Not quite ready to take the plunge and invest in a full-on time trial/triathlon bike? But like the sound of an aerodynamic advantage when you compete? An aero road bike could be just what you’re looking for.

Lighter and better-handling than TT bikes, but quicker through the air than standard road bikes, they’re potentially the ultimate all-rounders.

Here you’ll find our archive of the top-scoring aero road bikes we’ve tested, with all receiving at least 4/5. They’re listed in alphabetical order, and were all still available to buy at time of publication.

You can find more bike reviews in our triathlon bike reviews archive.

BMC TMR01 Ultegra Di2 (2013)
£6,000
bmc-racing.com / evanscycles.com

BMC’s Time Machine Road is one of the fastest and most precise-handling aero road bikes we’ve ridden. With excellent performance and potential positions comparable to full-on triathlon bikes, it’s perfect for powerful triathletes wanting one racing bike for both draft-legal and non-drafting events.

Read the full BMC TMR01 Ultegra Di2 review

Pros
+ Cutting-edge aerodynamics, including brakes and battery
+ Awesome power delivery and handling

Cons
- Firm ride takes no prisoners
- Low kit levels for the high price

Performance 5/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

Boardman AiR 9.0 (2012/13)
£1,999
boardmanbikes.com

The AiR 9.0 is a great choice for those who don’t want the expense of owning separate tri and road bikes, giving an aero edge, comfort and great performance in a seriously good value package to satisfy both training and racing.

Read the full Boardman AiR 9.0 review

Pros
+ All the benefits of Boardman’s top aero road frame and outstanding kit for the price
+ Excellent handling and sublime comfort even in long sessions

Cons
- Wheels need upgrading for extra speed on race day
- Not the speediest of bikes when the gradients ramp up

Performance 4/5
Value 5/5
Overall 4/5

Boardman AiR 9.4 (2012/13)
£3,499.99
boardmanbikes.com

With an aero edge that invisibly massages your speed upwards the whole time you’re riding it, this bike’s not just an absolute bargain for the price but an effortless way to clock up startlingly fast mileage at any price

Read the full Boardman AiR 9.4 review

Pros
+Aero efficient frame delivers a speed, comfort and handling balance
+ Outstanding kit including race-ready lightweight tubular tyres

Cons
- Not everyone will want to deal with the potential hassle of tubs
- Frame is heavier and slightly softer than the lightest aero bikes

Performance 4/5
Value 5/5
Overall 4/5

Cervélo S5 (2012)
£5,871.68 (as tested)
cervelo.com / madison.co.uk

Cervélo started the whole aero road bike genre and they’re still very much at the forefront with the S5. The latest evolution of the species is spectacular in terms of raw aggression and savage speed.

Read the full Cervélo S5 review

Pros
+ One of the most explosive, responsive muscle bikes available
+ Aerodynamic assistance creates excellent speed sustain

Cons
- Hard rear-end comfort and front-end wander under power
- ‘Basic’ frame tested is heavy for the price

Performance 4/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

Ridley Noah FAST (2012)
£8,100 (as tested)
ridley-bikes.com

Ridley takes the concepts of braking integration and improved airflow management to whole new levels on its super-light and super-fast all-rounder.

Read the full Ridley Noah FAST review

Pros
+ Super-stiff and silly-fast frameset with neat integrated brakes
+ Relatively light for an aero bike if you go for the frameset build-up

Cons
- Extremely expensive as a complete bike
- Unforgiving ride and needs better wheels than the standard issue

Performance 5/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

Scott Contessa Foil (women’s model, 2012)
£2,800
scott-sports.com

Head-turning looks with aerodynamic credentials, aggressive angles and clean, sharp lines make the Scott Contessa Foil a serious bike for contenders on the road.

Read the full Scott Contessa Foil review

Pros
+ Truly aerodynamic design throughout
+ Super responsive, especially for explosive changes of speed

Cons
- Not the most laid-back ride for those who like to mix sportives with races
- Internal cabling might put off keen home mechanics

Performance 5/5
Value 4/5
Overall 4/5

Scott Foil 10 (2013)
£5,999
scott-sportsbikes.com

Scott’s Foil is one of our benchmark bikes; its combination of aerodynamic gain, super-surefooted handling and effortless climbing makes it an outstanding all-rounder.

Read the full Scott Foil 10 review

Pros
+ Excellent aerodynamics, yet lightweight and sweet-handling
+ New SRAM Red is far sharper than before

Cons
- Posers and windy day riders will miss last year’s Zipp kit
- Definitely on the firm rather than soft side

Performance 5/5
Value 4/5
Overall 4/5

Scott Foil Team Issue (2012)
£6,499.99
scott-sports.com

Scott’s Foil Team Issue combines state-of-the-art aerodynamics with conventional race bike responsiveness and super-friendly handling to produce an outstanding all-round performer.

Read the full Scott Foil Team Issue review

Pros
+ Super-light and responsive aero frameset and complete bike
+ Excellent handling frame and wheels make it an easy speed ride

Cons
- Not quite as rigid as the stiffest bikes in its category but not as painful either
- Expensive

Performance 5/5
Value 4/5
Overall 4/5

ALSO TESTED

Look 675 (2013), £3,799

Scott Foil 20 (2012), £2,799

An aero bike is probably the most important piece of gear you’ll buy on your Ironman / long-distance triathlon journey. Here you’ll find our archive of the top-scoring TT bikes we’ve tested, with all receiving at least 4/5. They’re listed in alphabetical order, and were all still available to buy at time of publication.

