FUJI SUPREME 2.3 £1500
A FAST, LIVELY AND RAZOR FOCUSED AERO BIKE THAT’ S READY TO RACE
In 2018, Fuji released its new, updated women-specific Supreme, with a highly engineered carbon frame that Fuji claims makes the 2.3 its fastest bike ever. It was developed for female riders using a range of data sources, and Fuji’s long association with pro cyclists – including the World Tour-winning women’s pro team TIBCO-SVB.
Aero gains are the name of the game, and Fuji has used a Kamm aerofoil profile on most of the tubing and forks, claiming a 79-second time saving over its Transonic on a 40km test.
The bike’s geometry – a fairly mid-range 381mm reach, but a low 538mm stack – places the rider in a very aggressive position. Unsurprisingly, given the nature of this bike, the gearing is designed for speed. The Shimano Ultegra groupset comes with an 11-28 cassette and an Oval Concepts 500 crankset with 52 and 36 chainrings.
Alloy finishing kit keeps costs low with an Oval Concepts 100mm stem and 400mm handlebar. Replacing the alloy bar with carbon would help to eliminate a little more road chatter for a smoother ride.
An aero-shaped carbon seatpost does take the edge off road chatter at the rear, but this is still a bike that’s focused on speed rather than comfort.
Oval Concepts 524 Disc alloy wheels are a good, sturdy wheelset with a reasonable claimed weight of 1880g a pair. Something lighter and stiffer would reduce weight and provide a more efficient feel on the road surface but these are more than fine for most riding, and the Vittoria Zaffira Pro tyres (700x25) finish off the package.
Finally, Shimano Ultegra brakes provide reliable, predictable braking power in all weather conditions with excellent modulation that’s easy on the hands.
In action, the Supreme feels focused, fast and aggressive. The turn of speed you can generate on long, flat sections of road is undeniably exciting; the Supreme asks you to give it more and more and more. It encourages you to push as hard as you can.
The speed-oriented gearing does mean you pay the price on longer climbs – you have to keep pushing, and there’s not much in the way of easy gears to spin uphill with – but if you want a bike that will amplify your love of speed, this is it.