Can Aero Road Bikes Climb? | New Cannondale SystemSix

Si was out in Girona for the launch of the brand new Cannondale SystemSix aerodynamic road bike. He was lucky enough to get to put one through its paces and discusses the trade-off between lightweight and aerodynamics for climbing.
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Lightweight bikes are quicker up climbs, right? Well, not always! In fact on average, an aero bike will be faster up anything less than a 6% gradient and even steeper for stronger riders. The new Cannondale is said to be the fastest racing bike to date and there are some strong stats to back this up. Will we get to the point where the whole pro peloton is only using aero bikes?
Do you own an aero bike? Let us know in the comments. 👇
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Watch more on GCN...
Cannondale SystemSix First Look 📹 gcntech.co/systemsix
Music: Epidemic Sound
Love For The Ocean (Instrumental Version) - Martin Hall
Love For The Ocean (Tigerblood Jewel Remix) (Instrumental Version) - Martin Hall
Houston We've Had A Problem 2 - Anders Bothén
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

What's your opinion on aero bikes? Do you ride one? Let us know in the comments. 👇

[@joshc1821]

Global Cycling Network is a bike an aero bike if it has carbon wheels.

[@joshc1821]

Mike Taglione...... no man 😂😂😂 all in the mind..... carbon wheels might not make a difference with weight but it gives x2 to x3 better rolling

[@bismarckottovon1802]

I own one as I wanna be faster than others. I think that aero bikes can climb but not those steep mountains. Gentle or average gradient is okay with them, somethime they can even climb faster than some of the lightweight bikes on gentle slope. I'd say aero bike can climb but not suitable.Heavy gear ratio and aggressive geometry will slow you down in climbs(the situation happen on me) (Why dont you use an Aeroad which is proved to climb well)

[@Cyclingabout]

It really surprises me that more pros don't use aero bikes. I guess it really comes down to the fact that racing is so tactical.

[@yas96225]

I think the single most important reason for pros not going all aero is that you get dropped on the climbs, but you don't get dropped on the flat (except in crosswinds). If it would be TT instead of riding in a peloton, things would look much different.

[@Jeff-ik3rf]

Me: this is the last video and I’m going to bed. *14 GCN videos later* Me: One more won’t hurt

[@yourtuber5]

lol this comment might be a year old, but it's more relevant than ever right now

[@neophoenix5281]

@@yourtuber5 for me too

[@giovannizoffoli5152]

the story of my life

[@erikvanderveken1408]

Sounds familiar indeed, the good thing with is that they got me on the bike. (And then GTN got me to sign up for an 70.3 Ironman), the bad thing about both channels is that I'm gonna need 3 more jobs to pay for all the tech Bling I want.... Net result: Both fitter but also poorer than ever!

[@unchirrienparis6554]

There is one point that needs to be considered. While you can still get a good lightweight bike for 1500€ (Shimano 105 - Carbon frame - 7.7 kgs), the aero bike market is much more different. Just to get close to that weight, you need to spend at least double on a bike (Just look, for example, the specs of the cheapest Specialized Venge or even the Canyon Aeroad). This means that if you are starting on cycling or don't have 3500€ to spend on a bike, if you go for a cheap aero option (let's say, for example, a Merida Reacto with Shimano 105) you'll have a bike near 9 kgs. That's a really heavy bike that will make climbing very hard and won't give you a great overall experience if you compare it with the lightweight one. For me, aero frames are good when they can compete in weight with a lightweight bike. Just see the price tag on this Cannondale to see how much you have to spend just to get to 7.8 kgs. This means that, even being more aero efficient, you need to go to the top of the range bikes to obtain a relatively good bike that can compete with a lightweight one. That means that, for all us mere mortals, willing to spend 3000€ or so on a bike, means that, if those 3000€ are spent on a lightweight one, you can even get close to 6.5 kgs and get carbon wheels and a great groupset as Ultegra Di2 (just look at the Canyon Ultimate of that range of price), but if you want a competitive aero bike, you have to double -at least- that amount. Doesn't seem reasonable. You'll only obtain the advantages of an aero bike if going for the top spec bike, a bike that 90% of people can't or even wouldn't want to afford. If you opt for a cheap aero bike, you'll get a heavy bike that won't have all the aero advantages of a top of the range one, and also will make your experience in the mountains very unpleasant. Conclussion: Aero bikes, in terms of value, are not comparable with lightweight bikes right now. Maybe in profesional racing we'll see riders in aero frames even more, but for non-pro's, lightweights will still be the rule until aero bikes can compete with them in lower range models.