You can find more bike reviews in our triathlon bike reviews archive

Argon 18 E-112 105 (2013)
£2,399.99
argon18bike.com; i-ride.co.uk

The Argon 18 E-112 is sharp, instantly engaging and more forgiving than we expected – but still takes a toll over long rides.

Read the full Argon 18 E-112 105 review

Pros
+ Naturally fast and clean ride, with excellent position and handling
+ Surprisingly forgiving for such a precise and power-friendly frame

Cons
- Crying out for an aero wheel upgrade to unleash its full potential
- Expensive for this spec – but the frame is worth it

Performance 4/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

Argon 18 E-80 (2012)
£1,699.99
i-ride.co.uk

The entry-level Argon 18 E-80 is a strong complete bike with an appealing pricetag that comes with massive speed and great upgrade potential for those who are willing to invest in the frame.

Read the full Argon 18 E-80 review

Pros
+ Frame balances long-haul comfort and precise handling really well
+ State-of-the-art aerodynamics with serious upgrade potential

Cons
- Wheels are good, but it’s begging for deep-sections to reach its full potential
- Direct-sell bikes edge it on spec, but local shop support can be priceless

Performance 4/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

BMC Timemachine TM01 (2013)
£8,499.99
evanscycles.com

One of the world’s fastest frames matched with arguably the fastest wheels and the most efficient aero transmission makes the BMC Timemachine TM01 a genuine time traveller.

Read the full BMC Timemachine TM01 review

Pros

+ Efficient speed with a responsive,  powerful and confident character
+ Adjustable cockpit adds optimum positioning to serious aerodynamics

Cons

- Definitely on the stiff and unforgiving side
- Limited steering lock, time-consuming stem and brake set-up

Performance 5/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

Boardman AiR TT 9.2 (2012/13)
£2,799.99
boardmanbikes.com

The Boardman AiR TT 9.2 is so well balanced and composed it’s almost boring. The fun comes when you see what this can do to your split times, while still leaving you fresh for the run.

Read the full Boardman AiR TT 9.2 review 

Pros
+ Light, fast and comfy aero frame with excellent cockpit
+ Composed and balanced handling, and excellent aero efficiency

Cons
- Needs deeper-section wheels to fully realise its potential
- We’d love to see a Di2 electric shift version in the range

Performance 4/5
Value 5/5
Overall 4/5

Cervélo P2 (2012)
£3,999.99
madison.co.uk

Cervélo’s bikes have topped the Kona bike count for years and many of the tallies on the Ironman bike sheet are built on the evergreen P2 frameset. While the P2 is now a little way behind the Canadian brand’s flagship bikes such as the Cervelo P5, its confident, user-friendly and naturally speedy ride mean its classic status remains very much intact.

Read the full Cervélo P2 review

Pros
+ Lightweight frame with good handing and a comfortable ride
+ Standard brakes, BB and fork allow a range of upgrade options

Cons
- Aerodynamics are good but lack the latest integrated component tweaks
- Decent rather than dramatic power delivery and steering precision

Performance 4/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

Cervélo P3C (2012)
£2,199.99 (frame and fork)
cervélo.co.uk, madison.co.uk

If there’s any bike that doesn’t need an introduction it’s Cervélo’s P3 Carbon. Officially the most successful aero bike ever built, it’s the choice of thousands of pros and privateers alike. Though it’s expensive and behind the aero curve, the P3C is still a blisteringly quick, accurate, surefooted, and insatiably predatory ride.

Read the full Cervelo P3C review

Pros
+ Outstanding propulsion transfer and locked-in ride position breed PBs
+ Impressively light, phenomenal handling and crisp controls

Cons
- Not as aero or comfortable as the best contemporary frames
- Cervélo’s uncompromising character comes at a price

Performance 4/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

Felt DA2 (2012)
£6,199
saddleback.co.uk, feltbicycles.com

This has long been one of our favourite bikes, with Felt’s multi-adjustable and impressively comfortable chassis always impressive. The DA2 comes with Di2 electronic shifting and is still a superbly comfortable bike, but frame and wheel flex are obvious in the handling if you’re a more muscular rider.

Read the full Felt DA2 review

Pros
+ Very comfortable, easily adjustable, aerodynamic chassis
+ Fully integrated Shimano Di2 shifting as standard

Cons
- Skinny tubes make it a frame of two halves when you start to push hard
- Wheels are fast, but less convincing when cornering and cranking

Performance 4/5
Value 4/5
Overall 4/5

Moda Mossa (2012)
£1,199.99
eurobike.uk.com

The alloy Moda Mossa adds an even more affordable option to the British company’s Sharp and Interval TT bike line-up. The combination of light wheels and excellent rider position mean the component compromises are overcome to deliver a quick, upgrade-friendly starter bike for triathlon at a sensible price.

Read the full Moda Mossa Review

Pros
+ Aero position and low weight create an efficient ride
+ Good handling and comfortable to ride – very novice-friendly

Cons
- Softness in wheels, cranks and brakes dulls performance
- Microshift gears aren’t as good as big-name transmission kits

Performance 3/5
Value 4/5
Overall 4/5

Planet X Stealth Pro SRAM Force (2012/13)
£1,599.99
planet-x-bikes.co.uk

The Planet X Stealth Pro time trial/triathlon bike has been on sale for years. Up-to-date specifications and an unbelievable set of wheels for the price continue to make this lively lightweight the go-to affordable aero bike in 2012.

