Anyone else lusting for an aero road bike?

[Monthly Payment]

There’s about a dozen which next gravel bike threads. I’m kinda going in the other direction - Madone, SystemSix, Venge, concept, Oltre/Aria, Factor One, orca aero, etc.

Anyone else lusting after one? Has anyone pulled the trigger on one lately? What do you have speed freaks?

[Clean39T]

Not lusting anymore - enjoying..

Turns out you still have to pedal the thing for it to go fast, but the feeling of efficiently moving across the ground is very nice.

Based on my first ride, I wouldn't buy aero just for aero - aero combined with excellent handling and fit though, that's a win.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Black Dog]

No. :) Unless racing why? Position, Clothing, Helmet, make a bigger difference than frame/wheels and the effects are best realized when speeds are high and you are in the wind and not in the draft. If marginal gains are your bag then its all good.

[buddybikes]

All I am lusting over is to put my leg over rear wheel, sit my butt on the saddle and peddle tomorrow.

[Monthly Payment]

No. :) Unless racing why? Position, Clothing, Helmet, make a bigger difference than frame/wheels and the effects are best realized when speeds are high and you are in the wind and not in the draft. If marginal gains are your bag then its all good.

I got my position dialed. Fast helmet and clothes. I don’t race anymore, but I do some fast 28+ mph group rides. I can’t say squeezing out every last bit of speed wouldn’t be helpful to the type of riding I do, even if it’s not racing.

I also just like how they look, but that point about them being less than stellar road feel is something to think about.

[merlinmurph]

Nope. I'm simply too slow to take advantage of aero anything.

[Kyle h]

There’s about a dozen which next gravel bike threads. I’m kinda going in the other direction - Madone, SystemSix, Venge, concept, Oltre/Aria, Factor One, orca aero, etc.

Anyone else lusting after one? Has anyone pulled the trigger on one lately? What do you have speed freaks?

I sold my previous gen Madone RSL and have been searching for a replacement since. I think the Madone disc will fix the only gripe I had about an otherwise perfect bike; the braking quality. Ride was fantastic on all fronts.

[madsciencenow]

I could give a sh@* about the aero benefits but the oltre, vr2-3, and f8-f12 do interest me. The likelihood I actually buy one is pretty low.


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[Hellgate]

In a word, "No."

[rinconryder]

I’ve always liked the trek madone.

[BLD 25]

I just picked up a 2014(current generation until the new ones release soon) Felt AR4. What appealed to me about this one is how it was as aero as just about any other road bike, beating most, but also how it had a flipable seatpost to basically mimic a TT position. I like to do an occasional triathlon, and having this versatility was really appealing. I sold my TT bike and haven't looked back.

I feel like I could use this as my only bike with minimal compromise. It is about 16.5lbs with pedals and a powermeter, bottle cage, and garmin mount. It handles nicely, and climbs well. However, when I hop on my Supersix EVO, I am giggling within a couple pedal strokes. It may be a bit slower in the wind, but it has something that is difficult to describe.
Good luck in your hunting!

[echappist]

I’ve always liked the trek madone.

it'd have been perfect, if only they had made OEM classic round handlebars

while the later iterations allowed one to use different handlebars, Trek also made the rim brake version less aero...

I just picked up a 2014(current generation until the new ones release soon) Felt AR4. What appealed to me about this one is how it was as aero as just about any other road bike, beating most, but also how it had a flipable seatpost to basically mimic a TT position. I like to do an occasional triathlon, and having this versatility was really appealing. I sold my TT bike and haven't looked back.

I feel like I could use this as my only bike with minimal compromise. It is about 16.5lbs with pedals and a powermeter, bottle cage, and garmin mount. It handles nicely, and climbs well. However, when I hop on my Supersix EVO, I am giggling within a couple pedal strokes. It may be a bit slower in the wind, but it has something that is difficult to describe.
Good luck in your hunting!

Out of curiosity, what size is your bike and what wheels and group are you using?

I have a Size 54 AR2 with 8050 Di2 and a 1700 g wheelset, and I can't get it to less than 16 lbs without some significant changes (wheels swapped for something 1475 g, with racing tires), Dura Ace cassette, and EE brake rear.