[@gcn]

Some interesting comments there unchirrienparis

[@KendallDNixon]

I just stared biking 2 months ago and I put out tons of power (I came from playing American Football) on a cheap starter bike. My bike weighs 30 pounds!!! So to see that an aero bike is 20 sounds lovely to me. Should I ride my first few races in my 30 pound bike (or I wouldn’t be able to keep up?) or go get a lightweight or aero bike?

[@lechprotean]

I completely agree with the comment, but I wonder if in the flat terrain the aero might win out anyway even if it's heavier? Also I guess you could start with a cheaper model and build up the wheels and groupset - I'm trying to justify the aero - but really it's 90% the rider so 10% improvement in the bike is just 1% overall, so rather than getting the bike aero I'll work on getting myself more aero ;)

[@ronitdebnath]

Why are you saying a Reacto or Allez Sprint will be slower than a 1500 lightweight bike. It will be less pleasant sure. But feel isn't numerical. Thats why the Scultura was used over the Reacto for so long even when the Reacto is much faster in most situations. Even though the Sprint and Reacto will weigh 8.5 and the lightweight ones 7.7 i do think the former will be faster in most situations.

[@rkize3286]

Took u the whole of your life to type that

[@noelharrington4786]

The question here should be can Cannondale's BB30 bottom bracket get to the top of a climb without it creaking and making you want to throw it back down the hill.

[@lonewolf-si4oc]

Noel Harrington it's like Cannondale keep making the almost perfect bike but then they stick the bloody BB30 on it and it's : right , forget it !

[@ryanw8987]

Had that exact thought! I actually like the look of this bike, but I've had so many problems with my current Cannondale (BB creaks last year and the year before, this year it's been the headset 😩) that I'm not sure about getting another one when I finally upgrade.

[@WanderingSword]

lol nice one

[@therealpinkyskull]

Noel Harrington one of my bikes has a BB30 and I hate that dam creak noise :(

[@clivegosling9656]

This bike has a press fit BB which is pretty much the same as an other bike in its category. This bike doesn't use BB30.

[@andylanegra-thoughtsfromth7451]

I swear the timing is impeccable. I've been going back and forth from an aero and super light bike. Thanks for this!

[@alatikivis]

Great video Simon! I recently bought an aero bike (Focus Izalco Max 8.8) and am super happy with it and totally think it's worth the additional weight thanks to the aero benefits. Also the fact that new aero bikes have disc brakes helps alot.

[@RickRubinesque]

Right then! I'm decided. Alls I need to do now is win the lottery.

[@jgeronimo4051]

Me too i wish i hit the Jackpot

[@TheSocketshock]

Save 200 a month for a year thats 2400 🤑

[@ashacklouis]

I ride a supersix evo hi mod disc and i know i lose watts to people around me on aero bikes, but as an amature i just stretch and do core work to make myself more aero and that saves way more than an aero bike. Im sure id be even faster on an aero bike, but i just love my supersix so much and i wouldnt trade it in for anything!

[@grahamtricker4103]

I know exactly what you mean about the SuperSixEvo. I've ridden all the top road bikes including the 3T Strada which is supposed to be an Aero bike, but my times on the Cannondale SSE are quicker...