Read the full Planet X Stealth Pro review

Pros
+ Lightweight, reasonably smooth and responsive aero frameset
+ Great value complete bike kit with quality tubs on aero wheels

Cons
- Flexy, gust-prone wheels can be unnerving for novices in bad weather
- Several testers didn’t like the shape and feel of the carbon cockpit

Performance 4/5
Value 5/5
Overall 4/5

Wilier Twin Blade (2013)
£3,699 (frameset)
wilierbikes.com

The Wilier uses a unique Twin Blade fork and smoothly flowing lines to create possibly the most charismatic but still rapaciously rapid aero bike we’ve ever had the pleasure of riding.

Read the full Wilier Twin Blade review

Pros

+ Distinctive but effective aerodynamics with powerful drive
+ Extremely poised ride feel that gets better the longer you ride

Cons

- Gear configuration isn’t as neat as some of its rivals
- Cockpit adjustment options are relatively limited

Performance 5/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

ALSO TESTED

Cervélo P5 Three (2013), £3,499.99

Felt DA4 (2012), £2,899

Forme ATT Carbon (2013), £2,899.99

Isaac Muon (2013), £4,880

Jamis Xenith T1 (2013), £2,380

Lapierre Aerostorm (2012), £3,099.99 (frame, fork, seatpost, stem)

Quintana Roo CD0.1 (2011), £1,999.99

Ribble Ultra TT (2012/13), £1,499.99

Trek Speed Concept 7.5 (2011), £3,000

In our four ride reviews, we take some of the world’s best bikes out for a spin over different terrains. View our full archive of bike reviews here including our head-to-head triathlon bike tests.

FIRST RIDE

Felt’s AR range features more aggressive aerodynamic features than most aero road bikes, borrowing details such as front and rear wheel-hugging profiles and internal cabling from the company’s DA time trial range. Out on the road, it’s immediately obvious that this is a bike that longs for speed and the semi-aero wheels and full Shimano Ultegra set-up make it a real race-day – as well as training – contender out the box.

FAST RIDE

The wind-tunnel-designed aero frame adores in-the-saddle power, rewarding an even threading of the cranks with momentum-fuelled pace that’s easy to hold onto. Such is the AR4’s fervour for flatline speed that it constantly compels you to push a little harder and up your pace. The hefty 30mm-deep Shimano RS30 wheels take a while to get up to speed, but once there, you really feel free to fly towards a new PB.

HILLY RIDE

No mountain goat, the AR4 isn’t as sprightly up the hills as dedicated climbing bikes, but remains inexorable up shallow inclines and flex-free when the gradients pick up. There’s no compact option available though, so be prepared to make your quads work with the 53×39 front set-up. On the downhills, handling is superbly assured, no matter how far forward the saddle is for a TT position.

LONG RIDE

The AR4’s relatively short top tube length and TT-inspired geometry makes it ripe for clip-on aerobars without scuppering handling. This, combined with the beautifully-engineered frame, compliant fork and carbon aero seatpost to dissipate road sting, makes long-course riding a pleasure. Only the Prologo saddle, which isn’t TT-position friendly, mars the AR4’s amazing training and racing versatility.

BIKE SPEC

Price £2,599.99
Contact feltbicycles.com, saddleback.com
Weight 8.44kg
Size tested 54cm
Sizes available 51cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 61cm
Frame Felt Aero Road UHC Advanced MMC Carbon Fibre
Fork Felt Aero Road UHC Performance Monocoque
Seating Felt Aero UHC Advanced Carbon Fibre post, Prologo Zero T2.0 saddle
Handlebars/stem Felt VS Aero 2014 bars, Felt SL 3D forged 6061 alloy stem
Gears Shimano Ultegra
Brakes Shimano Ultegra
Wheels Shimano RS30
Tyres Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick, 700c x 23

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The latest of our triathlon bike reviews focuses on aero bikes suitable for Ironman races

Finishing your Ironman bike leg fast is fine, but only if you’re still in good shape to run your marathon. Unless you’re a mahogany-bodied masochist, the race is going to be tough enough without having a bike that batters you brutally over every one of the 112 miles. It’s not just a case of stiffness versus comfort, either – even if you’ve got £2,300 to £3,000 to spend, you’re still going to be working out your ideal bike balance from a range of different compromises.

The bikes tested here range from adequately equipped, advanced carbon aero frames right through to value bikes with fancy wheels. That immediately opens up a world of different ride characters and upgrade potential. Do you want a buy-it-and-forget-it bike that’s as fast as it can get, or one that’s fizzing with latent speed to be unleashed with a bit more spending? We’ve got four bikes here that offer very different ways to take you from your wetsuit waddle to the first stumbling steps of your marathon, but which is the best one for you?

Jamis Xenith T1
£2,380
jamisbikes.com; evanscycles.com

Jamis’s smooth-riding Xenith aero frame is topped with a Cobb saddle and carbon kit to create a and lightweight Ironman triathlon option. It’s more of a Rolls-Royce steady cruiser rather than a Ferrari-style combative speed demon though.

Read the full Jamis Xenith T1 review

Pros
+ Smoothly comfortable, with size-specific geometry
+ Plenty of carbon parts keep weight to a minimum

Cons
- Soft frame means loss of acceleration and climbing potential
- Flexy wheels don’t help hustling or handling

Verdict
Smooth and easily adjustable. A lightweight package, but not for those who like to push the pace on descents or climbs

Performance 3/5
Value 3/5
Overall 3/5

Argon 18 E-112 105
£2,399.99
argon18bike.com; i-ride.co.uk

Argon 18’s entry-level E-80 really impressed us, so now we’ve moved up the range to the race-proven E-112 which provides an even more cost-effective steed for Ironman triathlon with excellent potential for upgrading at a later date.