If yours is 16.5 pretty much stock, that's quite the feat

[dancinkozmo]

no..internal cables are stupid

[veloduffer]

I just got a new Madone SLR with disc brakes. Best feature may be the new Isospeed that is fully adjustable (I had mine adjusted mid-way) and makes the aero bike as comfortable as Trek's Emonda. Also, the new 2 piece handlebar and stem are nice; you can tilt the bars up 5 degree. The Madone handles well and feels great in the flats and fast descents.

I usually don't buy the big brand bikes -- Parlee, Eriksen, Seven -- and since I have two gravel bikes (Seven Evergreen, Trek Boone), the Madone appealed to me. It's very neat looking and I'm glad the bike is more traditional as the seat stays are not low like most aero bikes (usually about 1/4 down the seat tube like BMC).

I chose discs instead of rim brakes because you can fit bigger wheels; plus my other road bikes are rim brakes. Though, I upgraded my wheels to Bontrager Aeolus XXX 4 - very nice and on par with Enve and Campy Bora. Stock gruppo was mechanical Ultegra, which I may upgrade to SRAM eTap or Shimano/Campy wireless if they ever come out.

Couple of things to note, if you get an aero bike than you should meet with the mechanic whilst putting it together. Since my main LBS sells Treks, I dialed in my fit so the mechanic could cut the housing just right. Otherwise, the mechanic will put it together using average measurements and you may need to revisit to get the fit dialed in correctly. So many housing running in the frame, it takes lot of patience and practice to put it together; I spent most of an afternoon & evening getting it fitted.. My Madone is the same fit as my other bikes.

Test ride one and I don't think you'll regret it.

[mtechnica]

I definitely want one. I often ride over 20mph so I can’t help but wonder what kind of a speed difference the aero could bring. If I could go 1mph faster it would be the difference between 200th place and top 10 on a lot of the Strava segments here.

[quickfeet]

I too am thinking pretty hard about a Madone. I think I want custom paint though. I am looking to get white and black color scheme.

[BLD 25]

Out of curiosity, what size is your bike and what wheels and group are you using?

I have a Size 54 AR2 with 8050 Di2 and a 1700 g wheelset, and I can't get it to less than 16 lbs without some significant changes (wheels swapped for something 1475 g, with racing tires), Dura Ace cassette, and EE brake rear.

If yours is 16.5 pretty much stock, that's quite the feat

Hey! It is a size 56. I am running a mix set of components. I sold the 6800 set that came on it, and fitted the frame with stuff I mostly had to save cash, and because my other bikes are 10 speed.

Sram red 10 speed shifters
Rival front deraillur
Force rear
Sram red black front brake
Tectro(I think) direct mount rear
Williams ACS handlebar(about 230g)
FSA Energy 110mm stem with Ti bolts
Currently FSA SLK cranks with Praxis rings(took the Sram red GXP/rival PM off)

Wheels are handbuilt by me:
Front-3T Accelero 40 pro rim to American Classic 58 hub, laser spokes(about 700g, not bad for a deep aluminum rim)
Rear is a Tune hub to Kinlin XR31T rim with laser NDS, Wheelsmith DS. About 835ish grams

Conti Grand prix tires(5000front, 4000s 25mm rear), latex tubes
Lizard skin bar tape
Speedplay Zero Stainless pedals.
x11sl chain
sram red xg1090 cassette.

Just weighted it again at 16.08lbs with the garmin mount and elite aero bottle cage mount. Not bad. As the bike shops would review it without pedals, cage, or garmin mount, it would be just about 15.3 or so.

[uber]

After some research I just bought a Madone too. I loved the Bianchi, but the geometry did not work for me. Venge was not pleasant and I did not love the Pinarello either. My local Trek shop is great and after reading many outstanding reviews and favorable test ride I decided to give Trek a try.

[echappist]

Hey! It is a size 56. I am running a mix set of components. I sold the 6800 set that came on it, and fitted the frame with stuff I mostly had to save cash, and because my other bikes are 10 speed.

