at a wonderfully high speed. The electronic 2x12 GRX fitted to the test bike with its fine gradation is just as predestined for this as the fast, almost treadless tyres in the middle, which roll surprisingly fast even with low pressure. The tyres absorb medium-sized bumps well, and the aero seatpost also provides good suspension. A flattened handrest in the lower handlebars provides relief, making it easy to ride for a while. Despite its sporty orientation, the Fascenario.X also cuts a fine figure as an all-rounder. There is a mounting option for a tool box on the down tube. Bags would have to be attached with straps, as the frame set does not offer any other eyelets for additional luggage.

The threads for a fixed mudguard on the fork seem somewhat inconsistent in this context, as there are no suitable eyelets at the rear. Ultimately, however, they do no harm and are well hidden on the inside of the fork blades so that they do not detract from the clean look.

Whether a decision should be made in favour of the Grix or the new Fascenario.X is not so easy to answer unequivocally. Both bikes are very close to each other in terms of geometry and handling. If you are looking for a light and sporty adventure gravel bike that won't be a hindrance in occasional racing, the Grix is a good choice. The Fascenario.X, with its aero-optimisation and the slightly forward-shifted seating position, is the somewhat more consistent race gravel bike, which nevertheless remains suitable for touring with the appropriate equipment. If that doesn't help you, you can make your decision based on visual preferences and colour: Unless you're looking for a comfortable and robust adventure bike, you can't go wrong with either model.

Adjustment in the modular system

With Storck's modular system, the purpose and price of both bikes can be customised with different groupsets and wheels. At market launch, the Fascenario.X is only available as a launch edition in the elegant forest green metallic paint finish shown here. Dual drivetrains are available from Shimano as mechanical or electronic versions; the modern 1x13 gears from SRAM can also be configured (Force or Red AXS). Prices start at €5,899, with the carbon spoked wheels already fitted as standard. Other, even cheaper options will certainly be added soon, but experience has shown that the Zeitjaeger Platinum is a recommendable upgrade: it makes the bike look noticeably more light-footed and costs a manageable surcharge compared to the alternatives. The top model with SRAM Red AXS 1x13 is said to cost just under €8,000, which is a pretty fair price compared to the competition - other bikes with comparable equipment can easily cost five-figure sums.