Read the full Argon 18 E-112 105 review

Pros
+ Naturally fast and clean ride, with excellent position and handling
+ Surprisingly forgiving for such a precise and power-friendly frame

Cons
- Crying out for an aero wheel upgrade to unleash its full potential
- Expensive for this spec – but the frame is worth it

Verdict
Not cheap for the kit but a fast, aero machine. Surprisingly forgiving thanks to construction and great ergonomics

Performance 4/5
Value 3/5
Overall 4/5

Boardman AiR TT 9.2
£2,799.99
boardmanbikes.com

The same frame ridden by Ironman World Champion Pete Jacobs, the new AiR TT will take some beating with its great drive stiffness, comfortable ride and the stable handling that add an element of relaxation that you’ll welcome as you stride out into the run with looser shoulders than normal.

Read the full Boardman AiR TT 9.2 review

Pros
+ Light, fast and comfy aero frame with excellent cockpit
+ Composed and balanced handling, and excellent aero efficiency

Cons
- Needs deeper-section wheels to fully realise its potential
- We’d love to see a Di2 electric shift version in the range

Verdict

Superbly composed and responsive aero ride that’ll handle mixed UK courses
with confidence

Performance 4/5
Value 5/5
Overall 4/5

Forme ATT Carbon
£2,899.99
formebikes.co.uk; todayscyclist.co.uk

Derbyshire-based Forme is new on the Ironman bike scene, but its two ATT bikes are an intriguing prospect for those wanting to go fast without breaking the bank. The ATT Carbon is light and comfortable bike good for long-course racing.

Read the full Forme ATT Carbon review

Pros
+ Efficient position and comfy, responsive ride character
+ Good price, particularly if you go for the conventional wheel option

Cons
- Front-end flex can be unsettling when ridden hard or in high winds
- Limp, inconsistent braking and limited frame sizing

Verdict
Some definite issues, but a naturally fast and efficiently comfortable long-haul aero bike at a good price

Performance 3/5
Value 3/5
Overall 3/5

OVERALL VERDICT

While some people think you need to throw £10,000 at an Ironman ride, £3,000 is still a hell of a lot of money and we’ve kept our expectations high to reflect that. Jamis’s Xenith looks promising in terms of spec and weight, and its smooth, relaxing character felt fast enough until the best bikes here left it floundering in their wake. In contrast the deep-wheeled Forme turned in surprisingly decent times despite its comfort on long and steady sessions, but winding descents and tight corners revealed its weaknesses.

That leaves two very impressive rides that are fast in stock form, and potentially really fast with the right wheels. The BMC is cheaper, but sharper and more instantly engaging, and more forgiving than we expected – but still takes a toll over long rides. In contrast, the Boardman is so well balanced and composed it’s almost boring. The fun comes when you see what this can do to your split times, while still leaving you fresh for the run. If you can’t afford the 9.2, the 9.1 comes with the same chassis and cockpit for £1,999.99.

Boardman AiR TT 9.2
£2,799.99
boardmanbikes.com

If you’re after top-level clock-stopping experience, then multiple world and Olympic track champion and legendary time-triallist Chris Boardman will take some beating. It’s a measure of the work he’s invested in perfecting the aero bikes bearing his name that they were the last part of the Boardman range to be slotted into position. Composed at speed and confident through the bends, the new AiR TT will take some beating.

FRAME AND FORKS

There’s a lot of detailing on the AiR TT 9.2 considering the price. The tapered head tube might give a wider front aspect than most straight steerer head tubes but the fat-topped, wide-stance forks completely swallow the rear-mounted front mini V-brake. Smooth teardrop and oval aero-section tubes then extend backwards from the deep head box, which swallows the vertically inserted internal cable routing. The flat oval top tube ends in a neat two-bolt clamp for the reversible aero seatpost, which can be switched to change seat angles depending on how aggressive you like your ride.

The oversized BB30 bottom bracket and box-section chainstays are moulded in one piece to carry power to the rear wheel with minimal loss of effort, and the rear U-brake is tucked behind flanges under the bottom bracket to further smooth airflow. The buried brakes with their grub screw and barrel cable anchors are a right pain to set up though, and you’ll need to deflate the tyres to get the wheels in and out of the bike.

Don’t think the muted silver grey paint hides a similarly subdued material beneath though, as the whole frame uses high-modulus carbon, making it the lightest chassis in this test by a big margin – and lighter than most full tri bike frames at any price.

THE KIT

The Boardman is the only bike here with a SRAM rather than Shimano gearset, but Force is essentially the equivalent to Ultegra – which is reflected in this having the second highest complete bike price on test. The carbon-armed, BB30-axled time-trial chainset comes with a big 54-tooth outer plate as standard, but you can opt for a compact chainset when you order if you prefer to spin rather than stomp. The level of spec detailing can be seen in the choice of a quieter-running Shimano rear cassette and easy-maintenance KMC chain.

Like the Argon, the Boardman is obviously crying out for a deep aero wheelset to complete the clock-stopping package, but the Mavic Cosmic Elites are sharp and responsive, and fine for now. Vittoria’s Open Corsa CX tyres underline the ride with a particularly supple, high-speed quality too. Completing the bike is an FSA cockpit, which includes particularly neat telescopic extensions, and the excellent Fizik Arione Tri2 TT saddle even gets fancy, floaty titanium rails.

THE RIDE

If there’s any criticism to make of the AiR TT it’s that the impeccably balanced, all-round competence of the chassis is as subtle and understated as the silver grey paintjob at first. It takes a couple of miles in the cockpit to realise that a bike that melts away into the background is exactly what you want when you’re up against the clock for 112 miles – and you still need to leave some power in your legs for the run afterwards.