Sram red 10 speed shifters
Rival front deraillur
Force rear
Sram red black front brake
Tectro(I think) direct mount rear
Williams ACS handlebar(about 230g)
FSA Energy 110mm stem with Ti bolts
Currently FSA SLK cranks with Praxis rings(took the Sram red GXP/rival PM off)

Wheels are handbuilt by me:
Front-3T Accelero 40 pro rim to American Classic 58 hub, laser spokes(about 700g, not bad for a deep aluminum rim)
Rear is a Tune hub to Kinlin XR31T rim with laser NDS, Wheelsmith DS. About 835ish grams

Conti Grand prix tires(5000front, 4000s 25mm rear), latex tubes
Lizard skin bar tape
Speedplay Zero Stainless pedals.
x11sl chain
sram red xg1090 cassette.

Just weighted it again at 16.08lbs with the garmin mount and elite aero bottle cage mount. Not bad. As the bike shops would review it without pedals, cage, or garmin mount, it would be just about 15.3 or so.

Very nice!

Certainly gives me some food for thought

[trener1]

Responding to the OP, in a word YES!.
I would love to get one, I was always about light but I would love to get on the aero bandwagon.
I am not sure it is my budget right now so I haven't looked at any particular models yet, but the idea of going faster sounds very sweet to me.
I would love to get one with rim brakes so that might make it a bit tricky.

[Monthly Payment]

Responding to the OP, in a word YES!.
I would love to get one, I was always about light but I would love to get on the aero bandwagon.
I am not sure it is my budget right now so I haven't looked at any particular models yet, but the idea of going faster sounds very sweet to me.
I would love to get one with rim brakes so that might make it a bit tricky.

Not gonna lie, the validation that there are others that see the appeal of dropping $$$ on very marginal gains is liberating!

[giordana93]

Another vote for not lusting, just enjoying. I'm mid 50s and ride similarly fast (28+, avg 25-6 mph) group rides routinely. I'm also mildly retro-grouch (still drag out the 27 year old Giordana to shock and hang with the young'uns) but picked up a Scott Foil when the disc version came out in 2018. It was a revelation. Not just because of the aero gains, which were probably pretty marginal, but I also finally got some more aero wheels over my trusty Open Pros, so when we were in the upper 20s or faster, closing gaps & sprinting, heck yeah you could feel it. no doubt majority of that was in the wheels, but the frame surely didn't hurt and moreover, since this latest generation of bikes are allowing for fatter 28c tires (which don't feel one bit slower), along with the dropped seat stays transmitting road shock less directly to your seat, it really was a "stiffer but more compliant" ride that is usually the fodder of marketing dept's. That's one of the things that gets lost in the beaten-to-death disc brake debate (and I've said this before): it's not just about the brakes, it is also the seat stays can be dropped for aero and ride quality, and the frame no longer needs a rear brake bridge so that area too can be a little more compliant. I hate sounding like a shill for Scott (and most of the designs are pretty similar anyway) but they definitely dialed back the stiffness of the original Foil which was known to be a teeth rattler, whereas my bike--to my great surprise, and again some/much of this is thanks to the 28c tires--floats over the crap pavement when compared to my 2007 Bianchi with carbon stays mated to steel front triangle running 25c tires and comfy 32h Open Pros, but the Foil is much stiffer (in a good way) at the bottom bracket and head tube. So don't let the ride quality be an immediate deal breaker. Depending on the bike, it might actually be better.

ps as much as I'm digging the Foil, I have bike envy for the new Addict RC: they took lots of the aero gains of the Foil, kept it lighter, and made all the cables disappear (and just as importantly, kept the damned thing easy to service--you can swap stems and bars without messing up the cables). Unfortunately, my inner retro grouch prefers a good old round drop bar that is neither shallow nor ergo so I couldn't get quite that integration of cables for now, but they are some pretty bikes. A good friend just sprang for the premium model and it is stunning. I guess technically it is not the "aero" bike in Scott's range, but it looks pretty close to the Foil and has gotten some great reviews.

