After numerous hours within the saddle, rigorous scrutiny, and in depth deliberation among the many Biking Weekly Staff, we’re able to crown the 2024 Race Bike of the 12 months.
Earlier than we reveal our prime picks, let’s discover our stringent choice and testing standards, offering context for the ever-evolving panorama of recent race bikes.
Our main choice criterion is that bikes should be raced on the highest stage. Eight of our 9 contenders are at present being ridden at WorldTour stage, excluding the Envee Melee, which is able to journey the Tour de France with Professional Continental staff TotalEnergies. As an example, the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8 is favored by a number of prime groups—4, to be exact.
This requirement, alongside the inclusion of the Van Rysel RCR Professional, creates what would have been a juxtaposition just some years in the past. Now, nevertheless, the RCR Professional is the weapon of selection for elite riders like Ben O’Connor and Aurélien Paret-Peintre – and maybe the most popular subject of 2024 thus far.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Every time potential, we’ve got chosen essentially the most outstanding bikes launched prior to now twelve months. Nevertheless, this isn’t an unique rule. Our check contains fashions just like the Merida Scultura and Canyon Final CFR, which, regardless of not receiving current updates, stay aggressive on the sport’s highest stage, being raced with nice success by the likes of Matej Mohoric, and Jay Vine.
Although the market has began to lean again in the direction of a single race bike as an alternative of the two-pronged setup of aero and climbing bikes, there are nonetheless manufacturers in our record that make a lot of bikes used at WorldTour stage. In such circumstances, we have chosen the bike that stands out and finest showcases the most recent expertise. For instance, the brand new Large TCR is an apparent selection over the marginally older Large Propel, and the Canyon Final, an all-round race machine, offers stiffer competitors in opposition to the Van Rysel RCR Professional.
This brings us to maybe the largest change within the bike trade over the previous yr – the battleground for enchancment is shifting. The times of gangbuster aero claims of 15 watts at 45 kph are gone – effectively at the very least if the reality is being informed. With aerodynamics now effectively understood by means of superior expertise and iterative design, it has turn into a typical consideration for any bike. A look on the WorldTour reveals that bikes are wanting extra comparable than ever, with producers converging on what makes a quick bike. So, what separates the most effective from the remaining?
(Picture credit score: Future)
These days, the beating coronary heart of a motorbike is extra essential than ever. As tube shapes turn into routine, the true engineering marvel lies beneath the paint. The carbon layup could make or break a motorbike, and having the standard management to push the boundaries of fabric science is what really units a motorbike aside, which makes our job of paramount significance – greater than ever earlier than.
When our tester Joe Baker used to work at a motorbike store, there was a strict coverage of shoppers driving bikes earlier than the purpose of sale to really perceive the character of a motorbike past the stats sheet. Within the modern-day age of low-budget carbon frames and cutting-edge materials science, this could solely be adhered to extra strictly.
We’re fortunate sufficient to journey an enormous variety of bikes right here at Biking Weekly, and as such, we’re in a position to really delve deep into the only of every bike we check. Pushing the boundaries, typically with restricted mechanical sympathy in your finest curiosity is what we do finest, and it permits us to actually separate the most effective from the remaining – manufacturers, claims, and aesthetics apart.
So, after many hours of dodging potholes and deliberating, we have arrived at which mannequin is the worthy winner of Race Bike of the 12 months, in addition to people who took first place within the Greatest Aero Bike, Greatest Worth Bike, Most Fascinating and Greatest Climbing Bike classes. However first, a phrase on the opposite contenders…
Biking Weekly’s Race Bike of the 12 months
Wilier Filante SLR
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Wilier Filante SLR has greater than stood the check of time – if something it’s aged like a superb wine. It’s been the weapon of selection for Mark Cavendish, who bought so tantalizingly near claiming that illusive thirty fifth stage win.
