The search for the most aerodynamic bike is an obsession for engineers and designers of all brands. Not surprisingly, it has been proven that the advantages in this aspect begin to be noticeable on the bike from 15-18 km/h. Let's travel back in time a bit. At the beginning of the century, wind tunnel tests were already proliferating. This was a resource accessible to only a few brands, as the costs were high. It was from around 2010 that all manufacturers began to implement simulation technologies. This was a big leap, as it allowed thousands of aerodynamic tests to be carried out without leaving the office. This not only accelerated the evolution of all components, but also reduced development costs, since brands no longer needed to produce a real product to test it. Another key issue, when dealing with aerodynamics applied to cycling, is the regulatory framework. Although the trend is towards a certain relaxation, the UCI is restrictive, starting with the design of the frames used in road competitions. For this reason, triathlon (free from the dictates of the UCI) has been the testing ground where brands have experimented with many of their developments. Let's say this sport has been a kind of escape valve. Well. All the issues raised have led to the launch of true marvels of engineering applied to cycling. Bicycles created to defeat the wind beyond time trial tests. Do you want to know which are the best aero road bikes you can find in 2023? Here we present the ten models we like the most. Authentic beasts that you shouldn't lose sight of. Let's go!
Cervélo S5: the Tour de France winner
Image: Cervélo S5
Here is the winner of the 2022 Tour de France, used by the Jumbo Visma team. An aero bike with excellent climbing qualities. Possibly the Cervélo S5 is one of the models that has most challenged the limits of aero bikes, adopting configurations more typical of time trial bikes. Visually, the latest S5 is hardly different from the previous model, which was launched in 2018 with its unorthodox V-shaped stem and its particular fork, designed to hide the wiring. In this 2023 version, the head tube has been changed, making it more aerodynamic, the handlebar has been narrowed (also for aero purposes), and tire clearance has been increased. Modern tubulars are already 34/35 and the bike required a bit more space. It's not a light bike, but it is tremendously fast. A slight relaxation of UCI regulations allows for more aerodynamic tubes, and the S5 takes advantage of this. Here you can access the Cervélo S5 bikes available at Tuvalum.
📺 In this video, we talk with Cervélo about the S5 and are amazed by Primož Roglič's bike, taking advantage of our presence at the Sea Otter 2022 festival.
Scott Foil RC: the show goes on
Image: Scott Foil RC
The new Scott Foil RC promises to be 20% faster, 9% lighter, and 10% more comfortable than the previous model. At least, that's what the Swiss brand claims. What is undeniable is that it features a much more aero geometry and, indeed, is lighter. One of the innovations comes from Syncros, with the design of a revolutionary seatpost. It includes a removable and completely hidden compartment, where a rear light can also be installed. The front part incorporates an oversized head tube, which acts as a fairing, reducing wind resistance. The curve of the frame next to the rear wheel underlines its aero DNA and the pursuit of integration in all its components. According to the brand itself, Scott has taken advantage of changes in UCI rules on frame design to revisit the concept of the Foil. As a result, a machine heavily inspired by the Plasma model, the brand's time trial bike. The development of this version was done together with Drag2Zero (aerodynamics specialists based in the UK) to observe the interaction between the bike frame, the components bolted to it, and the rider. In this way, they claim that the new bike, at a speed of 40 km/h, allows you to save 1 minute and 18 seconds over 40 km, compared to the previous version. Here you can access the Scott Foil bicycles available at Tuvalum.
Look 795 Blade RS: setting the standard
Image: Look 795 Blade RS
We move on to the flagship model of the French brand Look, which was first introduced in 2018. It's not common to see Look bikes on our roads. And even less so, this top model top And this is coming from a brand that is cutting-edge and a pioneer in the use of carbon applied to cycling. It's clear at first glance that this is a groundbreaking bike. You could say its geometry has set the path for many other aero models, even though there were detractors at the beginning. Ahead of their time? Probably. In this latest version, Look has increased the proportion of high-modulus carbon fibers (from 32 to 63%). This means fewer layers of material, reducing the total weight by 300 grams, and greater stiffness. However, the bike is much more comfortable than its lines might suggest. Aesthetically, the new Look 795 Blade RS is identical to the previous version. Why change such a spectacular look? Its solid tubes and characteristic 3S Design seat stays stand out, offering slight flex to absorb vibrations and improve traction. The stem and handlebar set offers only partial integration, unlike many competitor bikes. A choice by Look for simplicity: the handlebar retains the advantage of being adjustable. On the other hand, the Blade RS allows great compatibility with chainrings and cranksets. The use of a Press Fit BB386 shell is suitable for both 24 mm and 30 mm axles, thanks to an aluminum insert. The bike's geometry is reassuring, with unbreakable stability, especially on descents. Here you can access the Look bikes available at Tuvalum.