Oh, also have a friend on the Oltre. He loves it and swears by the countervail--same story, stiff but somehow comfy ride.

link to Addict RC review (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/road-bikes/new-scott-addict-rc)

[Ti Designs]

A few years ago Specialized loaned me a Venge, so I took it out on a club ride and won all of the town lines in style. I didn't like the ride of the Venge and I wound up on a Tarmac, but the speed and acceleration of the made an impression. This year I'm coaching a few good sprinters, so I'm looking to regain the speed I once had. I bought a Venge.

[kramnnim]

Yes. Bought an S5 and love it. Just got a Foil frame to build up. Still want a Factor One, a Madone SLR, and a Wilier Cento10Air.

[Andy sti]

No offense just curious, could some of you post your ride files for these 28+ mph group rides? I’m really interested in seeing what they are.

[one60]

this one has my eye...style and logical details...aero + comfort with a minimum of proprietary components

Reviews have been consistently good...fwiw

[Matthew]

28+ mph group rides? Wow, I suck.

[Spdntrxi]

I have a 2019 BMC TimeMachine Road since spring of last year.. very content with it. Being a weightweenie @ heart... 7.4kg is tough to swallow sometimes when you had bikes down to 5.5kg

[Ti Designs]

No offense just curious, could some of you post your ride files for these 28+ mph group rides? I’m really interested in seeing what they are.

I have no electronics on my bike so I have no files to post, but I've been on a few fast rides. The A ride from Naples Cyclery is a good example, 27 mile loop in about 55 minutes.

[giordana93]

I noted in parentheses that the average is closer to 25, but there are plenty of 28 mph bursts. It is dead flat around here and we're not talking 50 milers, more like the evening 30 mile blitz. It only takes a couple monsters dragging us along to reach those speeds. Kids are fast these days.

[ergott]

I bought this almost 2 years ago (I think). This thing is close enough to the top aero performers of today that I get the benefits I need. It definitely has a much smaller frontal aera than the oversized "tubes" of today. It's not trying to hide a 28mm tire and I don't want it to. Comes in handy on those long solo efforts or when I'm on the front of the group. I can and do ride all my other non aero bikes all the time, but when I want that last bit of performance, I do reach for this bike.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Cycling/The-bikes/i-wwTTWRL/0/c2d621e9/XL/20180911_105748-XL.jpg

[giordana93]

not great at posting files so screen shot of strava segments will have to do

[Clean39T]

Comes in handy on those long solo efforts or when I'm on the front of the group. I can and do ride all my other non aero bikes all the time, but when I want that last bit of performance, I do reach for this bike.


Pretty much my rationale for acquiring the Dogma. It'll be fun for the days I feel like riding it. And on the other days, I'll ride my Kirk, or my gravel'er, and enjoy the scenery at more modest speeds and intensity levels.

[Clean39T]

No offense just curious, could some of you post your ride files for these 28+ mph group rides? I’m really interested in seeing what they are.

https://www.strava.com/segments/3919479

Sauvie Shootout seems to take the 12mi loop at around 28 MPH.

[Monthly Payment]

I have a 2019 BMC TimeMachine Road since spring of last year.. very content with it. Being a weightweenie @ heart... 7.4kg is tough to swallow sometimes when you had bikes down to 5.5kg

That is such a good looking bike.

[jamesdak]

Can't say I'm lusting but I have added two old school aero bikes to my collection of older, mainly steel, bikes.

This one is actually set up with a light set of C.F. 40mm deep rims now.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168673020.jpg

It carried me to my fastest century last fall.

Then I found this one locally for a dirt cheap price. Geared better for flat land riding.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169589074.jpg

[huck*this]

I just took delivery of my Factor One disc yesterday. I had a Trek Madone 9 but the headtube was just too tall. H2 geo. Also it felt kinda soft to me, unnatural with the ISO decoupler system. It definitely works just I don't think a road bike should flex like that.