Unsurprisingly, the Filante SLR stays a formidable contender in right this moment’s fiercely aggressive market. Early to embrace the ‘aero, light-weight, select each’ philosophy, it boasts a chic frameset outfitted with fashionable bike options. Its angular entrance finish, topped with Wilier’s glossy one-piece handlebar and stem, provides to its attract. The mixture of preferrred geometry and stiffness makes it a sprinter’s delight, whereas the flat-topped bar offers a cushty platform for these searching for the banned ‘pet paws’ place, and regular hand placement alike. It’s a cushty bike too, a easy journey, courtesy of these dropped rear seat stays.
It’s a case of oh-so shut, in virtually each class for the Filante. Close to on 120 years of name historical past has created each a murals and a powerful driving expertise, however it will get surpassed, simply fractionally, by a few of the competitors. That mentioned, it’s nonetheless a worthy contender – slicing by means of the wind with supreme effectivity, and tackling climbs with vigor.
- Value examined: £11,999 / $13,700
- Weight: 6.32kg
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- Wheels: Wilier SLR42KC Carbon
- Tires: Vittoria Corsa Professional 28mm
- Handlebars: Filante Carbon
Van Rysel RCR Professional
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Van Rysel RCR Professional is undeniably essentially the most hyped bike of 2024. Because the steed of selection for Decathlon AG2R this yr, the RCR Professional boasts a spec sheet that makes it notably attractive – a lot in order that pre-orders of the highest mannequin offered out in simply two hours again in April. With such buzz surrounding it, I used to be desperate to pit it in opposition to the largest names within the enterprise to reply the burning query: is it really the superbike killer?
At first look, its fashionable aesthetic, harking back to the Specialised Tarmac SL7, and a powerful claimed body weight of 810 grams, set excessive expectations. But, I am not completely satisfied by Oliver Naesen’s daring declare that it could ‘flip the market the wrong way up.’
Make no mistake, the RCR Professional is a premium race bike, however it did not ignite the identical ardour in my driving that different bikes set off – a essential ingredient for somebody with a high-level racing background.
Designed in collaboration with French aerospace specialists Onera, Van Rysel aimed to create a race bike that teetered on the UCI’s 6.8kg weight restrict whereas retaining aerodynamic prowess. The bike’s slim head tube and elongated tube profiles certainly translate to a easy, swift journey really feel, however my challenge lies in the way it will get up to the mark.
From the very first journey, the bike lacked the responsiveness I’ve come to count on from top-tier fashions. This wasn’t a query of uncooked efficiency – there’s no denying the RCR Professional is quick, as evidenced by its summit finishes this yr – however slightly a matter of journey really feel. The bike appeared barely torpid when sprinting, a vital second when fast energy switch is paramount. On steep climbs, it informed an identical story, missing the agency footing of the thoroughbred climbers in our check. Paradoxically, this additionally made it one of the crucial snug bikes I’ve ridden.
Nevertheless, flip these gradients, and the RCR Professional begins to shine. Its barely longer 410mm chainstays provide a steady base throughout descents, particularly at excessive speeds, and the entrance finish exudes confidence. The bike’s secure, assured dealing with allowed me to push its limits on technical sections, though when you’re in search of a motorbike that adjustments course as shortly as a housefly, the Van Rysel won’t be your excellent match.
Finally, the RCR Professional excels in sure areas whereas falling brief in others. It’s a well-engineered machine with loads to supply, however it could not revolutionize the market as some have claimed. For individuals who prioritize consolation and stability, particularly on descents, this bike is a worthy contender. For these searching for razor-sharp responsiveness and explosive energy switch, there is perhaps higher choices on the market.
- Value examined: £5,500 / $6,999 with SRAM Drive
- Weight: 7.28kg
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8170 Di2
- Wheels: Shimano Ultegra 8170
- Tires: Continnental GP 5000s 28mm
- Handlebars: Deda SuperZero RS
Issue O2 VAM
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Issue O2 VAM felt like dwelling from the primary journey. Having spent a whole race season in Italy on the earlier era O2, I immediately acknowledged the identical beloved geometry from 2022. The O2 VAM builds on this platform, after which some.