Its low weight and excellent powertrain stiffness provide a booster rocket start to any bike split, and the Boardman is always quick to kick back up to race pace after corners. That responsive character means it’s no slouch on climbs either, extending its aero advantage further into hilly courses than most full-on tri bikes – a definite bonus for many less-than-flat UK races. Decent brakes, the accurate tracking tapered forks and a generously long wheelbase ensure it sticks to the ground, and top-quality rubber makes it surefooted and confidence-inspiring on descents too.

Having spent some of the test shod in our default Zipp 808 aero wheels, it handled deep-section rolling stock with equally nonchalant and nerve-free composure, even on gusty days. Be prepared
for a bit of swearing while adjusting the cable barrel grub screws to get fat wheels to fit with the brakes, though.

While getting up to speed and holding it through rolling terrain is always a bonus, it’s the ability to let you hold an efficient aerodynamic position for hours on end that really marks the AiR TT out as a great Ironman machine. The 10cm head tube allows you to get super-low and flat-backed if you’ve got the flexibility. The springy armrests create a very smooth tricep- and neck-friendly ride. The cunning telescopic extensions also mean there’s nothing protruding back from the base bars to catch your knees.

Despite the drive stiffness, the ride isn’t harsh in the saddle even after several hours, and the stable handling adds an element of relaxation that you’ll welcome as you stride out into the run with looser shoulders than normal.

BIKE SPEC

• Frame and forks

Size tested: M
Sizes available: XS, S, M, L
Weight as tested: 8.62kg
Frame weight: 1,326g
Fork weight: 590g
Frame: AiR TT Aerodynamic, carbon fibre monocoque
Fork: AiR TT Aerodynamic, full carbon

• Transmission

Chainset: SRAM Force BB30
Bottom bracket: BB30
Cassette: Shimano 105 11-25T
Chain: KMC X10
Derailleurs: SRAM Force
Shifters: SRAM TT500

• Wheels

Front: Mavic Cosmic Elite
Rear: Mavic Cosmic Elite
Tyres: Vittoria Open Corsa CX 700x23c
Wheel weight: 1,200g front / 1,570g back

• Other components

Stem: FSA OS150
Bars: FSA Trimax Team, R bend
Headset: FSA semi-integrated
Saddle: Fizik Arione Tri2 Ti
Seatpost: Boardman Carbon AiR/TT
Brakes: TRP integrated

Pros
+ Light, fast and comfy aero frame with excellent cockpit
+ Composed and balanced handling, and excellent aero efficiency

Cons
- Needs deeper-section wheels to fully realise its potential
- We’d love to see a Di2 electric shift version in the range

Argon 18 E-112 105
£2,399.99
argon18bike.com
i-ride.co.uk

Argon 18’s entry-level E-80 really impressed us this year, and moving a step up the ladder to the race-proven E-112 should get you an even more cost-effective, upgrade-ready ride. It’s aggressive and purposeful on paper and in the flesh, but has its ride been compromised as a result?

FRAME AND FORKS

If the frame looks familiar, it’s because the E-112 uses the same mould as Argon 18’s 2010/11 flagship bike, the E-114. The major difference is that rather than the ONEness bayonet fork of the 114, the 112 uses a conventional single-steerer fork with front mounted brake. However, Argon 18 has added its own edge to conventional in the shape of the oversized 3D System headset extenders. These screw into the head tube to raise the level of the upper bearing, and Argon claims they increase fork and stem stiffness by up to 11 per cent compared with normal skinny spacers in the maximum 25mm rise set-up.

Internal cable routing also disappears into three ports behind the stem. There’s no shortage of stiffness in the mainframe, with geometric aero profiles extending back to the deep, wheel-hugging cutout seat tube without any trace of tapering. The screw-in bottom bracket is topped with a deep web across the base, and the seat tube extends relatively high above the top tube, with a rear clamp bolting into bullet-shaped blisters on the seat clamp. The seatpost is also reversible to give either a 76º or 78º seat angle, and the rear brake is conventionally mounted above the wheel.

Curved triangular-section chainstays stay the same depth all the way to the replaceable alloy horizontal dropouts, which allow adjustment of the wheel position in relation to the frame. The faceted aero seatstays are interesting mainly because of their sheer depth, which would shame most chainstays. Despite the brutally stiff looks, Argon 18 uses its HDS (Horizontal Dual System) to deliberately split the carbon lay-up in half along a nominal line from the rear dropout to the top of the head tube. Below the line it’s all about torque transfer and impressive power delivery, and above, it’s deliberately laid up to be more forgiving and compliant.

THE KIT

As you might expect for a bike tagged as a 105 version, our test bike had a full set of Shimano controls, with Dura-Ace tip shifters. The 53/39-tooth chainrings are totally appropriate for a naturally fast bike, but the slotted front mech mount can take compact rings too. Smaller frames (XS/S/M) bikes get shorter 172.5mm cranks. The 3T stem is size-specific, and the 3T Aura Pro bar is particularly flat and aero, with a naturally comfortable curve to both extensions and cow horns. The Fulcrum Racing Quattro is one of our favourite mid-price wheelsets but the frame is definitely crying out for something deeper and more aero when you can afford to upgrade. That eats into the value of a relatively expensive package, but the frame is a sound investment.

THE RIDE

The Argon isn’t in any way slow in its standard format, though. As soon as the road opened up and we applied some power, the E-112 produced a really clean, crisp feel. That created a far more positive, encouraging response and significantly faster results than the woolier/softer feeling bikes on test. There was no obvious plateau or deflection point in the speed curve either, with the Argon continuing to accelerate with convincing ease right up to the point where we ran out of legs. It’s also light and powerful enough to handle climbs reasonably well if it has to.