Really looking forward to trying this out. I have heard its a totally different beast. Very stiff and fast. I ended up getting the 80mm wheels you see in the pictures. They are actually 75mm ;) This bike is also a first for me with disc brakes. Definitely was not a selling feature but... it sure makes for a clean bike with etap.

https://scontent-bos3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/83468365_909198562830474_3222142018020966400_n.png ?_nc_cat=106&_nc_oc=AQkFercULfcv5EMZs8zN72oIAFp8C00Csmi1mradUez UqfZ9JNs-xslmKl2QF8q4xM8&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.xx&oh=08840c397cc8bd3ab2faa55d6913f051&oe=5EC55873
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https://scontent-bos3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/85114666_911807139236283_6244898189439139840_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQkMF615FrKFnLuMQb8wmpuwU9FG4JyLWi06Nq0H9A1 urqIzbPg9nsF6ybLpdERdO80&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.xx&oh=a2970a7865cb70ea7eab8e9744fbaa4b&oe=5ED3345B
https://scontent-bos3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/84498784_911807212569609_8115237115475787776_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQkR2RUz6ivCmBCogueCRUc6-NwaWH6lBuq6VJAOoXn6K2qiKJCAfWPhkg07Udui6rc&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.xx&oh=d6cc769e0c38bb4ac7e45563df773de9&oe=5EC6DFE0
https://scontent-bos3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/84667984_911807275902936_2004808833041432576_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=110&_nc_oc=AQlMOtcxa1TQGJvk51rgm07SMp6z1FvWUk536_SX9ig tI_yJY5lMFpU377e9U0VtJqg&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.xx&oh=5a04d614802f9821f92ca2bcbca4534c&oe=5EC55D3F

[saab2000]

I'd rather have the self-discipline to lose enough weight to be back at my old race weight (I'd have to lose dozens of lbs) or even 15 lbs and feel better than spend the money on a bike that will depreciate like this.

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AgitatedEveryKoi-small.gif

[BobO]

I'd rather have the self-discipline to lose enough weight to be back at my old race weight (I'd have to lose dozens of lbs) or even 15 lbs and feel better than spend the money on a bike that will depreciate like this.

Aero road bikes do appear to have an above average depreciation, I wonder why that is.

[BLD 25]

Aero road bikes do appear to have an above average depreciation, I wonder why that is.

My guess would be that they are on the knife's edge of technology. They are the bees knees one minute, and as soon as the next version comes out, they are old hat. Not exactly the case, but these do appeal more to those looking to eek out the smallest of gains, and when the new ones are better, you are no longer the best.

[kppolich]

I had a 2012 Cervelo S5 VWD and it was stiff, but fast at the time. Strange brake mounting systems and integrated routing/wheel cutouts made changing components less easy than other bikes.

Today, I have a 2019 Tarmac Pro Disc, which is just as aero as the original Venge (basically the same aero-ness at my S5), except it has disc brakes, wider clearance, and easier brake mounting.

Overall, all aero road bikes today are more aero than the most aero road bikes were 5 years ago. As others have mentioned they take more time to setup, and can take more time to adjust if cables need to be cut each time the stem or bars are switched.

[Tony]

I just took delivery of my Factor One disc yesterday. I had a Trek Madone 9 but the headtube was just too tall. H2 geo. Also it felt kinda soft to me, unnatural with the ISO decoupler system. It definitely works just I don't think a road bike should flex like that.

Nice looking Factor One!
Do you mind if I ask whats your weight and the size and year of the Madone you rode?
Thanks

[KarlC]

No offense just curious, could some of you post your ride files for these 28+ mph group rides? I’m really interested in seeing what they are.

Pretty much any A group ride around here, and the Tuesday / Thursday night paceline at Fiesta Island where speeds can reach in the mid 30s. See below from my F8 thread ......

Did some laps with the Tuesday night paceline pack tonight, its been awhile and normally I would feel a bit skittish at first with a pack of 30+ riders on a windy night at high speeds. I felt right at home on this F8 and the eTap, Clean39T said it best and Im stealing his quote as Im feeling the same about this F8 and myself ........

I'm blown away by how well this bike handles and how responsive it is just across the board - sprinting, climbing, motoring flat-out..
The fit is spot-on for me for this style of bike. I'm in horrible shape right now relative to where I've been, but it has me feeling much better than I should be when
giving it the gas. I'm pretty impressed by the vibration damping too. I'm running ....... 25c Coni Comps at 80-ish....., and it is not the least bit harsh.
All in all, I'm pleasantly surprised and happy I gave it a go. This scoot will hopefully be the inspiration I needed to get back to proper training and clean(er) living..