Weighing in at a mere 730 grams for a dimension 54, this frameset is the third lightest in our check. Regardless of its featherweight construct, Issue has addressed the pinnacle tube stiffness issues I had with the earlier mannequin.
Issue has vastly improved the O2 VAM’s dealing with by reinforcing the pinnacle tube space. The end result? The most effective-handling bikes I’ve ever ridden. Though it does not ship the identical razor-sharp energy switch as our prime climbing bike, Issue has expertly tuned the O2 VAM for electrical climbing efficiency, and sheer enjoyable. Our full construct, that includes a Black Inc cockpit with stellar geometry and width selections and light-weight wheels, tipped the scales at simply over 6kg and was as thrilling as you may think.
Race bikes must be quick, however for these of us investing critical cash, enjoyment is essential. Issue has crafted a wild, exhilarating machine within the O2 VAM, and I completely like it!
- Value examined: £11,999 / $12,999
- Weight: 6.32kg
- Groupset: SRAM Pink AXS
- Wheels: Black Inc 28/33
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1
- Handlebars: Black Inc
Canyon Final CFR
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Canyon Final CFR is one other platform that has stood the check of time. The most recent iteration of the Final has been the selection of Alpecin-Deceuninck for effectively over twelve months now, wherein time it has racked up a complete host of wins on the game’s greatest stage.
Canyon as a model, is synonymous with worth due to a direct-to-consumer method, and with the Final CFR, it’s no totally different. Our range-topping mannequin, full with model new SRAM Pink AXS and Zipp 353 NSW wheels is available in at $10,499 / £9,999. In fact, that is removed from petty money, however it nonetheless undercuts the likes of Specialised by round two thousand {dollars} or kilos.
The marginally extra wallet-friendly price ticket doesn’t appear to have an effect on the journey high quality both – the Final CFR has impressed me from begin to end. The bike offers a springy, but resilient journey high quality, absorbing bumps with out hindrance to energy switch. Integration is nice too, due to the CP0018 adjustable one-piece cockpit. As a bundle, Canyon has put collectively a powerful bike, however I do suppose it could profit from barely shorter chainstays to actually convey the dealing with to life on meandering tarmac.
- Value examined: £9,999 / at present on sale for $9699
- Weight: 6.85kg
- Groupset: SRAM Pink AXS
- Wheels: Zipp 353 NSW Hookless
- Tires: Pirelli P Zero Race LR Traditional 30mm
- Handlebars: Canyon CP1008 Aerocockpit
The Awards
General Winner – Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8
(Picture credit score: Future)
Biking Weekly’s Race Bike of the 12 months is the Specialised S-works Tarmac SL8.
However maintain on, it could be a simple selection for us to choose essentially the most marketed bike of the final 12 months, made by one of many greatest names within the enterprise as our Race Bike of the 12 months, so let’s delve in with a superb tooth comb to see what actually units the SL8 except for the remaining.
Upon its launch, the SL8 was met with harsh criticism round whether or not or not it was a major improve over the outgoing SL7. Having put effectively over one thousand kilometers on the brand new bike, I can firmly say that it’s; the truth is, it units a brand new customary in our trade.
The up to date SL8 actually started the pattern of the transfer again in the direction of a ‘one bike to do all of it’ philosophy and marks a brand new period for the biking trade when it comes to each aerodynamic understanding, and carbon fibre mastery. Specialised started the event of the SL8 by pasting the carbon layup from the ultra-light Aethos onto the SL8’s body form, and slowly including materials bit-by-bit to realize the stiffness required for a modern-day race machine.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Over 50 computational iterations finally led to the manufacturing body, which weighs simply 685 grams for a dimension 56 (painted), one thing that, when contextualized with how this bike rides, is really staggering.
