The fastest road bike in the 2024 test: Storck Aerfast.5 Pro
The new model is a pure racing machine and slightly superior to the nominally faster bikes from the Austrian manufacturer outside the wind tunnel. In addition to its excellent aerodynamics, the Storck benefits from a remarkably low weight: compared to its predecessor with almost identical components, it weighs 360 grams less and is even 620 grams lighter than the Simplon. How can that be? "We have used different carbon fibres and also improved the technology of the tools," says Storck. As a result, the weight level of the frame (1113 grams) and fork (476 grams) could be maintained. Compared to the Aerfast.4, the new model also lacks a power meter, while the lightweight Tubolito tubes also help with weight tuning. The rest of the weight is taken up by the seat post, cockpit and the short handlebar tape.
- Aerodynamics: 201 watts
- Weight: 7.2 kilos
- Price: 10399 Euro
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS (1x12; 50, 10-33 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 (25 mm)
The most exclusive, fastest and most comfortable road bike in the 2024 test: Schmolke Leggerissima TLO
Low weight, high price: the lightest racing bike of the year is also the most exclusive. And it also takes first place among the most comfortable racers. Schmolke charges an astronomical price of 16,500 euros for the Leggerissima TLO. According to a recent ADAC survey, this makes the 5.4-kilo bike even more expensive than the cheapest small cars from Dacia, Mitsubishi and Mazda.
Shortly before the turn of the year, the Leggerissima TLO from Schmolke made history: at 5.4 kilograms, the new model was not only the lightest road bike in 2024, but also took the lead overall among the lightest disc models in the TOUR test. The climbing specialist thus clearly relegated the Benotti Fuoco Carbon Ultra (6.1 kilos) and Giant TCR Advanced SL (6.5 kilos) to the other places. Both models were also introduced this year.
- Price: 16500 Euro
- Weight: 5.4 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS (1x12; 50, 10-33 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 (25 mm)
- Comfort rear/front (grade): 76/70 N/mm (1.1)
The cheapest road bike in the 2024 test: Rose Blend Road
The biggest drawback in this price range is the high weight of the bikes. The Rose Blend Road was the cheapest racer to roll into our lab this year, costing 1199 euros. However, this model, which is specifically designed for entry-level road cyclists, also weighs more than ten kilograms. Apart from that, however, with the Shimano Tiagra it offers a perfectly functioning gear system with powerful hydraulic disc brakes and a tidy cockpit, it also offers modern road bike technology. The Rose is somewhat removed from the riding experience of a professional racer, and not just because of its higher weight. The very upright riding position and the sluggish steering behaviour also predestine the bike more for leisurely tours.
- Price: 1199 Euro
- Weight: 10.2 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: Rose G20
- Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport (32 mm)
The lightest gravel bike in the 2024 test: Trek Checkmate SLR 8
It could hardly be closer! The top three lightest gravel bikes in the 2024 test year are separated by just 65 grams. The list of the best is headed by a newcomer: the Checkmate SLR 8 from Trek. At 8155 grams, the first competition-orientated off-road bike from the US company comes out on top. However, the "lead" over the second-placed Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS is negligible. After all, the model from Koblenz was only five grams heavier on the TOUR scales.
The most comfortable gravel bike in the 2024 test: Liv Devote Advanced Pro
Comfort is the most important quality criterion for a modern gravel bike. At TOUR, we recognise this by giving the suspension 30 percent of the final score. The Liv Devote performed best in this category. With the Advanced Pro, the women's bike brand sent the top model of the revised platform into the test - and earned a top score for its excellent comfort, among other things. The tapered carbon seatpost yielded 11.5 millimetres on the test bench. The best value in the test year. Overall, hardly any other construction offers better suspension. The clamped carbon handlebars are a little more unyielding, but also take the sting out of potholes.
Julian Schultz
Editor