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48129817478_f387d243c6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gk4TVh)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48129912092_1d08af41ea_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gk5o3y)

[b33]

Not really. I mean if a madone showed up I'd ride it. However, I am thinking of getting an E-bike just to assist me in going out more. It's hard being fast for two decades then moving and reducing your annual mileage and gaining weight.

I got no problems with e-bikes and not sure why so many do.

[Clean39T]

Aero road bikes do appear to have an above average depreciation, I wonder why that is.We're still seeing the first generation live through the upgrade cycle. The original Venge, Madone, S5, Propel, etc. were not that great, didn't have discs, didn't have good tire clearance, etc. That means limited resale value. The other issue is a lot of these have proprietary parts, which leads to similar issues as selling a custom bike. If you find a new Madone in your size, but the bars are 100x46, it'll take some coin to get the right ones sourced, and that impacts the sales price. The more integrated the bike, the more of an issue that can become.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Clean39T]

I'd rather have the self-discipline to lose enough weight to be back at my old race weight (I'd have to lose dozens of lbs) or even 15 lbs and feel better than spend the money on a bike that will depreciate like this.



https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AgitatedEveryKoi-small.gifFalse dichotomy - you can have both ;)

But I agree, I need to lose 10kg to get the performance I want.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[weiwentg]

I'm unlikely to pull the trigger any time soon, but yes, I've been lusting after an aero road bike, or an endurance road bike with aero features. I like to ride fast. I don't plan on road racing, but I like to be able to hang with the fast group if I do a fondo or century ride. I wouldn't mind some assistance in that regard! I do like the aesthetics of integrated cockpits and of the deep shaped tubes. I'd also like a disc brake bike so that I could use carbon wheels without worrying about rim braking.

All that said, I like my steel Vanilla very much, thanks. I'm not going to retire or sell it anytime soon. I'm pretty sure the time over 40k / power savings from an aero road helmet are on par with (or more than?) the time/power savings from going to an aero road frame, or from going to deep section carbon wheels. I'm not willing (at this point) to get carbon rim brake wheels (although I might be willing to get a pair of faired aluminum wheels like Hed Jets - depending on price). Heck, just shaving my legs again would probably save me as much time/power as carbon wheels.

[Mark McM]

I had a 2012 Cervelo S5 VWD and it was stiff, but fast at the time. Strange brake mounting systems and integrated routing/wheel cutouts made changing components less easy than other bikes.

I'm wondering why you have this impression of the 2012 Cervelo S5? One of the big problems with 2012 version was front end stiffness - most riders considered the front end to be too flexy, so it didn't track as well as other bikes. The main tubes of the 2015 model were fattened up specifically to address this problem. The 2012 S5 also had a fairly conventional brake mounting and you could use any standard sidepull brakes on the S5. The vertical derailleur cable entry on the top tube was a bit odd, but it was no more difficult to assemble than any other internal cabling (its easier than my 2019 Trek Emonda, for example). The wheel cutouts don't affect component assembly in any way.

I actually had a 2012 S5 for a few years, but I replaced it with the 2015 S5. I could live with most of the shortcomings of the 2012, except for the very poor tire clearance. The 2015 kept all the good features of the 2012, while addressing just about all the short comings. It has more tire clearance for today's wider rims/tires, and has a stiffer front end. The derailleur cable entry has been improved a little bit as well.

[saab2000]

False dichotomy - you can have both ;)

But I agree, I need to lose 10kg to get the performance I want.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I could totally have both. I'd actually like to see numbers from my Giant TCR Advanced SL vs. modern aero bike.

To be honest, I like the aesthetic of the modern aero bike as much as the performance. I like the hidden internals, though I'm sure they're a nightmare to work on.

