Storck Aernario.3 in the TOUR single tent test
When When a small cluster of interested colleagues forms around the complete bike scales in the TOUR lab, it's always a sign that something special has found its way into the Munich test centre. This is also the case with the Storck Aernario.3 Platinum, the top version of which already makes it clear visually that it is out to break many a record: carbon wherever you look; hardly any paint to hide the black fibres. It is as quiet as a mouse when the metal hook of the hanging scales reaches under the delicate carbon saddle nose.
The scales finally stop at 6560 grams (without pedals), which elicits a respectful nod from the bystanders. Among the current production bikes, only the Specialized S-Works Aethos (6200 grams) and the Giant TCR Advanced SL (6540 grams) are lighter; both have aerodynamic weaknesses in particular, which the Aernario aims to do better - more on this later.
At just over 800 grams, the frame is already one of the lightest on the market; only the Specialized Aethos can clearly set itself apart in this discipline, with the prominent lightweight specialists in the industry clustered behind it around the Aernario.3: Cervélo R5, Trek Émonda and Giant TCR are all in this weight class.
In addition, Storck pulls out all the stops when it comes to the bike's construction: delicate time trial tyres from Continental, lightweight Aerothan tubes from Schwalbe or the full carbon saddle from Selle Italia may not be the most suitable components for everyday use, but they are probably the lightest that you can screw onto your bike without worrying about your health.
Storck Aernario.3 - Many points for comfort
The riding experience with the bike is correspondingly remarkable. The Storck picks up speed at breakneck speed and keeps up a good pace. Because it feels like it accelerates with every pedal stroke, it really tempts you to speed, especially when going uphill. Streamlined DT Swiss wheels and the fabulous rolling tyres also make a fast impression on the flat.
Only the test in the wind tunnel can objectively show what the high speed is really like: Here, the model performs passably well. With 220 watts, measured at 45 km/h in the TOUR test setup, it joins the ranks of many well-known lightweight models. The Storck Aernario.3 is not a great strength in this discipline; good all-rounders in this criterion require around 10 watts less, specialised aero speedsters such as Storck's Aerfast even require up to 20 watts less pedalling power for the same speed - but are significantly heavier.
In contrast, the Aernario.3 scores a lot of points for comfort: the lightweight carbon seatpost offers excellent suspension; heavier riders might even wish for a slightly firmer setup.
Fast response
The riding position is sportier than the frame dimensions would suggest due to the wide, forward-curved handlebars - in the test setup, the Storck Aernario.3 presented itself as a true racing machine. In the size chart, it is also noticeable that the bike is available in very large, but hardly any small frame heights - the second smallest test size M fitted our 1.80 metre tall test riders well. The lively steering behaviour takes some getting used to at first, as the very short frame reacts immediately to the slightest steering movements.
Although this makes the ride entertaining and it's fun to whizz round sharp bends in criteria, fast descents require a steady hand, especially in gusts of wind. The contact points are more of an individual criticism: The unpadded and barely yielding carbon saddle is likely to suit only a few riders really well, but could easily be replaced. The in-house handlebar combination is more complicated: if you don't like the flat top bar or if the brake levers are too low, you'll need a lot of effort to change them.
The levers can hardly be mounted any higher, and the handlebar combi is only available in one size. The transition from the wide grip bodies to the narrow handlebar tube also appears somewhat inhomogeneous. Other details that could be better solved in this price range are the simple rubber cover on the seat post clamp and the somewhat fiddly adjustment of the steering bearing.
If you can live with these little things, the Aernario.3 Platinum is a real lightweight with plenty of comfort, exquisite features and competitive aero performance, which even costs less than similar lightweight concepts from competitors. Four-digit list prices are unfortunately a rarity for racing bikes of this calibre today; with a total weight of less than seven kilograms, the Aernario.3 Platinum is probably the only one that doesn't break the 10,000 euro mark. If you don't need it quite so light, you can opt for a cheaper frame quality, which experience has shown to weigh only a little more: The Storck Aernario.3 Pro starts at 6499 euros with Shimano's Ultegra Di2 equipment.
The Storck Aernario.3 in detail, measured values and individual notes
- Price9599 Euro
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 806/391/91 grammes
- Frame sizes** S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Seat/top tube/head tube 500/570/159 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 585/391 millimetres/1.50
- Wheelbase/caster 985/59 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-30 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 50/Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT TR 25 mm (front/rear: 1,078/1,460 g)
Measured values & individual notes*****
- Weight of complete wheel 6.6 kilos Grade 1,3
- Steering head stiffness 92 Nm/° Grade 1,7
- Lateral stiffness Fork 55 N/mm Grade 1,0
- Bottom bracket stiffness 62 N/mm Grade 1,0
- Seatpost spring stiffness 91 N/mm Grade 1,0
- Aerodynamics****** 220 watts Grade 2,7
>> The Storck Aernario.3 Platinum Disc gets an overall TOUR rating of 1.5
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer information Test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach) 1.36 means a very stretched sitting position, 1.60 means an upright sitting position.
****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
*****Single noteswhich are weighted differently in the overall grade, are only partially printed for reasons of space. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are shown with rounded decimal places.
******Aerodynamics Theoretical pedalling power required to overcome the air resistance at 45 km/h, measured in a wind tunnel with a pedalling dummy leg.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