Extra spectacular although, is the rise in stiffness that goes alongside the load discount. Specialised claims a 33% improve in stiffness-to-weight ratio – that’s a uncooked stiffness improve too. Vertical compliance has additionally seen a 6% reported rise, one thing which, as we are going to come onto, is to not be sniffed at.
Put all this expertise on a top quality highway within the Brecon Beacons mounains, and you’re in for an absolute deal with. The SL8 boasts a poised demeanor and easy acceleration. Its compliance lends it a definite smoothness, whereas its feathery design ensures it floats over the highway with the convenience of a whisper, making each journey a pleasant expertise in pace and agility.
With our check bike weighing in at a slightly slight 6.62kg for a dimension 54, the bike climbs precisely as you’ll count on. Tremendous brief 405mm chainstays, coupled with an unyielding backside bracket enable rider and bike to tango up the steep gradients in excellent concord. The duet continues while you summit the climb too. The tremendous brief 978mm wheelbase of the SL8 makes for most likely the quickest dealing with bike on check too, dealing with corners with a surgical stage of immediacy and precision.
Nevertheless, the Tarmac’s true ace within the gap lies in its potential to take care of it’s pace. The seamless fusion of stiffness and aerodynamics proves invaluable on undulating terrain and really interprets to real-world racing situations the place each small acceleration conserves treasured power. After taking each bike on check on at the very least one quicker group journey, the Tarmac grew to become my default for tackling our chaingang, regardless that it’s historically an ‘Aero bike’ biased route.
When it comes to climbing prowess, the Large TCR and the Specialised Tarmac SL8 actually are neck and neck, but on the flat, the SL8 merely pulls away. In any case our testing and scrutiny, if I used to be going to try to survive a Grand Tour, there is just one bike I might do it on, and that’s the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8.
- Value examined: £12,000 / $14,500
- Weight: 6.68kg
- Groupset: SRAM Pink AXS
- Wheels: Roval Rapide CLX 11 51mm
- Tires: S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR 26mm
- Handlebars: Roval Rapide cockpit
Greatest Aero bike – Look 795 Blade RS
(Picture credit score: Future)
Aero bikes
Aerodynamics are a main consideration for all fashionable race bikes. In truth, virtually each bike we check is a product of computational fluid dynamic fashions, which are sometimes examined rigorously wind tunnels in an effort to save lots of watts wherever potential.
So how can we classify an aero bike, from say a contemporary all-rounder? Actually, the strains are extra blurred than they was; Specialised, for instance, dropped its devoted aero bike, the Venge, from its line-up some time again, deciding as an alternative to imbue the Tarmac with a lot of its drag-reducing advantages. However whereas deep-section tube shapes and built-in cabling are options shared throughout all of our bikes right here, Look’s Blade 795 RS stands out.
With a concentrate on straight-line pace over flatter terrain, it is a bike that sprinters and rouleurs alike ought to relish. Its stiffness – notably within the backside bracket space – is absolute. It interprets to each planted dealing with and a powerful top-end pace. However why it additionally will get our vote is that it delivers all of this with out the harshness typically related to aero bikes.
When Look launched the Blade 795 RS on the 2023 Tour de France, it adopted the rising pattern of a transfer in the direction of much less ostentatious and extra concentrate on optimum aero design. Somewhat than go for huge truncated tube profiles, Look has refined smaller tube profiles to create a motorbike that’s mentioned to be extra environment friendly all through a race, slightly than a one-trick pony – so why does it take the crown for Greatest Aero Bike, I hear you ask?
The up to date frameset, although slightly slender, continues to be 945g for a dimension medium, which is over 2 hundred grams greater than different efficiency bikes on this record. Nevertheless, all that further materials is put to extremely good use.
Look has used its Extremely Excessive Modulus carbon fibre on the Blade 795 RS, for “optimised responsiveness, effectivity, and luxury,” and it reveals. The 7% improve in backside bracket stiffness is strikingly obvious each over the outgoing bike and its rivals on check, making it a pressure to be reckoned with in a race state of affairs.
