In recent years, racing bikes have become heavier rather than lighter, as disc brakes and aerodynamically optimised framesets weigh more heavily. In 2024, however, four new models heralded a renaissance in lightweight construction, which also undercut the weight limit of the Cycling World Federation when ready to ride. Two models even remain under the six-kilo mark.
A key reason for the comeback of lightweight construction is new production technologies for the frame and fork. The climbing artists also benefit from spectacular wheels. In addition to the rims, some spokes and hub flanges are also made of carbon fibre. Even small parts such as spacers or seat post clamps are now subject to the dictates of lightweight construction. In addition, many bike builders are dispensing with a thick layer of paint and only using a thin layer of clear lacquer.
A world first also reveals huge potential: Schwalbe has a new tyre in the starting blocks that should save more than 100 grams compared to a conventional tyre. The Aerothan Race, not to be confused with the TPU tube from Reichshofen, has not yet been officially presented (as of January 2025). The rumoured weight of the 29-millimetre tyre, which is produced in the USA, is around 160 grams. Scott was the first manufacturer to fit the rubber to the new Addict RC Ultimate.
1st Schmolke Leggerissima TLO
- Weight of complete wheel: 5400 grammes
- Frame weight: 786 grammes
- Fork weight: 341 grammes
- Impeller weights: 834/1139 grams (v./h.)
- Price: 16500 Euro
The carbon specialists from Lake Constance set the new benchmark. The Schmolke Leggerissma TLO benefits significantly from highly exclusive carbon fibre add-on parts. Chainrings, handlebar-stem combination, saddle and seatpost: they are all beguilingly light. Interesting: the frame (786 grams) and fork (341 grams), which Schmolke produces in co-operation with a South Korean manufacturer, are not among the lightest.
2nd Scott Addict RC Ultimate
- Weight of complete wheel: 5880 grammes
- Frame weight: 705 grammes
- Fork weight: 310 grammes
- Impeller weights: unknown
- Price: 12999 Euro
The Addict RC Ultimate is the youngest representative in the top ten. During our visit to Scott, we determined a total weight of 5.9 kilograms. Schwalbe's new ultra-light tyre is particularly impressive: the Aerothan Race, which has not yet been officially presented, is expected to save more than 100 grams compared to a conventional tyre.
3. the Canyon Ultimate CF Evo 10.0 LTD
- Weight of complete wheel: 6060 grammes
- Frame weight: 683 grammes
- Fork weight: 358 grammes
- Impeller weights: 1017/1283 grams (v./h.)
- Price: no longer available
Canyon once set a new world record with the limited version of the Ultimate CF. The Koblenz-based company was the first manufacturer to succeed in putting a bike with disc brakes close to the six-kilo mark on its tyres. Canyon achieved this feat by optimising the fibre layup. The direct distributor shaved 150 grams off the 800 grams of the Ultimate SLX, which served as the basis. The handlebar/stem unit also benefited from this. No current Ultimate comes close to this fabulous weight. The lightest version, the Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero, weighed in at 6630 grams on the TOUR scales.
4th Specialised S-Works Aethos
- Weight of complete wheel: 6120 grammes
- Frame weight: 618 grammes
- Fork weight: 290 grammes
- Impeller weights: 1021/1360 grammes
- Price: no longer available
The frame of the exclusive S-Works version once weighed just 618 grams. A thin layer of clear coat and minimalist decals contributed to the record, as no frame in the TOUR test has ever been lighter (as of January 2025). The fork also set new standards at 290 grams. For the high-end version of the Aethos from the current model year (€ 13,500), Specialized specifies a complete bike weight of 6.3 kilograms.
5. Benotti Fuoco Carbon Ultra
- Weight of complete wheel: 6127 grammes
- Frame weight: 787 grammes
- Fork weight: 371 grammes
- Impeller weights: 920/1232 grams (f./h.)
- Price: 10999 Euro
To mark the company's 20th anniversary, Bernd Nolte, owner of the Benotti bicycle brand, developed a limited edition of 100 Fuoco Carbon bikes. The frame set or add-on parts may not break any records, but the overall package is more than impressive. Only four bikes were lighter in the TOUR test. The bikes in the following places in the top ten are at least 400 grams heavier.
6. factor O2 VAM
- Weight of complete wheel: 6520 grammes
- Frame weight: 847 grammes
- Fork weight: 412 grammes
- Impeller weights: 984/1324 grams (v./h.)
- Price: 13922 Euro
Factor relaunched the O2 VAM during the Tour de France 2023. The mountain bike from the British-Taiwanese manufacturer also undercuts the UCI weight limit, However, this is at the expense of the maximum permissible rider weight: Factor approves the racer for riders weighing a maximum of 90 kilograms. By comparison, the Benotti is designed to withstand loads of less than 140 kilograms.
6th Giant TCR Advanced SL
- Weight of complete wheel: 6520 grammes
- Frame weight: 758 grammes
- Fork weight: 386 grammes
- Impeller weights: 1019/1387 grams (v./h.)
- Price: 12299 Euro
The TCR is a perennial favourite among the lightest racing bikes in the world. Although the current version is only 20 grams lighter than its predecessor, the Taiwanese have taken aero development into account. The weight tuning is based, among other things, on the so-called cold blade cutting of the carbon elements. The process is a trade secret, but the Taiwanese company promises greater precision as a result. In addition, the sensitive carbon fibre mats should not be damaged in contrast to laser cutting.
8th Wilier Zero SLR
- Weight of complete wheel: 6530 grammes
- Frame weight: 922 grammes
- Fork weight: 387 grammes
- Impeller weights: 1085/1397 grams (v./h.)
- Price: no longer available
After disc brakes became established on road bikes around five years ago, the industry was faced with a major challenge: how do we make a road bike light again? Wilier responded with the Zero SLR and a trick. The test bike was equipped with wheels designed for tubular tyres. Compared to comparable clincher wheels, the Italians once saved around 400 grams. Today, the Zero SLR has been replaced by the Verticale SLR. A test bike with a poisonous green and presumably heavy paint job weighed 6780 grams on the TOUR scales.
9th Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8
- Weight of complete wheel: 6550 grammes
- Frame weight: 723 grammes
- Fork weight: 383 grammes
- Impeller weights: 1136/1438 grams (v./h.)
- Price: only as frame set; 5500 Euro
Specialized is the only manufacturer to place two models in the top ten of the lightest bikes in the TOUR test. The low frame weight of the S-Works Tarmac SL8 is impressiveDespite aero optimisation, it is only undercut by four competitors. The weighed individual weights refer to a very delicately painted version, which is only available as a frame set. The lightest complete bike (14500 euros) is not likely to be much heavier, Specialized states a weight of 6.66 kilograms for the SRAM Red AXS equipment.
10th Storck Aernario.3 Platinum Disc
- Weight of complete wheel: 6560 grammes
- Frame weight: 806 grammes
- Fork weight: 391 grammes
- Impeller weights: 1078/1460 grams (v./h.)
- Price: 9599 Euro
The title for the fastest road bike in the TOUR test was recently won by the Aerfast.5, and with the Aernario.3 Storck has just made the leap into the top lightweight class. In addition to the relatively light frame, the Platinum version also benefits from lightweight Aerothane tubes and a full carbon saddle. At € 9599, the Aernario.3 is the only bike in this list of the best bikes under the € 10,000 mark. The version with fast wheels from DT Swiss is not listed on the manufacturer's website (as of January 2025), the model with own-brand wheels saves 400 euros.
Julian Schultz
Editor
