Storck fans associate the name Fascenario with memories of great times: The model was once one of the lightest production carbon frames in the world and won a number of tests at TOUR in the 2000s, when low weight and high stiffness were still by far the most important characteristics for competition racing bikes. However, it recently led a shadowy existence alongside the racy Aerfast. The Fascenario, which has remained unchanged in its basic form for almost ten years - aerodynamically optimised to some extent, but with cables running on the outside and space for a maximum of 28 millimetre narrow tyres - no longer seemed quite up-to-date. As a fundamentally new development, the bike is now back in the spotlight - and not just because of its eye-catching colour scheme.
Storck is positioning the Fascenario.5 as a competition all-rounder that aims to harmonise low weight, good stiffness values, competitive aerodynamics and appropriate comfort in a well-balanced way. The basis is a completely new frameset, whose top tube with its tapered ends is reminiscent of BMC's lightweight models. The seat tube and down tube as well as the rear triangle with very low seat stays are typical features of modern aero bikes. The importance Markus Storck attaches to the new Fascenario for his brand can perhaps be seen in the paintwork: The bright fluorescent orange colour cannot be overlooked, the banderoles are painted with a dark green glittering pearl effect. Shiny golden lettering on the frame and handlebar unit look as if they are made of highly polished brass letters. Those who would like to be more discreet on the road will have to wait a little longer. At market launch, the Fascenario is only available as a "Team" version in the colour "Koi Bright Orange" with top gear groups from Shimano (Dura-Ace) or SRAM (Red AXS). The extremely narrow handlebar unit, which we will come back to, also characterises the silhouette.
Laboratory test passed
Firstly, the measured values from the TOUR laboratory and wind tunnel: As an all-rounder, the Fascenario naturally wants to be lighter than its aero counterpart, the Aerfast, which at 7.3 kilograms in its top configuration is one of the lighter aero racers. And it succeeds. On our scales, the new Fascenario weighs in at just under seven kilograms, 6.88 to be precise. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the test bike is fitted with 25-millimetre tyres; 28 millimetres should be standard in series production. The Zeitjäger wheels with carbon spokes also play a part in the good weight score, saving around 200 grams compared to classic high-end wheels. With a standard set-up, a good seven kilograms would be realistic, which is a good value, but a long way from special lightweight models. The bike scored well in the aero test, because with 208 watts for a speed of 45 km/h, it is one of the fastest bikes in this class. To put this into perspective: the fastest aero bikes are around 200 watts; the Storck is on a par with prominent representatives from the professional peloton such as the Specialized Tarmac or Giant Propel. The Fascenario also performs well in terms of comfort, which means that the one in front of the decimal point in the overall rating is quite comfortable.
Storck Fascenario.5: The performance
The question remains: How does the Fascenario ride, especially with these handlebars? The frame geometry is decidedly race-like; you sit on the bike in a sporty, compact position and put a lot of weight on the front wheel. The handlebars are an optional extra and measure 36 centimetres at the brake levers. However, because the grips are mounted at an inward angle, the actual position is even narrower: there is only 22 centimetres of space between the horns. The unit provides preparation for a time trial attachment, which is not actually needed, because in this narrow position on the Storck you are inclined to lean down low and rest your arms on the large upper handlebars anyway - a position that is prohibited in road races. Outside of races, you can cut through the wind with relish in this way, the Fascenario can be revved up almost casually on flat terrain and effortlessly maintains a high speed. The handlebar dimension causes problems in fast bends; it is better to tackle these in the slightly wider lower link in order to steer cleanly. On climbs when pedalling at low speeds, the bike starts to wobble violently. If you only ride at speed on flat terrain, you should be happy with the set-up. For a wider range of use, however, a wider handlebar would be the better choice: a 42-centimetre bar is configured as standard in medium sizes.
Storck Fascenario.5 Team: Test rating & info
- Price: 9399 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 6.9 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- TOUR grade: 1,7
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 510/565/140 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 563/390 millimetres/1.44
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 618/565 millimetres/1.09
- Wheelbase: 1005 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (52/36, 11-30 t.) | Shimano Dura-Ace (52/36, 11-30 t.) Note: 1,0
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/160 mm) | Shimano Dura-Ace (160/160 mm) Note: 1,5
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix TT 25 mm | Note: 1,0
- Impellers: Zeitjaeger Platinum 56R
- Impeller weights: 1043/1379 grams (v./h.)
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 6880 grammes | Note: 1,7
- Aerodynamics: 208 Watt | Note: 1,3
- Driving stability: 6.94 N/mm | Note: 2,7
- Rear comfort: 119 N/mm | Note: 1,7
- Comfort front: 113 N/mm | Note: 3,3
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 59 N/mm | Note: 1,3
Storck Fascenario.5 Team: advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
Good balance of low weight, good aerodynamics and comfort
Disadvantages
Very narrow handlebars, not perfect for every use
How TOUR tests
Jens Klötzer
Editor
