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Saddle and support
The post with classic yoke clamping has hardly changed over the decades, and at 90 grams it is still a benchmark in terms of weight today: mass-produced carbon posts easily weigh twice as much. The Schmolke seatpost also flexes extremely well, comparable to the suspension capacity of the best marathon racing bikes. The saddle is also a breath of fresh air: the one-piece carbon sculpture weighs just 57 grams. It is also surprisingly comfortable, although the slippery surface can be annoying.
Handlebars and stem
Handlebars (approx. 140 grams) and stem (approx. 80 grams) are Schmolke's speciality, there are no lighter components. However, titanium bolts and sensitive clamping points require a careful tightening hand. With an expander made of special foam and a carbon Ahead screw, the last gram was also extracted from the small parts.
Gearstick and brake
The carbon crankset from THM (603 grams including chainrings) saves a good 150 grams on the Shimano groupset, while the carbon chainrings from Carbon-Ti shift perfectly. A power meter is included. Otherwise, Schmolke refrains from experimenting with the drivetrain and brakes. The brake tuning with Trickstuff discs not only saves a few extra grams, the discs also respond better than the Shimano discs.
Frame and fork
Schmolke does not manufacture the frame set with transparent blue paint itself, but in co-operation with a South Korean frame manufacturer. Weighing in at 786 grams (fork: 341 grams) with decent stiffness, the weight is impressive; however, lightweight frames from major brands such as Giant TCR, Cervélo R5 or Trek Émonda are lighter. The set is also available for self-assembly for 5500 euros.
Wheels and tyres
The in-house rims of the TLO wheels, manufactured using the prepreg process, are significantly lighter than the Schmolke rims using the braiding process. With carbon spokes and hubs from Extralite, they add up to a "naked weight" of less than 1000 grams - for the front and rear wheel. Including the cassette, brake discs and tyres, the set weighs just under two kilograms.
Schmolke Leggerissima TLO: Info & Note
- TOUR grade: 1,3
- Price: 16,500 euros
- Weight of complete wheel: 5.4 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L (test size greased)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 515/555/154 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 579/388 millimetres/1.49
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 630/594 millimetres/1.06
- Wheelbase/caster: 1000/64 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (50/34, 11-30 t.) | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (50/34, 11-30 t.) Note: 1,0
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 millimetres) | Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 millimetres) Note: 1,0
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix TT 25/28 mm (eff.: 27/30 mm) | Note: 1,0
- Impellers: Schmolke Carbon TLO 37
- Impeller weights: 834/1139 grams (v./h.)
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 5400 g | Note: 1,0
- Driving stability: 7.69 N/mm | Note: 2,0
- Rear comfort: 76 N/mm | Note: 1,0
- Comfort front: 70 N/mm | Note: 1,7
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 55 N/mm | Note: 2,0
Strengths and weaknesses of the Schmolke Leggerissima TLO
- Plus: extremely comfortable, sufficiently stiff
- Minus: Some sensitive screws and attachments, only four sizes
How TOUR tests
Jens Klötzer
Editor