Sprinting shortly revealed the bike’s potential to speed up with none trace of motion from the underside bracket, one thing which my 1500-watt dash ( sadly, my solely remaining spectacular energy determine) can typically make bikes come unstuck.
The identical materials science wizardry makes climbing impressively manageable too. Whilst you do discover the added weight over slighter bikes, 7.48kg for our construct, the bike manages to cover it effectively, sustaining a easy, magic carpet-like journey really feel, that may’t anticipate the Flamme Rouge.
- Value examined: £ / $11,000
- Weight: 7.48kg
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- Wheels: Corima 47mm MCC Evo Tubeless
- Tires: Continental GP500s 25mm
- Handlebars: Look Combo Aero Carbon
Most fascinating – Enve Melee
(Picture credit score: Future)
Most fascinating
What makes a race bike fascinating? Naturally, it must journey exceptionally effectively, however desirability is right down to greater than this alone.
Why we’re drawn to 1 machine above all others is basically subjective. Aesthetics are very important in fact; it must not solely catch our eye however retain our consideration mile after mile. However then there are the subtleties, the nuances and the intangibles, which is the place the Enve Melee excels.
Like a cashmere sweater constituted of the best-grade yarn and woven in Scotland on age-old looms, it doesn’t have to shout to get our consideration. As an alternative, its class – and its confidence – is derived from a mixture of understated branding, high quality workmanship and the model’s cachet. Whereas the US-based firm now offers framesets and elements for WorldTour groups – and has expanded its factories outdoors of Utah into abroad – it’s maintained its boutique standing. Flip as much as a membership run on the Melee and it is prone to be the speaking level amongst a sea of acquainted bikes which have lengthy since exhausted dialog.
When the Enve Melee graced the Biking Weekly places of work, I used to be instantly captivated by its attract – a real picture-perfect pedal machine. Its deep satin blue hue, complemented by the glossy gloss black Enve SES 4.5 wheels and accented with tan sidewall tires, introduced a putting visible feast. But, my preliminary pleasure was tempered by a touch of skepticism – Enve, famend for crafting top-tier elements, has not lengthy been within the body trade, so may it ship?
To my delight, the Melee exceeded all expectations, defying any reservations I harbored. However earlier than delving into its deserves, let’s contextualize the Enve Melee’s uniqueness, for it stands other than its friends in a number of notable methods.
Making its WorldTour debut this yr, the Melee boasts mudguard mounts, and cockpit customization on the level of sale, due to bikes being offered as a frameset or rolling chassis. Mixed with clearance for 35mm rubber, the Melee oozes versatility.
Put plain and easy, the Enve Melee is considered one of my favorite bikes to this point. Get it up to the mark, and also you’ll expertise an airborne sensation comparable that’s extra akin to a time trial bike, all wrapped up in serene supple journey high quality. It really is a elegant bike to journey. Enve has managed to rigorously surf the knife fringe of stiffness and luxury with the Melee, giving it an imperious journey really feel, and all-day, all-surface consolation.
Whereas its climbing prowess might not match some lighter contenders, the disparity is negligible in real-world situations, and solely noticeable when driving the bikes again to again. Descending, nevertheless, is the place the Melee really shines, effortlessly gliding by means of winding bends with grace and finesse, delivering an unparalleled mix of pace and exhilaration.
But, maybe the Melee’s most enchanting facet is the post-ride reverie it conjures up. After conquering diversified terrains with easy grace, one is rewarded with the serene fantastic thing about this machine, a spectacle to behold whereas unwinding on the café.
