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The price seems steep: new competition road bikes for the 2020 model year cost €4,500 to €6,000 - with solid mid-range equipment. Electric drivetrains such as Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force eTap AXS dominate the picture. There are also disc brakes. Models with rim brakes are gradually being phased out and, with a few exceptions, are no longer being developed. Aerodynamic carbon wheels, which significantly improve performance, especially on flat terrain, are also virtually standard. Also on the rise: fully integrated handlebar units. These provide a clean look - and bring further aero advantages.
Leaderboard
The best bikes in each category:
- Best aerodynamics: Canyon Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2
- Best suspension comfort: Storck Fascenario.3 Comp Disc R
- Lightest bike: Rose X-Lite Six Disc Ultegra Di2
- Cheapest bike: Cube Litening C:68X Race
All 10 competition aero road bikes in the TOUR test
- Canyon Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2 / € 4,699 / best aerodynamics
- Cube Litening C:68X Race / 4,499 euros / cheapest bike
- Focus Izalco Max Disc 9.7 / 5,999 euros
- Müsing Aviator Disc / 5,145 euros
- Rose X-Lite Six Disc Ultegra Di2/ 4,999 euros / lightest bike
- Scott Addict RC10 / 4,999 euros
- Specialized Tarmac Disc Expert / 5,999 euros
- Stevens Comet Disc Force AXS / 5,835 euros
- Storck Fascenario.3 Comp Disc / 4,897 euros / best suspension comfort
- Trek Madone SL7 Disc / 5,999 euros
You can find the complete comparison test with detailed individual reviews of each aero road bike in the February issue of TOUR.
The TOUR test procedure for the aero racing bikes
While all the stiffness values, weights and geometry data were determined in the TOUR laboratory in Munich, we travelled to the Aero measurements back into the GST wind tunnel to Immenstaad on Lake Constance. There, the air resistance of the nine candidates was determined using a rider dummy with rotating legs developed by TOUR. This resulted in a clear division of the test field. The three real aero models in the test clearly beat the other bikes.
TOUR tests all bikes and most of the components in its own Laboratorywhose beginnings date back to 1993. The measured values of many thousands of bikes of all categories form the backbone of the tests, which we are constantly developing further together with the Zedler Institute for Bicycle Technology and Safety. More about the extensive TOUR tests.
The complete comparison test of the ten competition road bikes with all details, measured values and grades can be downloaded below for 1.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!
Downloads:
PDF: Aero test: New wheels 2020