[@MrAykutgms]

Nothing compares an Evo in terms of handling and ride pleasure. It is a pure bike and I love my Evo

[@grahamtricker4103]

I think one of the secrets of the SuperSixEvo is the Spider crank and 30mm axle. This is so stiff compared to any other crank system.

[@Phaidrus]

love mine too!

[@charliecooper7655]

the best bike 👌

[@FPC-FanatecCSLFJoao]

Just got exactly the system six! And this footage helped me a lot.👊🏻

[@edwardsnowdenofficial]

I purchased a Felt AR 2018 a month ago and absolutely love it, its a beast of a machine and the acceleration and speeds you can obtain are quite frankly ludicrous. I love it!

[@d1barnet]

Interesting, I just switched October 2017 to a new canyon aeroad disc. This is coming from a specialized Venge pro and sworks Roubaix SL3. Both specialized are brilliant at what they do not not 'great' outside of their specialist area. The canyon is amazing, easily covers both types of riding, it's quick up hill and on the flat (to the limit of my engines). It is genuinely like analogue to digital! 'modern' aero bikes are amazing.

[@curtelverd]

My background is in triathlon, and I was recently in the market for a new road bike. I tried many different brands, aero road bikes, and traditional road bikes. I eventually decided on the new Giant Propel Disc because it felt just as fast as my TT bike (2012 Cervelo P3), felt like a confidence inspiring race bike, gave me a bike to possibly do extremely hilly triathlons, and had disc brakes which is where I think cycling is going to be in a few years when I upgrade my TT bike. I haven’t regretted my purchase yet and feel like I kill group rides when it comes to the flats and downhills. Uphills are a bit of a challenge, but I’m a larger rider and are a challenge for me no matter what.

[@bugboy152000]

#GCN Simon, just ordered an Aeroad and jumped into the deep end with help from this video! Very excited to give it a ride!

[@garybowles8340]

Recently bought the Giant Propel Advanced disc. Great bike, tubeless which means I don't worry too much about the road surface. Faster than my road bike and looks awesome!

[@vgabrie]

Great analysis! Nice video.

[@JtJt-bg8rn]

Great video, thanks. Just got a used BMC tmr01 time machine, not the max aero , but i love it so far

[@b33r0nlY]

My next bike will be an Aerobike. But for non of the reasons Si talked about.. I just love the look of an Aerobike. The Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc in particular stole my heart.

[@gcn]

That's a good point Timo

[@colinlofthouse4753]

i ride a Cervelo S3. the biggest difference i note is riding on the flat especially in head winds. the slight profile really cuts through and i notice going faster for much less effort than mates. i don't go fast uphill but everywhere else its the right bike for me.

[@motivationthreshold]

Good analysis. Great video 👍🏻

[@wmlarch]

Cost! that's what's been holding me back from buying an aero bike! and my bikes are already a joy to ride!

[@nayefserhan4333]

Yes I do have an aerobike!! I love my S-works venge. Super fast and still light

[@philipholenstein5685]

I have a SystemSix and it’s been an absolute dream to ride!

[@pinarellopirate]

Si, Thanks for the subject analysis, which I thought was very useful & interesting, as all GCN videos are. I hear a lot of views from my cyclist mates on various bike related topics, but not on this specific subject. Having said that, the general consensus is that lighter bikes will be better at everything, but especially climbing and Cannondale's SuperSix EVO is a common favourite within my group. Your conclusions make a lot of sense and bringing flat-ish terrain and gradients (6 & 7%) into the argument really does help to balance things out. This week I will be replacing (potentially) my Pinarello Dogma F8 with Cannondale's SystemSix Sram AXS model. I'm not a pro rider or a cycling expert, but I will be able to offer a comparison from the MAMIL's demographic once I have had time to evaluate the new 'Pirate ship' on the numerous climbs that my local Mendip playground offers. Update June 21 2019 Ok, the SystemSix arrived, I slammed the bars down 3 spacers, added some personalisation and the beast has been unleashed - fantastic! Climbing Burrington Combe suggests no drop in ability or performance compared to my Dogma or my Giant Defy Adv1. The new bike is 1 kg heavier that the F8, but its stiffness & precision seemed to channel my kinetic into the drivetrain more effectively, offsetting the weight disadvantage. My relatively brief experience here suggests Si that your report is well grounded. All I need to do now is take it up Col du Glandon. Stats: Age 54, Height, 5ft 10, Weight 12 stone.