Taking into account the conventional wheels, the speed sustain is very impressive, bowling us along as though we could actually feel the aerodynamics slicing through the wind more effectively. A lot of this efficiency is due to the fit of the AFS triathlon/time-trial geometry. On paper our riding position was pretty aggressive, but it never felt like we were compromising comfort to gain drag coefficient on the road. While we were expecting a serious kicking from the massive stays, the HDS optimisation makes life in the slimline saddle pretty good, even on high-mileage or rough road sessions, and the 3T bars are also a friendly place to lay your forearms.

There’s no trace of any softness in the handling though, with clarity from the lower half of the frame giving plenty of traction feedback. It’s still more than surefooted enough to keep the poised and clean character alive through corners as well as under power, and the brakes are reassuring allies on steep descents, even with the ultra-narrow bladed levers. While the deep frame tubes can gust a bit in sidewinds, it is perfectly happy coping with deep-section wheels at all speeds, which confirms its excellent potential for upgrading at a later date.

BIKE SPEC

• Frame and forks

Size tested: M
Sizes available: XS, S, M, L
Weight as tested: 8.71kg
Frame weight: 1,540g
Fork weight: 535g
Frame: 5565 Nano-Tech monocoque carbon
Fork: E-112 monocoque aero carbon

• Transmission

Chainset: Shimano 105, 53-39T
Bottom bracket: Shimano 105
Cassette: Shimano 105, 12-25T
Chain: Shimano 105
Derailleurs: Shimano 105
Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace TT

• Wheels

Front: Fulcrum Racing Quattro
Rear: Fulcrum Racing Quattro
Tyres: Continental Attack and Force, 700×22/24c
Wheel weight: 1,160g front / 1,610g back

• Other components

Stem: 3T Arx Pro, 100mm
Bars: 3T Aura Pro, 420mm
Headset: FSA Orbit IS
Saddle: Prologo Zero
Seatpost: ASP-4000 aero
Brakes: Shimano 105 dual-pivot

Pros
+ Naturally fast and clean ride, with excellent position and handling
+ Surprisingly forgiving for such a precise and power-friendly frame

Cons
- Crying out for an aero wheel upgrade to unleash its full potential
- Expensive for this spec – but the frame is worth it

Forme ATT Carbon
£2,899.99
formebikes.co.uk; todayscyclist.co.uk

Derbyshire-based Forme is new on the scene, but its two ATT bikes are well worth a look for those who want to get maximum speed for an affordable price. The ATT Carbon is light and comfortable, but will flex and kit issues stop it from getting up to race speed?

FRAME AND FORKS

Having tested both the alloy and carbon ATT bikes it’s definitely worth digging £400 deeper into your pocket for the carbon frame. It’s a full 350g lighter, a lot more forgiving of rough surfaces on long rides, and the different sizing format means the medium frame is also a bit longer. This synced better with our test team when they pushed forward onto the saddle nose for a steeper, more run-compatible seat angle.

Aerodynamics follow simple, widely used principles of minimal frontal area and tapered tubes. This starts with the flared-leg, straight-gauge-steerer fork and pointy-fronted head tube. Slim mainframe tubes have extensive cutouts for close wheel clearance and a potentially super-low front end. The gear and rear brake cables vanish into the down tube and top tubes respectively.

The seat tube fin wraps round the rear wheel, with a teardrop seatpost extending the drag reduction right up under the saddle. The dropouts at the end of the chunky chainstays are a conventional vertical rather than adjustable horizontal style. The own-brand Forme brakes are mounted above the wheels rather than hidden out of the wind. Forme only offers three frame sizes, so you can stop reading now if you’re particularly small or tall.

THE KIT

The standard ATT Carbon 1.0 comes with adequate 4ZA Cirrus all-rounder wheels and excellent Schwalbe Ultremo ZX HD tyres for £1,999. Our sample was supplied with the optional deep-section race wheel package – 4ZA T100s, which are light and offer an aero advantage in calm conditions. However the flat sides make them vulnerable to bullying from sidewinds or traffic turbulence, and glue-on tubs won’t be to everyone’s taste. For the price difference between the two bikes, you could get a similar set of extra wheels that would leave you with a training and racing set.

The Forme brakes are really spongy compared with SRAM and Shimano, which makes the already random response from the carbon rims unpredictable in the wet. Forme are keen to point out that the bike comes with a proper aero FSA aero bar and extensions, although light weight comes at the expense of limited adjustment without reaching for a saw.

Otherwise the componentry is best described as a mixed bag. An aero-profile FSA chainset pulls a KMC chain through Shimano 105 and Ultegra mechs, controlled by microSHIFT tip levers. The chainset is very heavy (963g), but the 28-tooth large cog on the cassette gives you a winch option if you need it. The soft-nosed tri-style saddle is as good as most better-known branded gear.

THE RIDE

A forgiving saddle is at a premium on the Forme, as it’s a bike that likes to be driven from the rivet if you’re racing. That’s not to say it doesn’t cruise well, as the front end of the frame is well damped from vibration and bigger hits. The Kenda tubular tyres offset the vertical stiffness of the slab-sided wheels with a naturally buoyant and pothole-proof ride. The springy cantilevered armrests and generous pads on the Vision bars also take a fair amount of frame sting out of the equation once you’re settled into a tuck.

