Test 2016 Aluminium vs Carbon: Storck - Storck Visioner G1 Ultegra vs Visioner Comp Ultegra

Storck Visioner G1 Ultegra (photo above)

The aluminium Visioner G1 model marks the entry into Storck's road bike range. Formally, the frame with its classic geometry is reminiscent of the legendary Scenario models. The elegant, greenish shimmering, rough surface, from which the immaculately drawn weld seams contrast slightly in colour, has a timeless effect. The moderately sporty riding position strikes a balance between racing and marathon geometry. The frameset is very stiff and stable, a classic Storck virtue. The frame is not light; the aluminium frame from Radon, which is more than 200 grams lighter, achieves similarly good measurements. At the rear, the thick seat post and the narrow 23 mm tyres allow impacts to reach the rider fairly unfiltered; a remedy would be wider tyres. At the front, it's mainly the hard aluminium handlebars that limit the fun of riding on bad roads. Interesting for criterium riders: Due to the high position of the bottom bracket - ten millimetres more than the average in this comparison - the pedals touch down late in corners.

CONCLUSION Beautifully finished aluminium classic, functionally flawless and equipped to a high standard. Rather hard riding impression at the front and rear, also due to the narrow tyres.

OVERALL SCORE 1.7

Price 1,999 Euro
Weight 7.5 kilos
Info www.storckworld.com
Available in specialised shops

Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,412/383/56 grammes
Frame sizes** 51, 55, 57, 59, 63 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 575/560/162 mm
Stack/Reach*** 570/387 mm/1.47

Equipment

Drive Shimano Ultegra (50/34 t.; press-fit)
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra
Wheels/Tyres**** DT Swiss R23 Spline/Schwalbe One 23C (v/h: 1,094/1,512 grams)

Storck Visioner Comp Ultegra

The Visioner carbon frame is designed to be significantly sportier than the aluminium frame and is two centimetres longer at the front than the aluminium G1, which is nominally the same size. Due to the short 100 millimetre stem on the test bike, however, the increase in length is not quite as drastic. Nevertheless, you sit in a sporty, stretched position - a position that is particularly appreciated by racers. A look at the weight clarifies where the extreme stiffness values come from.
1,275 grams is heavy for a carbon frame. To put it positively: nothing can shake the Visioner Comp so quickly, not even a heavy rider. In slight contradiction to the measured values, the carbon bike feels more compliant than the aluminium model, especially on the handlebars. The main reason for this is probably the carbon handlebars on the Visioner Comp, which flex well. Compared to the competition, however, the bike doesn't feel particularly well damped, mainly due to the narrow 23 mm tyres. Next to the aluminium bike, the Visioner Comp appears to be the more modern bike despite its slightly lower final score. However, the 1,000 euro price difference with the same level of equipment could make you wonder.

CONCLUSION Relatively heavy, extremely stiff carbon frame. A recommendation for heavy riders. High-quality and durable equipment. Race-orientated riding position

OVERALL GRADE 1.8

Price 2,998 Euro
Weight 7.5 kilos
Info www.storckworld.com
Available in specialised shops

Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,275/388/60 grammes
Frame sizes** 47, 51, 55, 57, 59, 63 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 550/575/164 mm
Stack/Reach*** 577/407 mm/1.42

Equipment

Drive Shimano Ultegra (50/34 t.; press-fit)
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra
Wheels/Tyres**** DT Swiss R32 Spline/Schwalbe One 23C (v/h: 1,120/1,568 grams)

*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement 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 riding position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.

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