[@superstrange5369]

Still can’t get over how awesome the bike looks!

[@Mindblower008]

Road my canyon aerroad on the Alps this week. Fantastic.

[@MessyJ]

I'm 105 kg with a 320 watt FTP at present. I ride a previous shape 2015 Scott Foil. I test rode the Foil and Addict back to back and, for me, the difference in stiffness and power transfer as well as effort getting back to the shop into a stiff head wind were a revelation. 15,000 kms later and I still love the Foil.

[@cristibradu7405]

I absolutely love Aero road bikes, I would never change it with an normal bike, I just bought another aero bike and I love it .

[@neilowen9468]

I’ve got a Giant Propel Advanced 1. Love it! Versus the 17 year old Ribble which has an Aluminium frame with Carbon rear stays and fork it’s a revelation! I notice the difference everywhere - it’s like night and day! I wouldn’t go back now.

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

I love the bike. I am a huge Cannondale fan. Good on them to finally release an aero bike. I would like to see the discussion about each part of this bike and how easy it is to adjust, replace and maintain it. This is such a specialist bike that I think it will be hard to do small but important adjustments for fit. Not to count the 1000 types of truth-axle when swapping wheels. How easy it is bleed the brakes and maintain the hosing connections? How easy it is to take it travelling in a bike box? How easy is it to just to the right handle bar size/shape and stem length combination? How much dirt does it gather between the rear tyre and the frame? How easy it is to get replacement seat post if needed? What about crank power meters? And I could go on forever here. The truth is that most of us amateur cyclist would be buying ourselves more trouble than benefit by purchasing such a specialist bike.

[@indobleh]

Incredible looking bike from Cannondale ! It's way faster than I am. Great from Si as always and I'm sure Cannondale will be very happy GCN put together a really good video to showcase some of the talents lurking away in the SystemSix ! Need to write to Santa early this year..... !

[@gcn]

Cheers indobleh

[@XOMambaLif3]

Moved up in the bike world with the purchase of my specialized venge last year. Thought I made a mistake because I live in a pretty hilly area with some steep climbs, but I was pleased to find out that it climbs like a champ. Highly suggest going with an aero bike

[@gcn]

Awesome!

[@AndreiUifalean]

Best choice I made so far: Wilier centro10ndr with aero disc wheels and di2, it is so comfortable on long rides, and the hydraulic disc brakes gave you so much confidence

[@marklong691]

I've just built a 7.4kg Planet X EC-130E (Size L) and its the puppies nuptuals. Light, stiff but comfy and most importantly... fast. absolutely love it

[@Brainless437]

Got myself a Giant Propel Avanced SL 2017 in fluo yellow. Loving it! :)

[@gcn]

Awesome!

[@palicar]

You’ve convinced me, but the cost... I can rationalize by saying the harder work on a less aero bike will prove me a stronger rider. Moral victory.

[@daveyponderosa9549]

Late to the Party Gentleman. I’ll be buying the Bianchi Aria 2021 Model soon. Cheers for your post. 👍👍

[@trianironman9486]

Hi I have a Giant Propel Advanced 2 disc 2020.Really i am impressed with the way to put down the power (5.1 watt per kilo) on ascent. Still over 6,% gradient. Very strong especially out of sadle....you feel the stiffness...