Trek Madone SLR 2023: new display of abilities
Image: Trek Madone SLR.[/caption] Seventh edition of one of the flagship models; not only of the American brand, but of the global aero segment. A true classic, once again surprising. Speed, of course, is the defining feature of this bike. In this new version, Trek has worked closely with Mads Pedersen, the cyclist from Trek Segafredo. To reduce weight, the American company has removed the adjustable IsoSpeed absorption system, featured in the last two editions of this bike. In its place, we find a surprising junction of seat stays, superior tube, and seat tube. This is where the new IsoFlow system is located. In a way, it inherits the spirit of IsoSpeed by seeking greater comfort in a high-performance bike. This technology allows for some vertical flex in the saddle area. The rest of the bike displays the stiffness typical of a racing bicycle. The Madone features a gap in that part of its geometry, allowing for a more natural airflow along the bike. Additionally, it's 300 grams lighter, faster, and more aerodynamic than the previous version. The result, according to its engineers, is almost 20W more efficient at a speed of 45 km/h. Here you can access the bikes Trek Madone available at Tuvalum.
Cube Litening AIR C:68X. German engineering at the service of speed
Image: Cube Litening AIR C:68X.[/caption] The German brand launches this new series as a result of collaboration with the Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert team. A frame that just reaches 800 grams in size M. The bike was presented at the 2022 Vuelta a España. A purebred competition machine that is extremely light and incredibly aerodynamic. Its top-of-the-range model (SLT) comes in at 6.6 kg. Integrated stem and handlebars and a wide tire clearance (up to 31 millimeters) are some of its new features. The Cube Litening AIR C:68X comes with three builds (the aforementioned SLT, SLX, and Race), with recommended prices ranging from €8,300 to €5,500. The bike combines thin tubes, which provide lightness, and aerodynamic profiles for better air penetration. In addition, the wide sections of part of the frame contribute to the stiffness of the whole. The new Cube Litening Air features a larger and simplified head tube, which allows for very clean internal cable routing. A completely new fork tolerates tires up to 31 mm. The integrated carbon handlebar, the Cube ICR Aero Cockpit System, tops off this true speedster, a product of German engineering. Here you can access the Cube Litening bikes available at Tuvalum.
Giant Propel Advanced SL Zero: lighter, stiffer, more aero
Image: Giant Propel Advanced SL Zero
After 4 years, Giant renews its competition bike. The new Propel was launched just a few weeks after achieving a handful of victories in the 2022 Tour de France, thanks to the performance of the Team BikeExchange. This latest version comes with a 9.2% increase in pedaling stiffness and a 15% reduction in total weight. Lighter, stiffer, and more aero. Up to 327 grams saved on the scale. One third of this is due to a rethought cockpit. The rest of the savings come from the frame. A new geometry with thinner seat stays and an integrated, streamlined seat tube. It is also important to highlight the head tube, which is deeper and squarer, as well as the well-executed cable routing. These are some of the differences compared to the previous version. It is a road bike with a surprisingly light aero frame. A weight that does not reach 7 kg, putting it at the level of models like the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7, the Factor Ostro VAM, or the Canyon Aeroad CFR. The sensation of speed may not reach the extremes we can experience on a Cervélo S5 or a Cannondale SystemSix. But saving a kilo compared to its competitors offers an undeniable advantage. Here you can access the Giant Propel bikes available at Tuvalum.
Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD: bold and comfortable
Image: Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD.
The new Orca Aero prioritizes aerodynamics over weight, which easily exceeds 8 kg, almost 1 kg more than what a Canyon Aeroad CFR weighs, for example. On the other hand, the comfort levels are outstanding, the level of customization is almost unbeatable, and the performance does not envy the most renowned aero models. They claim that the new model saves 15W of aerodynamic drag compared to the previous Orca Aero at 40 km/h. As with other bikes, the design of the Orca Aero is inspired by the time trial/triathlon bike from the Mallabia brand: Orbea Ordu. The clearest example is the option to mount an aerodynamic bottle cage and an equally aerodynamic storage box under the down tube. This setup is not UCI approved, as it could act as a fairing and provide exceptional aerodynamic advantages. But you probably won't care too much, unless you're a die-hard purist. On the other hand, you won't need to use a saddle bag or carry spares in your jersey pockets. It's gratifying to see how a brand thinks practically and seeks to optimize the way we carry things on the bike, such as water and spares. The geometry is similar to that of the Cannondale SystemSix and, like that bike, it feels agile and bold. Here you can access the Orbea Orca Aero bikes available at Tuvalum.
