AERO ROAD BIKES
Cannondale Systemsix Hi-mod Ultegra Di2 $10,250
Cannondale’s palmeres have been well established throughout several decades on the road-racing circuit. Now the Connecticut-based company is calling the new Systemsix the fastest and most efficient uci-legal road bike in the world. (Some people might say the rider has a little bit to do with that speed, too, but we won’t quibble.) This seriously slick looking bike boasts Cannondale’s new Ballistec Hi-mod carbon frameset with full internal cable routing, a Shimano Ultegra Di2 11-speed drivetrain, Cannondale’s Hollowgram Si cranks with 52/36-tooth rings and a Power2max NG Eco power meter, Hollowgram Knot64 carbon aero wheels and the Knot Systembar handlebar-and-stem combo. ( cannondale.com)
Ridley Noah Fast Disc SL30 $9,000
The Ridley Noah Fast Disc SL30 is a high-performance aero bike with a long list of features and premium components. Specially shaped carbon tubing and strategically placed wings behind the fork dropouts direct the wind around the frame, while full internal cable routing cuts down on drag and 12-mm thru axles on both ends provide increased stiffness. Component highlights include a Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes, Rotor Flow cranks with 52/36-tooth chainrings mated with a Shimano Ultegra 11–30 tooth cassette, Ridley’s own integrated carbon handlebar and stem, and Fulcrum Racing 400 DB wheels. ( mec.ca)
Cervélo S5 Dura-ace Di2 Disc $15,000
The S5 Dura-ace Di2 Disc is a sprinter’s dream: it’s tight, compact and made to be hammered across the finish line. Drastically shortened chainstays and a curved seat tube bring the rear wheel under the rider. Even the front wheel is tucked in to the frame, necessitating a reshaping of the down tube. The Dura-ace model comes equipped with Shimano’s premium electronic road group, including cranks, derailleurs, cassette, shifters and brake calipers. The bar and V-shaped stem are from Cervélo, while the wheels are Enve ses Disc 5.6 hoops mounted with Continental GP 4000 rubber. Sizing on the S5 is geared toward sprinters: they’re only available in 48-, 51-, 54-, 56-, 58-cm sizes. ( cervelo.com)
Bianchi Oltre XR4 Disc $8,500 (frameset and handlebar)
Hydraulic disc brakes aren’t just for club riders. A green light from the uci to use discs on race bikes, plus recognition of the numerous benefits of discs over rim brakes, means rotors are making their way onto bikes at virtually every price point. The Oltre XR4 disc is a frame-and-handlebar package that brings together that classically elegant Bianchi celeste look with a cutting-edge, full-aero disc-specific frame and the unique aero Vision Metron 5D acr aero handlebar. The Metron features fully integrated cable routing for both disc brakes and shifters for an ultra clean look and aero experience. Build the Oltre up with the parts of your choice for a perfect ride. ( bianchicanada.com)
Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc etap $17,900
You want a bike that very few people have? Let us introduce you to the Trek Madone slr 9 Disc etap. This bike takes the “standard” Madone slr 9 and adds sram’s wireless 12-speed etap axs electronic-shifting system to the mix. The 700 Series oclv carbon frame, with Kammtail Virtual Foil aerodynamic tube shaping, features Trek’s adjustable top-tube Isospeed decoupling system, which lets you adjust damping and compliance. You also get a kvf full carbon fork, an adjustable aero bar and stem, tubeless-ready Bontrager Aeolus xxx 6 wheels, a micro-adjust Madone seatmast and Red flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes. It’s a stellar ride, if your pocketbook can take it. ( trekbikes.com)—stuartkernaghan