This bike is a decade old at this point and behind the times in a lot of ways, but it's still very fast when I have good legs. It is very stiff and very light and puts me in a good position - long and low. But it's clearly not today's hot bike.

https://live.staticflickr.com/8700/16577771977_45d5254a03_c.jpg

[Mark McM]

In response to the OP's question, I wanted and got a aero road bike a few years ago. As noted above, I first got a 2012 Cervelo S5, which was then replaced by a 2015 Cervelo S5. I selected this model for a number of reasons: Independent testing indicated that this was the fastest, or nearly the fastest aero road bike at the time (least aero drag). Other than the aero seatpost, it didn't require any proprietary components (no special brakes, stems, handlebars, etc. - and even the proprietary seatpost was used by several models by this manufacturer). This meant that it would be more future proof. And, Cervelo maintains the same steering geometry across a broad range of sizes (I ride smaller frames, and some manufacturers tend to tweak the geometry of their smaller sizes in ways that hurt handling and response). I use this bike primarily for racing, and for training for racing. I'm not as fast as I used to be, but I can still mix with most Masters fields in my age group.

I have no illusions about the speed gains due to aero bikes. All told (aero frame/fork, aero wheels, aero handlebar), I figure that this bike will increase my speed by about 1/2 to 3/4 mph at a nominal 25 mph. That's not much in the bigger picture, but in the context of a bike race, it can be a lot - it can make the difference of a break away staying away or not, or the difference in several places in a sprint.

[Clean39T]

I could totally have both. I'd actually like to see numbers from my Giant TCR Advanced SL vs. modern aero bike.

To be honest, I like the aesthetic of the modern aero bike as much as the performance. I like the hidden internals, though I'm sure they're a nightmare to work on.

This bike is a decade old at this point and behind the times in a lot of ways, but it's still very fast when I have good legs. It is very stiff and very light and puts me in a good position - long and low. But it's clearly not today's hot bike.

https://live.staticflickr.com/8700/16577771977_45d5254a03_c.jpg

That TCR is great. I doubt you are giving up much and if you like it, stick with it.. I wouldn't buy an aero bike that had mech shifting or integrated mech brakes. The disc plus electro really makes everything work better.

[Elefantino]

I just took delivery of my Factor One disc yesterday. I had a Trek Madone 9 but the headtube was just too tall. H2 geo. Also it felt kinda soft to me, unnatural with the ISO decoupler system. It definitely works just I don't think a road bike should flex like that.

Really looking forward to trying this out. I have heard its a totally different beast. Very stiff and fast. I ended up getting the 80mm wheels you see in the pictures. They are actually 75mm ;) This bike is also a first for me with disc brakes. Definitely was not a selling feature but... it sure makes for a clean bike with etap.
Interesting that you went with Spyres vs. wet brakes. Not that there's anything wrong with Spyres. They're really good.

The bike, BTW, is drop-dead gorgeous.

[echappist]

I had a 2012 Cervelo S5 VWD and it was stiff, but fast at the time. Strange brake mounting systems and integrated routing/wheel cutouts made changing components less easy than other bikes.

Today, I have a 2019 Tarmac Pro Disc, which is just as aero as the original Venge (basically the same aero-ness at my S5), except it has disc brakes, wider clearance, and easier brake mounting.

Overall, all aero road bikes today are more aero than the most aero road bikes were 5 years ago. As others have mentioned they take more time to setup, and can take more time to adjust if cables need to be cut each time the stem or bars are switched.

as alluded to below, the Cervelo S5 really was the epitome of aero road bike and has been widely considered as peak aero

No one other than Specialized makes the point that the Venge (much less the Tarmac) is as aero as the S5
In response to the OP's question, I wanted and got a aero road bike a few years ago. As noted above, I first got a 2012 Cervelo S5, which was then replaced by a 2015 Cervelo S5. I selected this model for a number of reasons: Independent testing indicated that this was the fastest, or nearly the fastest aero road bike at the time (least aero drag). Other than the aero seatpost, it didn't require any proprietary components (no special brakes, stems, handlebars, etc. - and even the proprietary seatpost was used by several models by this manufacturer). This meant that it would be more future proof. And, Cervelo maintains the same steering geometry across a broad range of sizes (I ride smaller frames, and some manufacturers tend to tweak the geometry of their smaller sizes in ways that hurt handling and response). I use this bike primarily for racing, and for training for racing. I'm not as fast as I used to be, but I can still mix with most Masters fields in my age group.