Cannondale SystemSix Hi-Mod: radically aero
Image: Cannondale SystemSix
For a long time, the lightweight, round-tubed SuperSix defined the road bikes of Cannondale. Everything changed in 2018 with the launch of the SystemSix model. The American brand launched an aggressive campaign announcing the arrival of "the fastest road bike in the world". A bold claim, but backed by a detailed document and test data against its competitors. The truth is, there are few bikes that come close to matching the sensation of speed you get with the SystemSix. It's that simple. An incredibly fast bike that feels ahead of other brands in its decidedly aero approach: both in concept and aesthetics. While some brands (such as Specialized with its Venge model, for example) have left the most aero segment to offer more versatile bikes, Cannondale is doubling down on its commitment. The SystemSix is not the lightest bike, but the aerodynamic gains more than make up for it. The Hi-Mod surname refers to the frame, built with the stiffest carbon fiber from Cannondale. Well: despite the stiffness and the aerodynamic tubes, it is a very comfortable bike to handle. Much more than it seems. The KNOT handlebar and stem mimic the look and performance of an integrated setup, but their two-piece construction allows for good adjustability. The angle of the handlebar can be adjusted up to 8 degrees. On the other hand, the cable-hiding solution is elegant. Instead of using a proprietary or simply complex method, the SystemSix routes it through an opening in the head tube. This allows for the installation of a standard headset, avoiding complications. Here you can access the Cannondale SystemSix bikes available at Tuvalum.
Factor Ostro VAM: the Frankenstein bike
Image: Factor Ostro VAM
Although it is a relatively young brand (it appeared on the scene in 2009), Factor has a history of manufacturing unusual and cutting-edge bikes, inspired by its Formula 1 origins. And one of them is the Ostro VAM, a bike that could replace different styles of bicycles. For starters, it handles broken roads well. In fact, there is consensus in defining it as extremely comfortable when riding over rough terrain. Let's say it doesn't leave you feeling beat up after a good ride full of potholes and other irregularities. More than an aero bike, the Factor Ostro VAM is an all-rounder with an aero inclination. Some define it as a Frankenstein bike, but in the best sense. The front half is typical of an aerodynamic road bike; the rear looks more like a climber; and the wide tire clearance is reminiscent of an endurance bike. A three-in-one, let's say. The fork is one of the most striking components. A great width focused, they say, on reducing turbulence caused by the rotation of the spokes, thus attenuating aerodynamic resistance. This Factor is an explosive mix of aerodynamics and lightness, weighing under 7.4 kg in size 54 and with clearance for tires up to 32 mm. It features an integrated handlebar, patented by Factor's component brand Black Inc, but it can be swapped for a standard stem and handlebar model. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the Ostro VAM stands out in almost everything, even if it doesn't have as radical an aesthetic as some of its competitors. Those who try it perceive a calm bike that inspires confidence. A quick steering and very predictable handling at high speed, allowing for last-minute corrections. Here you can access the Factor Ostro VAM bicycles available at Tuvalum.
Vielo R+1: breaking the rules
Image: Vielo R+1
Finally, we share with you a very particular model: the Vielo R+1. Vielo is a British brand that debuted last year in the high-end Gravel segment. Today it also has an aerodynamic road bike loaded with interesting features that make it stand out from the rest. The R+1 is part of that small but growing family of road bikes designed exclusively for 1x drivetrains. The use of a single chainring allows for Kamm Tail tube profiles, which provide a fully aerodynamic cross-section. This is combined with a large bottom bracket shell and wide chainstays to reinforce the frame's stiffness. And all this, to try to cheat the wind. Vielo claims that the R+1 is 30 percent stiffer than comparable aerodynamic frames designed for 2x drivetrains. Without a doubt, the geometry of the bike's seat stays stands out, built to respect the airflow along the bike. This structure provides some torsion. The bike offers brutal riding comfort, with the possibility of fitting tires up to 32 mm wide. The bike's axle is a bit more vertical than usual, which means it does not comply with UCI regulations. But there is a justification: it is designed so that the rider's hip rests more directly over Vielo's axle. A reactive bike with a bold aesthetic that gives it a huge personality.