TOUR-Tests 2022: Seven road bikes that stood out in particular
TOUR
· 24.12.2022
Simplon Pride II
Aerodynamics: 199 watts from TOUR 2/2022
The sound barrier has been broken! The Pride II is the first competition bike to undercut the 200 watts of power for 45 km/h in the TOUR wind tunnel test. The currently fastest production bike in the world has been consistently adapted to the new technical regulations; since January 2021, the UCI has allowed flatter shapes for the frame tubes.
Specialised Roubaix Comp
Comfort score: 1.3 from TOUR 12/2022
The trendsetter among marathon bikes continues to set the standard for suspension comfort. No other road racing bike irons out bumps better than the comfort-orientated US bike. On the handlebars, the model features the adjustable Future Shock system, which provides 20 millimetres of suspension travel. The noticeable suspension comfort on the saddle is made possible by the deeply clamped carbon seatpost with long extension.
Giant TCR Advanced SL
Total weight: 6.6 kilograms from TOUR 7/2022
A real professional machine like the Giant TCR Advanced SL doesn't roll up to the TOUR test every day - the lab experts and editors were correspondingly excited about this exquisite piece of technology. The competition all-rounder from the BikeExchange-Jayco team made a lasting impression with its sensationally low weight. No other bike this year beat the 6.6 kilos on the scales. At 1223 grams, the frameset is record-breakingly light.
Colnago C68
Price: 14065 Euro from TOUR 6/2022
When a traditional manufacturer like Colnago presents a new racing bike, a spectacle is inevitable. This is also the case with the C68. The handmade and modular carbon frame makes it look like a work of art. The options for customisation or a custom paint finish make the Colnago the most exclusive racing bike in the world - and drive the price up to a crazy 20000 euros. Of course, the Italo racer still had to meet TOUR's test criteria and showed that it is more than just a collector's item for the wall.
Giant Contend 1
Price: 1049 euros from TOUR 6/2022
The counterpart to the exclusive Colnago came from Giant this year. The Contend 1 costs less than a tenth (!) and offers rock-solid racing bike technology. The aluminium racer is on a par with the Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3, Cube Attain Race or Van Rysel EDR AF 105 (1099 euros each) from the same comparison test.
Specialised S-Works Crux
Weight: 7.0 kilogrammes from TOUR 1/2022
At exactly 7030 grams, the fast and expensive S-Works version of the Specialized Crux hung on the TOUR scales. Never before have we tested a lighter gravel bike. The result is even more impressive in relation to all the bikes of the test year: only seven (competition) models were even lighter.
BMC URS LT One
Comfort score: 1.3 from TOUR 5/2022
The combination of an elastomer suspension element between the seat tube and seat stays and an integrated shock on the fork make the BMC Urs LT One the most comfortable gravel bike of the year. Coupled with a stoic straight-line stability, the Swiss bike can't be knocked off track so quickly.