[@tomtennant2012]

They just look so cool

[@richaw6689]

Hi Si! Great topic and an internal debate I’ve waged both before and after the purchase of my Cervélo S3. I still prefer my R2 for hilly courses because it feels quicker up steeps and paired with the new Zipp 404s it flys. The S3 however is a flying machine on flat and rolling terrain. I may be simply set on the feel and opposing ideas these 2 bikes pose, but so far, the Aero has my heart, but the non Aero my head.

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Lubecycling]

My R2 is my goto bike, i will never get rid of if

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

A big factor for me was comfort, plus I love the way my TCR looks.

[@jpslaym0936]

That SystemSix is gorgeous

[@stefanodirector]

Very Nice Vid, Simon. As a Cannondale Supersixevo owner I had been anticipating the System Six and though I love the classical lines of my frame, this aero offering from the Dale dudes is really tempting. Will it make me faster? Will it climb worse? Only my legs will tell. ;-)

[@cyclingsessions]

Yes I have a new aero bike, Trek Madone, 9.2. Looks like Cannondale did get some help from the Madone, but added some interested custom ideas too with the SystemSix. I have a Emonda SL5 as well and the speed that I manage to get for free on the Madone is obvious compared to the Emonda. When I ride with the team I have to brake as I roll up to them more often and roll downhill much faster. It is a real advantage. A real thing for sure.

[@Fluterra]

I just bought a new Venge. The way the aero feels above about 20 kph is really special, even for a novice like me. It’s like a “sail” has picked up the bike and started pushing!

[@kurtallen4852]

Had to watch it a couple of times . Really indepth . This subject can be even more than indepth , limitless possibilities

[@mcanix]

Love the look of the SystemSix, hopefully this means EF-Drapac will win more

[@stephenporter4978]

I test rode a Canyon Aeroad and an Endurace recently. The Aeroad was fast, light and climbs great - but it feels too harsh for our rubbish UK roads. Just ordered the Endurace as it was so comfortable and not much slower. But even the Endurace has aero bars and wheels. So aero is the future - no doubt.

[@davidgibbons182]

I’d love this bike for short punchy efforts, can’t imagine any aero bike is very comfy over 100miles, although this may change a few things with them tyre clearances

[@plantfuelled8912]

Being a former motorcycle rider my favorite place to ride is a long techincal twisty descent. Are aero bikes as fun doing this?

[@ThisIsJoe07]

This is the best video yet by GCN - good question, great discussion points, great conclusion - fascinating stuff

[@richardmiller-qp8tb]

I have the Planet X ec130e. That climbs beautifully.

[@2WheelsGood.01]

The more important question, can you climb? The bike will do just fine! I just got a Scott Foil, love it.

[@KMS2468]

Yes! I got a 2015 Scott Foil myself, and I love it. Maybe not so aero or comfortable as recent ones, but this bike can do anything ! I'm riding it on crits, hilly races and a few triathlons and it's just the perfect bike to me.

[@spinspinbaby1531]

And here i am.. Climbing with 16" Brompton in a hilly region

[@Wil.moyle19]

Just switched to a Ribble 883 disc and love it. Aero and disc from now on for me

[@gcn]

Nice choice!

[@joshdebruyne3420]

I have a trek madone 9.9 and love it

[@slickflyguy]

I recently bought a Fuji Transonic 1.3 Road with a bladed downtube, fork, and seat tube that hugs the rear tire. It irides fairly well but I have to take it out to Colorado to test it in the mountains since no real mountains exist where I live in the upper Midwestern United States . It descends fine and seems easier in the climb compared to my metal frame bike. It works for me. It's around 17-18 pounds.

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Yes my Propel SL0 has no problems climbing. Prefer my TCR though as an all rounder

[@infinitereason1981]

SAF1981 same here.. i dont have a tcr but planning to have it in the future.. tcr, great bike..