- Value examined: £10,400 / $10,645
- Weight: 7.56kg
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra
- Wheels: Enve SES 4.5
- Tires: Enve SES 29mm
- Handlebars: Enve In-Route Aero Cockpit
Greatest Climbing Bike – Large TCR Superior SL 0
(Picture credit score: Future)
Climbing bikes
Historically slender tubed and shallow-wheeled, a featherweight climbing bike is the go-to possibility for riders not eager to compromise on the specialised self-discipline of driving uphill very quick. Nevertheless, over the past decade, the road between climbing and aero bikes has turn into more and more blurred as analysis and knowledge display the advantages of getting each options designed into one bike.
With the development of composite layup expertise, the aerodynamic tubing profiles usually related to extra mass have turn into more and more light-weight, enabling framesets to retain their climbing credentials whereas changing into more and more aerodynamic.
The Large TCR Superior SL 0 is a major instance of this light-weight aero marriage. The sunshine and stiff frameset delivers an extremely responsive really feel – tremendous slippery but immediately aware of pedal energy. This allows riders to learn from the most effective of each worlds, making it a jack of all trades whereas persevering with to be a grasp of climbing.
The Large TCR Superior SL 0 is the most recent bike on this yr’s awards, releasing simply a few months in the past again in March. Now in it’s tenth incarnation, the TCR has seen thirty years of refinement, with a wealthy historical past of racing pedigree and revolutionizing geometry. It’s completely no shock then, that the Large TCR, as soon as once more is a success – however there are extra adjustments than meet the attention.
Equally to this yr’s winner – maintain tight – the Large TCR’s adjustments have occurred largely beneath the paint job. A 4.2 watt energy saving at 45kph over the earlier mannequin is overshadowed by a 75 gram weight saving off the body, which brings an unpainted body right down to a feathery 690 grams in dimension 56, the second lightest on check.
Large has additionally made the bike stiffer, albeit by simply 0.53%. Tiny margins, however I have to say they quantity to a really splendid bundle, evident nowhere greater than on steep climbs. The TCR, greater than any bike on check presents a fizzing journey aura while you get out the saddle. Somewhat than lugging the bike behind you, the TCR invigorates you to maintain urgent on.
What unquestionably units this bike other than fellow climbing bikes right this moment, nevertheless, is how effectively the bike performs away from the steep gradients. Large claims to have narrowed the hole to simply 5 watts at 45kph between the Propel aero bike and the TCR, and it actually reveals. On quick group rides, the TCR was simply as lethal when accelerating on the flat because it was on the climbs.
As soon as once more the climbing bike components of light-weight frameset, stiff backside bracket, and quick dealing with culminates in a compelling journey expertise. This bike runs our winner the closest race, and in reality, might be a one-piece carbon cockpit away from a near-tied victory.
- Value examined: £11,999 / $12,750
- Weight: kg
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- Wheels: Cadex 40 Max Hookless
- Tires: Large Gavia Course 0 Tubeless 28mm
- Handlebars: Contact SLR
Greatest worth – Merida Scultura 9000
(Picture credit score: Future)
You is perhaps questioning why our ‘Greatest Worth’ award was not given to the Van Rysel RCR Professional. Certainly this tremendous bike-killing WorldTour machine is the most effective worth bike on check, proper? As soon as once more, we have to dig deeper to uncover the reality beneath the paint.
Enter the Merida Scultura. Though it’s not the most recent bike in our lineup, it captivated me, notably after we in contrast its glorious race bike journey really feel with its remarkably aggressive value factors throughout the vary. Our check bike, the Merida Scultura 9000, was the second most cost-effective on check, at £6,749. Merely put, there was no linear relationship between price and efficiency right here.
Technically, the Scultura platform might sound a bit outdated, using extra rounded tube profiles that classify it as a climbing bike. Nevertheless, when Merida will get this components proper, it turns into a stellar blueprint for an distinctive race machine.
Merida has mastered the basics with the Scultura. Sharing a comparatively conventional geometry with its aero counterpart, the Merida Reacto, it incorporates a steeper 73.5-degree head angle paired with brief 408mm chainstays, permitting for pinpoint cornering.