I have no illusions about the speed gains due to aero bikes. All told (aero frame/fork, aero wheels, aero handlebar), I figure that this bike will increase my speed by about 1/2 to 3/4 mph at a nominal 25 mph. That's not much in the bigger picture, but in the context of a bike race, it can be a lot - it can make the difference of a break away staying away or not, or the difference in several places in a sprint.

[John H.]

I have an Argon 18 Nitrogen Disc.
It is fairly light in the mid 16's for a medium. Fits me well too.

I like it for group rides and other fast stuff. Climbs well too.

Like the Madone- But it is heavy. Venge is also cool.

If considering a Madone I would wait for the next version- Supposedly they are releasing an SL version.

[YesNdeed]

There’s about a dozen which next gravel bike threads. I’m kinda going in the other direction...

I'm going in the other, other direction. I want a classic, sharp geometry, big tubes and a ride quality that would make Ernesto raise a brow. And I'll be collecting parts and building that up over the next couple of months.

It sounds like you're deadset on as aero as possible, but I've got a semi aero bike for sale. $1500 net to me will get it in your stable.

Check it (https://photos.app.goo.gl/TPYFnRTYc71MUJRS8)

[CAAD]

The bike won't make you faster. I'm always that one guy in the break with a steel bike. I pull through just fine. Spend the money on a coach if you want to see an improvement in speed.

[Lionel]

Not lusting as I went this way a long time ago. These 2 bikes are great go fast bikes. They are actually also good go slow bikes.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1912/43321746780_b4346ca156_b.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OzkmUC2.jpg

[FlashUNC]

Aero is everything. I think some do it better than others. I'll settle for some deep-y carbon-y wheels.

[KarlC]

The really great thing about both of your Aero bikes is that they are ALSO amazing All Around Bikes as they do everything a road bike should do VERY well.

Not lusting as I went this way a long time ago. These 2 bikes are great go fast bikes. They are actually also good go slow bikes.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1912/43321746780_b4346ca156_b.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OzkmUC2.jpg

[smokersteve]

I picked this aero bike up about a year ago. The back wheel is tucked tight in there. Love it and it was cheap

[mtechnica]

This thread is a bad influence.

[zap]

The bike won't make you faster. I'm always that one guy in the break with a steel bike. I pull through just fine. Spend the money on a coach if you want to see an improvement in speed.

I learned long ago to respect folks on steel bicycles. Also, steel frames with small frontal area probably do pretty well aerodynamically.

[tmadrecki]

I think it's a tempting proposition. We're taught and marketed toward that it should make all the difference. But as others have said, position on a bike makes significantly more difference. You'd think everyone would clamor for a better bike fit...

[ibis]

I had a first generation LOOK 695 Aero, the integrated brakes were a lot of fuss to set up, and the rear ended up needing a brake booster to try to increase clamp force. It sure looked really fast...but it was a pain to dial in. This was back in 2012ish...I'm sure they have improved over the years though.

[19wisconsin64]

Trying to get faster, by cheating the wind. Purchased a Specialized Venge. O. My. God. So fast. So fun. The bicycle puts you in a time-trial / hour record position. Paired with an aero frame, aero wheels, low-rolling resistance wheelset that is also aero...the bike is a hoot. For my weight (180) I find the 28 mm tires from Continental work wonders to smooth out the bicycle's inherent stiffness. Don't plan on ever racing again, just wanted a bicycle to go very, very fast on. Mission accomplished.

Don't know if it's been mentioned on this thread, but there is a GCN channel on YouTube, that put out a video on the next level of bicycle clothing for ultimate speed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_2SM30kI-4

[mtechnica]

I think it's a tempting proposition. We're taught and marketed toward that it should make all the difference. But as others have said, position on a bike makes significantly more difference. You'd think everyone would clamor for a better bike fit...

A good bike fit is an assumed baseline condition imo. You can get pretty low with narrow bars on a non aero bike and you can do ok. There’s plenty of low hanging fruit like tires and tighter kits too. But you have to wonder what you’re giving away, at least I do, versus people you encounter on aero bikes.

[Monthly Payment]

This thread is a bad influence.

Ha. Everyone I know is buying these gravel beasts. I’m happy to know I’m not alone!!