Lightweight construction used to be a premise in road bike construction and German carbon experts were leaders in this field. However, with the advent of disc brakes, aerodynamics and integration, these innovative developers lost influence. Now, two formerly leading brands want to demonstrate how light road bikes can be today with their modern complete bikes. Our sister magazine TOUR has Benotti Fuoco Carbon Ultra and the Schmolke Leggerissima TLO.
Saddle and support
The post with classic yoke clamping has hardly changed over the decades, and at 90 grams it is still a benchmark in terms of weight today: mass-produced carbon posts easily weigh twice as much. The Schmolke seatpost also flexes extremely well, comparable to the suspension capacity of the best marathon racing bikes. The saddle is also a breath of fresh air: the one-piece carbon sculpture weighs a mere 57 grams. It is also surprisingly comfortable, although the slippery surface can be annoying.
Handlebars and stem
Handlebars (approx. 140 grams) and stem (approx. 80 grams) are Schmolke's speciality, there are no lighter components. However, titanium bolts and sensitive clamping points require a careful tightening hand. With an expander made of special foam and a carbon Ahead screw, the last gram was also extracted from the small parts.
Gearstick and brake
The carbon crankset from THM (603 grams including chainrings) saves a good 150 grams on the Shimano groupset, while the carbon chainrings from Carbon-Ti shift perfectly. A power meter is included. Otherwise, Schmolke refrains from experimenting with the drivetrain and brakes. The brake tuning with Trickstuff discs not only saves a few extra grams, the discs also respond better than the Shimano discs.
Frame and fork
Schmolke does not manufacture the frame set with transparent blue paintwork itself, but in co-operation with a South Korean frame manufacturer. Weighing in at 786 grams (fork: 341 grams) with decent stiffness, the frame is impressive; lightweight frames from big brands like Giant TCRCervélo R5 or Trek Émonda are lighter. The set is also available for self-assembly for 5500 euros.
Wheels and tyres
The in-house rims of the TLO wheels, manufactured using the prepreg process, are significantly lighter than the Schmolke rims using the braiding process. With carbon spokes and hubs from Extralite, they add up to a "naked weight" of less than 1000 grams - for the front and rear wheel. Including cassette, brake discs and tyres, the set weighs just under two kilograms.
Facts & figures about the Schmolke Leggerissima TLO
- Note: 1,3
- Price: 16,500 euros
- Weight of complete wheel: 5.4 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L (test size greased)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 515/555/154 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 579/388 millimetres/1.49
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 630/594 millimetres/1.06
- Wheelbase/caster: 1000/64 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (50/34, 11-30 t.) | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (50/34, 11-30 t.) Note: 1,0
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 millimetres) | Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 millimetres) Note: 1,0
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix TT 25/28 mm (eff.: 27/30 mm) | Note: 1,0
- Impellers: Schmolke Carbon TLO 37
- Impeller weights: 834/1139 grams (v./h.)
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 5400 g | Note: 2,0
- Driving stability: 7.69 N/mm | Note: 2,0
- Rear comfort: 76 N/mm | Note: 1,0
- Comfort front: 70 N/mm | Note: 1,7
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 55 N/mm | Note: 2,0
Conclusion on the Schmolke Leggerissima TLO
- Plus: extremely comfortable, sufficiently stiff
- Minus: Some sensitive screws and attachments, only four sizes available
Jens Klötzer
Editor