The relatively short head tube offers plenty of potential to get properly low if your back can hack it. While the thin-axled FSA cranks aren’t the stiffest around, reasonable overall weight makes it easy to work up to speed on the flat or climbing. Given the comfort level, we were surprised how often we got into the biggest gears and how long we stayed there, and shifting was easy and crisp. This all creates a bike that we repeatedly stayed out on for longer and rode further than we had originally planned too, which is a very positive sign for potential Ironman use.

There are some downsides you need to be aware of, though. Firstly the skinny, cutaway ‘throat’ of the frame and the slim fork give a relatively limp grip on control. This is particularly obvious on tighter, descending corners, roundabouts or when the wind gives the front wheel a shove. The inconsistent brakes don’t help confidence on downhills either, although you will get used to the frame and braking feel over time. Giving it full gas out of the saddle out of corners or up climbs can also create a lot of flex in the frame and wheels.

That means it responds better to a kind word in the ear than a hard jab with the spurs when you need to get a gallop on. It’s still a decent, comfortable distance machine that offers easy speed, particularly for athletes who go for the kill on the swim or run and not the bike.

BIKE SPEC

• Frame and fork

Size tested: M
Sizes available: S, M, L
Weight as tested: 8.98kg
Frame weight: 1,545g
Fork weight: 470g
Frame: Toray T700 3K carbon monocoque
Fork: Toray T700 3K, full carbon, 1.125in steerer

• Transmission

Chainset: FSA TriMax Pro TT, 52/38T, 175mm
Bottom bracket: FSA Mega Exo
Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 12-28T
Chain: KMC X-10
Derailleurs: Shimano Ultegra rear / Tiagra front
Shifters: microSHIFT BS-A10 bar end

• Wheels

Front: Forme 4ZA T100 carbon tubular
Rear: Forme 4ZA T100 carbon tubular
Tyres: Kenda Super Domestique tubs, 700x23c
Wheel weight: 1,130g front / 1,670g back

• Other components

Stem: SL Alloy, 100mm
Bars: FSA Vision TriMax PRO SI R-Bend
Headset: FSA No 23
Saddle: One23 Tri Gel
Seatpost: Forme carbon aero
Brakes: Forme dual-pivot w/ Tektro RX4.1 levers

Pros
+ Efficient position and comfy, responsive ride character
+ Good price, particularly if you go for the conventional wheel option

Cons
- Front-end flex can be unsettling when ridden hard or in high winds
- Limp, inconsistent braking and limited frame sizing

Jamis Xenith T1
£2,380
jamisbikes.com
evanscycles.com

Jamis loads its smooth-riding Xenith aero frame with a Cobb saddle and carbon-rich kit to create an interesting and lightweight Ironman option. It’s definitely a steady cruiser rather than a combative speed demon racer, though – think more Rolls-Royce than Ferrari when looking at this particular option.

FRAME AND FORKS

Things get interesting straight away on the Jamis thanks to the distinctive Windshield aero forks. The significantly raked and deep-bladed legs fatten and deepen as they near the crown to completely shroud the rear-mounted TRP U-brake from the airflow. The side-entry brake cable isn’t quite as aero but gives a very positive braking feel.

The short head tube allows you to adopt a very low forward position once you’ve swapped out the spacers, and the internal gear cable routing enters through the skinny top tube behind the stem. The ovalised top tube ends in a two-bolt seat clamp for the teardrop seatpost.

The seat tube flares out into a wheel-hugging curve, and both the seat and down tubes swell to the full width of the press-fit BB30 bottom bracket. The rear U-brake is mounted under the skinny S-curve chainstays, and the similarly curved seatstays are also super-slim. The alloy horizontal slotted dropouts use small stop screws to prevent the wheel slipping forward and rubbing on the frame. The smallest 47cm size uses 650c wheels to keep the looks and handling proportionate for petite pilots.

THE KIT

Jamis has also gone to the trouble of altering the crank length, bar width and stem length depending on frame size, which is a great boost to comfort and fit accuracy. The 700c American Classic wheels have a deep, convex 34mm rim, bladed spokes and super-skinny hubs for lightweight aerodynamics. The white painted marker spokes make it easy to find the valve for fast mid-race flat fixing, too.

The fat-armed, oversized axle chainset gets offset pedal drilling and a solid aero outer chainring, but it’s heavy. Happily the full carbon Profile cockpit isn’t and, together with the light wheels, this helps make the Xenith the lightest bike on test despite the deep-fill Cobb saddle. The split-centre perch divided opinion among our test team – some loved the squishy, rear-biased support and notched nose but others just couldn’t get comfortable on it however they set it up.

THE RIDE

Most shops aren’t going to let a saddle swap get in the way of a sale, so it’s the overall ride of the Xenith that really matters. Initial impressions are very good. The Profile armrests are comfortably shaped and widely adjustable via the multiple mounting options and spacer kits. Most testers really liked the ‘kink down, kick up’ shape of the extensions, and the relatively short top tube naturally puts you into a classic right-angled elbow tuck position.

Jamis also supplies the Xenith with a massive stack of steerer spacers, so you can go pretty low without having to chop the steerer; the flexibility this offered our testers was a feature we really liked. As you might expect, the fat-legged fork gives a firm feel through the fat-bodied base bars. The mid-modulus carbon fibre frame, soft saddle, and skinny stays and top tube mean not much road grumble reaches your gusset though.

While the wheelbase is shorter than most, the Xenith holds a predictably straight line even on relatively gusty days, and the powerful brakes mean scrubbing off speed isn’t an issue. This all makes for a natural, comfy and easygoing steed that lets you settle into a steady spin if you want to hit your run as fresh as possible.

