Bike Ahead: The Superfast Edition 15 – a review of the 15,000-euro anniversary gravel bike

​Bike Ahead Composites’ 15th anniversary is reason enough for the German carbon specialist to launch an extraordinary gravel bike. With ‘The Superfast Edition 15’, Bike Ahead is presenting a special edition limited to 15 units, which is designed to be as light as possible and features a striking anniversary design.

With the Bike Ahead The Superfast, the German company is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Even the price is fitting for the occasion: this exclusive gravel bike costs 15,000 euros. The number 15 runs through the entire concept. To mark the 15th anniversary of Bike Ahead Composites, exactly 15 examples of this special edition are being produced. The bike won’t simply be delivered via retailers: the concept includes a personal handover as part of a factory tour in Veitshöchheim. The anniversary model was designed by the company’s founder, Christian Gemperlein. Bike Ahead combines the latest carbon technology with design elements that pay homage to key milestones in the company’s history. We took a closer look at The Superfast Edition 15 ourselves.

Conclusion

​You really do have to look twice to realise what’s been put on wheels here. The Bike Ahead The Superfast Edition 15 is an exclusive tribute to those carbon pioneers who laid the vital foundations for this technology in Germany. For most cycling enthusiasts, however, this extraordinary gravel bike is likely to remain a dream. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The Bike Ahead The Superfast: a closer look

• ​Intended use: gravel bike
• Frame material: carbon
• Weight: 7.2 kg
• Price: 15,000 euros
• Special features: limited to 15 units, choice of bottom bracket standard, choice of custom cockpit, optional frame storage compartment, handover including a factory tour

Carbon frames with a historical connection

​For the frame of the Superfast, Bike Ahead has opted for a one-piece carbon monocoque construction. With a stated weight of around 7.2 kilograms in size M, the Edition 15 is one of the lightest gravel bikes available. In a particularly lightweight configuration, it is even said to weigh less than seven kilograms. The colour scheme draws on the company’s history. Black and Acid Green are reminiscent of a particularly lightweight Bike Ahead concept bike from 2014. The eye-catching colour scheme is featured not only on the frame but also on various components. In addition to the bike itself, the exclusive purchase package includes a range of additional services. Buyers will be given a personalised factory tour and will have their bike handed over to them on site. The package also includes an 80-page book, which provides an in-depth look at the development history behind the anniversary project.

​Despite the limited production run, the Superfast Edition 15 is not a completely fixed complete bike. Bike Ahead offers various options for tailoring the bike to the individual rider. These include, amongst other things, different cockpit configurations, handlebar widths and stem lengths. The purchase price includes a personalised bike fitting and a one-to-one consultation. Buyers can also choose between PressFit and T47 bottom brackets. As an option, a sealed and removable storage compartment can be integrated into the down tube. The cable routing is fully integrated.

High-quality lightweight construction from Germany

​A key feature of Bike Ahead’s anniversary bike is the special Biturbo Gravel Aero wheelset. Here too, the brand has opted for a design that complements the special edition. Instead of the usual UD carbon finish, the anniversary wheels feature a top layer made from 3K fabric. This creates a visible carbon structure that complements the frame’s appearance. This visible 3K structure is intended to evoke the company’s early Biturbo wheelsets.

The special edition ‘The Superfast Edition 15’ is available exclusively as a complete bike and incorporates components from the Bike Ahead range. The aim is for the bike to function as a cohesive overall concept, not only visually but also technically. The consistent focus on weight is not limited to the frame and wheels. Even with small components, Bike Ahead seeks ways to save grams. One example is the titanium bolts for the bottle cages. The bolts are hollow-drilled and, according to the manufacturer, weigh just around 1.06 grams each. For the drivetrain, the Edition 15 features the SRAM Red XPLR electronic groupset. A power metre is also included. The look is rounded off by a specially designed ‘The Hypersaddle’ and a customised cockpit with Acid Green lettering.