Competition road bikes on test: Train like the elite - for under 7000 euros

There used to be more lightweight construction: In the age of aerodynamically optimised racing bikes, the reference to the one-time Vicco von Bülow, better known as Loriot, probably speaks to the hearts and minds of many traditionalists. After all, modern competition bikes are no longer just characterised by the lowest possible weight, but also entice cyclists with aerodynamic promises: Fewer watts instead of fewer grams! The most important currency at the moment is driven by technical developments in professional sport.

Since the first notable aero racing bike, the Cervélo Soloist from 2001, the realisation has dawned that a bike with less air resistance is superior to a lighter racer on most race courses when it comes to shaving seconds and minutes off your time. This does not mean that lightweight racing bikes have lost their raison d'être; in recent months they have even experienced a small revival. Among others, Benotti, Giant, Schmolke or Scott's beguilingly light bikes that undercut the UCI weight limit when ready to ride. However, professional teams and the industry continue to focus unchallenged on aerodynamic quality, which is also reflected in the great response to this test field.

Competition bikes at professional level

The 17 road bikes under 7,000 euros interpret the category of a competition bike differently. Regardless of the price, you are faced with the choice: generalist or specialist? There is a consensus that every model wants to get from A to B as quickly as possible. The most common stylistic devices such as optimised tube shapes, wheels with high rims and "hidden" cables therefore characterise all bikes. One-piece carbon cockpits, which are usually measurably more streamlined than classic handlebar-stem combinations, are also often part of the standard equipment. Even details such as streamlined tyres or partially integrated bottle cages can be found on the bikes under €7000; some models come surprisingly close to the more expensive bikes, not only visually but also technically.

The prime example of a pure aero bike in the second part of our big comparison test is the Scott. The Foil RC 10 is as fast as an arrow and, like the Canyon and Cube, competes with the fastest production bikes in the world. However, the Swiss brand pays tribute to the aerodynamic tuning of the frame and fork. Of the twelve bikes in the two episodes of the test so far, only the Bianchi and Focus were heavier on the scales. The Scott, which leaves a significantly larger gap in weight to the top model than the bikes from Lapierre, Merida or Rose, is also the model in the field that utilises the freedoms of the current UCI regulations to the limit of what is permitted. Since 2021, individual tubes have been allowed to be longer and more expansive. However, as larger tube cross-sections would also increase the weight, the majority of manufacturers are being comparatively cautious with this option. As a result, only a few bikes are breaking with the usual habits and sorting themselves into the race all-rounders.

Race all-rounders should combine aero and weight - which bike does this best?

By definition, their aim is to combine the contradictory characteristics of aerodynamics and weight in one bike. Of the six bikes from Giant to Scott, the Rose achieves this best. In the wind tunnel - and therefore of course on the road - the Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2 clearly lags behind the Scott. However, the model from the Bocholt-based manufacturer benefits on the scales. To date, we have only found a lower total weight for the Benotti and Canyon. The Myvelo shows that the compromise doesn't always work out. The aero road bike from the young brand from the Black Forest is one of the lighter bikes with an average weight of 7.7 kilograms of all test bikes. In terms of aerodynamics, however, the Verona clearly lags behind.

The 226 watts that the Myvelo needs to overcome its own air resistance at racing speed is a typical value for lightweight racers. Remarkable: As in the first episode of our big competition bike test, three brands once again earned an A before the decimal point. Rose and Scott are joined by Merida, which, like its two competitors, does not allow itself any significant weaknesses. Once again, the conclusion is that you don't necessarily have to fork out a five-figure sum to be able to call a race-ready machine your own. The biggest compromise compared to the top material is the weight. In addition to the heavier Ultegra groupset from Shimano, heavier framesets in simpler carbon quality and the wheels usually contribute to this. But which racer will win the test? Which model offers the best price-performance ratio? And do tuning measures still make sense in this price category? The answers are provided in the next and final part of the big comparison.

The competition bikes in the individual test

• Benotti Fuoco Aero SL
• Bianchi Oltre Comp
• Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 Di2
• Corratec CCT Evo Pro Di2
• Cube Litening Aero C:68X Race >> e.g. available here
• Focus Izalco Max 9.8 >> e.g. available here
• Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0
• Lapierre Xelius DRS 8.0 >> e.g. available here
• Merida Reacto 9000
• MyVelo Verona
• Rose XLite 06 Ultegra Di2 >> e.g. available here