Unfortunately the Jamis doesn’t deliver as well in one important area: speed. While the big cranks and bottom bracket, teamed with light wheels and low overall weight, should mean that the Xenith leaps forwards as soon as you press the pedals, actual acceleration is disappointing. Our test team got the sense that a lot of their power was getting lost in the carbon lay-up (and the wheels, to a lesser extent).

Trying to pick up pace to match the other bikes on test created a flood of lactic but no matching surge of speed, and pursuits always became long and painful. The soft frame sensation was even more noticeable on out-of-the-saddle climbs, where the short head tube and skinny top tube allow the front end to flop around in relation to the rear, even if you’re only working with tired post-swim arms.

As a result we rarely left the saddle or ventured into the smaller cogs unless we absolutely had to. This meant we were mainly relying on high-rev seated efficiency to spin us up to speed without loading the frame too much. As you might expect, the flexy frame and wheels undermined decisive or dynamic moves, making roundabouts and twisting descents a nervous exercise in careful coercion, not aggressive carving.

BIKE SPEC

• Frame and forks

Size tested: 54cm
Sizes available: 47, 51, 54, 56, 58cm
Weight as tested: 8.43kg
Frame weight: 1,634g
Fork weight: 510g
Frame: Dyad Plus T700, mid-modulus carbon fibre
Fork: Jamis Windshield, aero, full carbon

• Transmission

Chainset: Vision Trimax 175mm 52/38T
Bottom bracket: FSA Press-Fit 30
Cassette: SRAM OG-1070, 10-spd, 11-25T
Chain: SRAM PC-1051, 10-spd
Derailleurs: SRAM Rival braze-on front / SRAM Force rear
Shifters: SRAM 500 TT bar-end

• Wheels

Front: American Classic 420 Aero 3
Rear: American Classic 420 Aero 3
Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick, 700x23c
Wheel weight: 1,020g front / 1,450g back

• Other components

Stem: Profile Design Aris, 90mm
Bars: Profile Design T3+, drop-bend extensions
Headset: Ritchey Logic Pro Drop-In
Saddle: Cobb Cycling V-Flow Plus
Seatpost: Jamis Aero, carbon
Brakes: Tektro R725

Pros
+ Smoothly comfortable, with size-specific geometry
+ Plenty of carbon parts keep weight to a minimum

Cons
- Soft frame means loss of acceleration and climbing potential
- Flexy wheels don’t help hustling or handling

This article was originally published on bikeradar.

Pinarello will unveil a new time trial bike at the Giro d’Italia: the Bolide which, the Italian manufacturer claims, has a 15 percent drag reduction compared to its forebear, the Graal.

Team Sky’s Bradley Wiggins will showcase the new machine – also said to be five percent lighter than the Graal – when the Giro visits the island Ischia for the team time trial on Sunday.

The Bolide has been in development with Pinarello Lab technicians and Team Sky for more than a year, although a number of the features highlighted in the launch release suggest the frame is playing catch up with other manufacturers.

The Bolide’s uses aeroplane wing-shaped tube sections and a so-called ‘concave back’ on the seat tube to get a closer position of the rear wheel to the frame, a development further assisted by horizontal rear dropouts.  Pinarello say the frame design has been aerodynamically optimised for all wind conditions.

Looking at the photo below, it seems the engineers have opted to keep the air flowing around the frame structure as a whole rather than widening the gap to the wheel to avoid an air dam from the spinning wheel, as a number of other manufacturers do.

Integration is a key feature of the design. Brakes are sheltered behind leading edges  – similar to systems on other bikes such as the BMC Time Machine’s bayonet fork; the Shimano Dura Ace electronics are hidden inside the frame and cables are internally routed. The Bolide carries an integrated cockpit set-up which sounds similar to the design used on the Trek Speed Concept. However, being completely clear of cables should yield more aerodynamic advantages.

Like the Dogma and other Pinarello models, the Bolide carries asymmetrical chainstays which the company says counters asymmetric forces on the chain while pedalling.

The frameset is both electronic and mechanical gear compatible. Pricing and availability are yet to be announced.

BikeRadar will bring a full run down of the Bolide on Sunday from the Giro d’Italia.

 

The legendary Italian brand mixes prestige with aerodynamics in its new bike

The visually dramatic 596 is packed with clever engineering to help you go faster for longer. It was tested in the Formula One-standard wind tunnel at the Magny-Cours circuit in Burgundy, France. All the testing was carried out with a rider aboard and pedalling to create the most realistic conditions possible. The result of all this work was an improvement over the 496 of more than 10 per cent.

The Monoblade fork is the real highlight. Its dual connection to the cockpit strengthens the front end, improves steering response and supports the uniquely adjustable stem, but its main function is to increase the effective head tube depth while also remaining UCI-legal for Look’s sponsored road team.

The semi-monocoque construction incorporates a huge 65mm diameter bottom bracket shell into which slots the incredible full monocoque Zed crankset. The two crank arms and the axle are made as a single carbon fibre piece so it’s a very light and stiff unit.

The integrated seatmast is topped with Look’s E-post R32 cap which uses an elastomer block to absorb vibration very effectively and extend your comfort on long rides. The saddle can be slid 32mm forward or back from the post’s centre line. This build with SRAM Red and Zipps would cost £8,499.

BIKE SPEC

Weight 7.83kg
Frame 596, VHM carbon
Fork Offset Aero
Gears SRAM Red
Brakes SRAM Red
Wheels Zipp 808/Sub 9 disc
Finishing kit Easton aerobar, Fizik Ares saddle
Price £4,999.99 (i-pack: frame, fork, seatpost, and stem)

For more information, please visit www.lookcycle.com