The Scultura really shines when pointed uphill. In truth, Merida, in my opinion, might have misnamed its bikes – the Scultura is extremely reactive! Out of the saddle, the bike remained tightly managed when making use of energy, accelerating effortlessly from low speeds. The in-house cockpit offered by Merida enhances this expertise, with the handlebar geometry permitting me to lean into the bike, delivering an impressed journey high quality that inspired me with each climb.
At speeds of 40 or 50 kph, the normal tube profiles pose no issues. Our construct got here with glorious Reynolds wheels, and the concealment of cables and hoses created a clear, aerodynamic edge.
In brief, the Merida Scultura was the shock of the check. It provided an thrilling, compliant, and most significantly, quick platform that was genuinely justifiable for the price. With Ultegra builds out there for £5,949, it comes near the worth of the RCR Professional in comparable spec, but outshines it on the highway.
So, whereas the Van Rysel RCR Professional dazzles with its fashionable aesthetics and high-tech pedigree, the Merida Scultura, with its compelling mix of efficiency and value, earns our ‘Greatest Worth’ award. It proves that typically, an older, well-crafted design can nonetheless outshine its flashier, pricier rivals.
- Value examined: £6,749
- Weight: 7.55kg
- Groupset: SRAM Drive AXS
- Wheels: Reynolds BR 46 Professional DB
- Tires: Continental GP500s 28mm
- Handlebars: Merida Staff SL 1P Cockpit
How we check
No number of highway floor, incline, nook or pothole escaped Joe Baker’s quest to find which bike could be topped Race Bike of the 12 months 2024. The poor chap rode till his legs virtually fell off…
To judge this yr’s steady of race bikes as pretty and as comprehensively as potential I subjected every to a wide range of rides, checks and challenges. Definitely, the muse for testing was merely placing the miles in, over varied topography and in a variety of situations – not all of them nice! A lot of the routes had been within the lovely, undulating English Cotswolds and beautiful Welsh mountains of the Brecon Beacons.
As winter slowly superior into spring this yr, the climate situations within the UK barely eased up, which gave me loads of alternative to check all of the bikes on soaking-wet roads. Fortunately, as summer season lastly approached, I used to be in a position to enterprise out into the dry, which enabled me to place the hammer down ultimately.
For extra particular evaluation, I evaluated every bike on my go-to check circuit simply east of Oxford. This 22km journey has a bit little bit of every little thing, together with quick, flat sections, punchy inclines and a few swift, flowing corners to gauge how effectively these bikes deal with. Street surfaces range all through the route from easy asphalt to tough vibration-inducing tarmac, with loads of damaged surfaces and, in fact, potholes galore. Elevation is just 260m, however a few of the steeper sections ramp up into double-digits – sufficient to have me out of the saddle, dancing on the pedals.
Moreover, I took every bike on at the very least one lengthy 100km+ journey, plus a quick group journey or two. After many hours of dodging potholes and deliberating, I’d arrived at which mannequin is the worthy winner of Race Bike of the 12 months.
