Moots Vamoot RCS - a bike like a painting | TOUR 3/2024
Carbon and aluminium dominate as materials for racing bikes and gravel bikes, steel and titanium only thrive in niches - and yet titanium in particular continues to fascinate us, which is why we tested 2024 racing bikes and gravel bikes made from the precious metal. The Vamoot RCS from US specialist Moots proved to be particularly memorable. If we were to award a prize for looks, the long-distance road bike would have more than earned it. In addition to the noble and durable material, the bike scores with its beguiling appearance. The meticulously placed weld seams on the handmade frame alone will make the hearts of technology fans beat faster - and cover up any weaknesses in the stiffness values.
- TOUR grade: 2.3
- The complete test of the Moots Vamoot
Storck Aerfast.5 Pro Red AXS - fast, faster, fastest? | TOUR 4/2024
Markus Storck has already proven that he can build fast bikes with the Aerfast.4. However, the successor, which was launched last spring, was intended to go one step further: The Aerfast.5 aimed for the all-time record in the TOUR wind tunnel test. As with the previous model, it wasn't quite enough to knock the Simplon Pride II (199 watts) off its throne. However, with 201 watts for 45 km/h, the aerodynamically optimised Bolide is within striking distance and was the fastest road bike in the test year. A comparative measurement showed that the Storck has what it takes to become the new leader: with a narrower cockpit, the Aerfast.5 would beat the Simplon's record. According to the manufacturer, the handlebar-stem unit will soon be available in the online shop. The Cervélo S5 (202 watts), Canyon Aeroad and Storck Aerfast.4 (both 204 watts) completed the field of the fastest specialists in 2024.
- TOUR grade: 2.0
- The complete test of the Storck Aerfast.5 Pro
Rose Backroad FF Force AXS XPLR - brave newcomer | TOUR 6/2024
If even our colleagues at our sister magazine BIKE rave about a bike with racing handlebars, then it must be something special. We're talking about the Backroad FF, which transfers the sporty character of a road bike to off-road terrain. In addition to the stiff frame set with racing geometry, the testers praised the ergonomically shaped handlebar/stem unit in particular. After all, the 380 millimetre narrow cockpit is a welcome change from the sometimes overly wide control centres on many gravel bikes. If even die-hard bikers appreciate this, then the Bocholt-based company has definitely done something right.
- TOUR grade: 1.8
- The complete test of the Rose Backroad FF Force AXS XPLR
Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2 - for the history books | TOUR 8/2024
For almost a year, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 topped TOUR's new ranking as the best competition bike. Then, as in our previous test, it had to share the top spot with the Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2. The fourth generation is also focussing on its strength: first-class aero performance. With 204 watts, the bike from Koblenz is one of the fastest and keeps the Tarmac (209 watts) at bay. At the same time, the Aeroad benefits from a slightly lower total weight (7040 grams). This means that it is still some way off the fabulous weight of its US competitor (6550 grams). But it doesn't matter, as the Canyon doesn't have any other significant weaknesses in terms of stiffness and comfort. It is also more fairly priced than the Tarmac: 10,000 euros is of course a lot of money, but the Aeroad is still almost a third cheaper than its US competitor.
- TOUR grade: 1.5
- The complete test of the Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2
Cube Nuroad C:62 Race - Price Cracker | TOUR 10/2024
At 3499 euros, the Nuroad may not be a bargain, but the price-performance ratio is unrivalled. Even mail order companies have long been eyeing Waldershof and have to recognise that the specialist brand has an extremely attractive portfolio in many segments. The new gravel bike scores points with a high-quality carbon frame and cutting-edge equipment. While other manufacturers use simple aluminium wheels at this price point, the C:62 Race features lightweight carbon wheels. You also have to factor in a surcharge of several hundred euros for the wireless 2x12 drivetrain or the fast tyres of the competition. From this perspective, the Nuroad is a bargain after all and deserves its place as an insider tip in our list. And for those who don't stick with gravel bikes: Road-ready models such as the Litening Aero have also been convincing for some time with an attractive overall concept.
- TOUR grade: 2.0
- The complete test of the Cube Nuroad C:62 Race
Schmolke Leggerissima TLO - forbidden light | TOUR 12/2024
The new Leggerissima TLO from Schmolke is by far the lightest bike in the 2024 test year. At 5400 grams, it is around three kilograms lighter than the average weight of all the bikes tested. The secret of the carbon specialist from Constance does not lie in an ultra-light frameset (1127 grams), but in the exclusive tuning components. The handlebar/stem unit alone weighs just under 220 grams, setting a new record. However, this lightweight wonder, which secured the TOUR top score of 1.3 thanks to its extremely high level of suspension comfort, comes at a price: at 16,500 euros, it is only for connoisseurs. The Benotti Fuoco Carbon Ultra (6127 grams) and Giant TCR Advanced SL (6520 grams) complete the top three of the lightest bikes in 2024.
- TOUR grade: 1.3
- The complete test of the Schmolke Leggerissima
