FUJI SUPREME 1.1

£5259 > A true speed queen that’s built for women who have the need for speed

Fuji’s dedication to women’s cycling dates back to the 1970s, and with the Supreme 1.1 it’s just raised the bar, claiming it to be its fastest bike ever... First released in 2007, the numerous updates serve up improvements far beyond its sleek black and gold paint job. Scooping a WorldTour stage victory with Team TIBCO-SVB in May, it’s clear the new aero performance bike from Fuji was designed with speed in mind.

Employing Fuji’s best-yet ultrahigh modulus carbon layup, called C15, the frame combines three – rather than C10’s two as seen on the 2 series – levels of composite material for greater compliance and stiffness. This is most noticeable on the headtube with responsive handling, and the bottom bracket for optimum power output.

The frame and carbon FC-330 fork are crafted in a Kamm Foil aerofoil shape which, Fuji says, performs better against side winds than conventional aerofoils. With second-savings at the forefront, the Supreme 1.1 has spent serious time in the wind tunnel. Fuji claims the newly redesigned chassis takes almost three-and-a-half minutes off the previous version in Fuji’s 40km test, and is 79 seconds quicker than the men’s aero bike, the Transonic.

With its gram-saving frame forged in the wind tunnel, it’s fitting that Supreme 1.1’s specification is also, well, supreme. The 1.1 is kitted out with the crème de la crème groupset: SRAM Red eTap HRD, which gave smoothshifting wireless preformance and hydraulic stopping power that was welcomed on this demon-fast bike. The flat-mounted disc brakes ensured we felt firmly in control.

The semi-compact 52/36 chainring with 11-28 cassette is understandably race-focused, providing ample gears for powering forward. At 7.43kg (M), it’s not the lightest road bike available, but is lighter than some range-topping alternatives, such as Trek’s Domane SL7.

Its 50mm-deep carbon rims scream race too, and the classy tan-walled Vittoria Open Corsa tyres roll fast and grip on corners.

The improved aerodynamics twinned with the strong, stiff, light material make for a lively ride, and if you want to rise through the racing ranks, the Supreme is spot on. It won’t deliver the comfort over distance of Fuji’s vibration-reducing Brevet, but the compliance in the frame, carbon seatpost and Oval Concepts 751W saddle feel pretty good as miles rack up.