Race Bike of the 12 months Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8 | Enve Melee | Large TCR Superior SL 0 | Issue 02 VAM | Look Blade 795 RS | Wilier Filante SLR | Van Rysel RCR Professional | Merida Scultura 9000 | Canyon Final CFR |
| Body weight (claimed) | 685g | 850g | 690g | 730g | 940g | 830g | 790g | 822g | 762g |
| Bike weight (on check) | 6.68kg | 7.56kg | 6.42kg | 6.32kg | 7.48kg | 7.44kg | 7.28kg | 7.55kg | 6.85kg |
| Stack | 544mm | 539mm | 545mm | 552mm | 549mm | 538mm | 546mm | 557mm | 560mm |
| Attain | 384mm | 386mm | 388mm | 381mm | 391mm | 388mm | 388.2mm | 395mm | 393mm |
| Head angle | 73º | 72.4º | 73º | 72.5º | 73º | 72.5º | 73º | 73.5º | 73.25º |
| BB drop | 72mm | 73mm | 69.5mm | 70mm | 70mm | Row 6 – Cell 6 | 67mm | 66mm | 73mm |
| Wheelbase | 978mm | 991mm | 980mm | 985mm | 987mm | 990mm | 986mm | 990mm | 998mm |
| Chainstays | 410mm | 410mm | 405mm | 405mm | 410mm | 408mm | 410mm | 408mm | 410mm |
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8 | Enve Melee | Large TCR Superior SL 0 | Issue 02 VAM | Look Blade 795 RS | Wilier Filante SLR | Van Rysel RCR Professional | Merida Scultura 9000 | Canyon Final CFR |
| Value | £12,000 / $14,500 | £10,400 / $10,645 | £11,999 / $12,750 | £11,999 / $12,999 | £11,237 / $11,000 | £12,890 / $13,700 with Dura-Ace Di2 | £9,000 / $10,999 | £12,890 | £9,999 / $9,699 |
| Groupset | SRAM Pink AXS / Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | Shimano Ultegra | SRAM Pink AXS Quarq energy meter / Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 FC-9200P energy meter | SRAM Pink AXS / Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | Campagnolo Tremendous File EPS | Campagnolo Tremendous File | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 & R9200-P energy meter | SRAM Drive AXS | SRAM Pink AXS |
| Wheels | Roval Rapide CLX 11 Tubeless 51mm | ENVE SES 3.4 | CADEX 40 Max Hookless carbon | Black Inc 28//33 | Corima 47mm MCC Evo Tubeless | Wilier SLR42KC Carbon | Swiss Facet Hadron² 500 Final wheels 50mm | Reynolds BL 46 Professional DB | Zipp 353 NSW Hookless |
| Tires | S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR 26mm | ENVE SES 29mm | Large Gavia Course 0 Tubeless 28mm (efficient) | TBC | Contental GP5000 25mm | Vittoria Corsa Professional 28mm | Continental GP 5000s 28mm | Continental GP 5000s 28mm | Pirelli P Zero Race TLR Traditional 30mm |
| Handlebars | Roval Rapide Cockpit | ENVE In-Route Aero cockpit | Contact SLR | Black Inc | Look Combo Aero Carbon | Filante carbon | DEDA X VR cockpit | Merida Staff SL 1P Cockpit | Canyon CP0018 Aerocockpit Carbon |
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Specialised Tarmac SL8 Skilled | Enve Melee Frameset solely | Large TCR Superior | Issue 02 VAM Ultegra | Look Blade 795 RS Rival | Wilier Filante SLR Ultegra / Drive | Van Rysel RCR Professional Rival | Merida Scultura 9000 Ultegra | Canyon Final CFR Dura-Ace |
| Value | £6,000 / $6,500 | £5,300 / $5,500 | £2,699 / $3,000 | £9,999 / $9,999 | £6,309 /$7,300 | £9,710 | £4,500 | £5,950 | £9,299 / $9,699 |
| Wheels | Roval C38 | N/A | Large p-R2 Wheelset alloy | Black Inc 28//33 | Look R 38 Carbon Tubeless rims | Wilier SLR42KC Carbon | Zipp 303 | Reynolds AERO 46DB | DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut DB |
| Tires | S-Works Turbo 26mm | N/A | iant Gavia Course 1 Tubeless 25mm (28mm efficient)28mm (efficient) | TBC | Hutchinson Fusion 5 Tubeless Prepared 25mm | Vittoria Corsa Professional 28mm | Michelin Energy Cup 28mm | Continental GP 5000s 28mm | Schwalbe Professional One TT 28mm |
| Handlebars | Specialised Skilled Shallow Drop Alloy | ENVE In-Route Aero cockpit | Contact | TBC | Look ADH 1.2 Carbon | Filante carbon | DEDA Superzero RS carbon | Merida Staff SL 1P Cockpit | Canyon CP0018 Aerocockpit Carbon |