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Elmer Galinato defiantly recommend it as a next bike. The Advanced has the new Ultegra R8000 and is a great compromise between a race bike that can sprint along with great climbing. I changed the wheels on mine as don't want tubeless 👍

[@LEGALIZEROADRAGE]

totally agree as I have both as well in sl1's

[@rm5042]

I’m looking at getting my first carbon bike and can’t decide between the propel and the tcr I’m not racing just amateur riding. what would the recommend?

[@sireevessireeves5072]

I'd like to see how it fairs against the new Specialized Venge, the one spotted in racing that hasn't been released yet. Wonder if it's still 6 watts faster.

[@GhostX42]

Lightweight is the key! i got myself a lightweight Cannondale roadbike. On a flat street i make up 40-50km/h and downhill i'll go 60+. And i payd less than 500 bucks. :) The bike is from like 1999. it feels amazing.

[@3DKiwi]

Got a Canyon Aeroad. Goes up hills just fine.

[@tobiasbouma4071]

The original argument was that there was a huge weight offset between aero and climbing bikes but that offset has effectively been nullified by new techniques in creating aero tubing. An aero road bike could be spot on 6.8 kilos now if you chose your components right (dash saddle, sram red 22 mechanical, rim-brake frame and crank based power meter). Unless UCI changes the weight limit, lightweight bikes are a thing of the past.

[@thibaultpiona7983]

Well it still depends on the rider choice as we see in the pro peloton ^^

[@kid45620]

I have a aero fixed gear. 50 13 I love it so far.

[@jdslfc]

A lot of times Pro GC riders don't need the aero bike as they are sheltered until they get to the climb

[@chowzisiong7800]

LOL good point. The drafting they get far outweighs any aero benefit an aero bike can provide.

[@massiveattackdrop]

I m an aero fan its just such a smooth fast ride...was this filmed in Cyprus?

[@jonathandavies9355]

Don’t have a aero bike because I am twelve and growing so my parents don’t want me to get one but I do have an awesome bike that I am super grateful for and a awesome coach😀

[@neildoering7969]

I don't own one yet! I have looked into this and am stumped on which brand to go with. I keep coming back to the Orbea Orca but that's mostly based on looks. Could you guys do a show on this?

[@rafaelcastro1653]

I just got an Argon18 Nitrogen and for my riding style is perfect, love to climb but ta 5'10" and 203 LBS one less kilo on a bike will not do much of a difference but a fast descending one and a fast on the flats will definitely be important for me, and I break all my PRs on the climbs so still the perfect bike for me.

[@antoniobojorquez2239]

I have a 2016 S-Works Venge VIAS.....i am running a 1x11 di2 system. I have an ultegra medium cage RD and a 36t cassette....it climbs no problemo..sure its a bit heavier..but i still get up hills wit no issues

[@tru2track]

I have a Giant Propel, because at the time, I couldn't afford a TT Bike at the time and feel its a perfect hybrid of aero and weight for my "age group" races

[@roninmusashi]

I ride a 2008 Giant Trinity with Zipp 404 wheels. As far as aero bikes go it's not particularly crazy and not much heavier than my friends road bikes. I'm slower than them on the climbs, but I'm sure that has a lot more to do with me than the bike. But I love a flat run in the aero position. I can leave them for dead and get a really great work out. For some reason when we go riding they always pick the hilly routes.

[@samuelhopely4853]

I ride a Diamondback Podium Disc, which I purchased for the multitude of positive qualities it has outside of aerodynamics. I couldn't believe however just how much faster it was than my former incredibly non-aero bike. I'd ridden just about everything on the market before and knew that aero bikes were decidedly faster, but even this model, not exclusively marketed as aero, impressed me. I think there is a fine balance, and it's very hard to hit all the marks that make a great race bike. That's why TT bikes will always look different than aero race bikes. But I would truly consider myself a convert.

[@gregoryjuviler1479]

That Cannondale is SICK

[@juanaimbach7179]

Thanks

[@MarufoVega]

It does seem climbing performance is talked about so much but if you do a circuit, anything you climb you will in one way or another descend - you've brought this up! Finally somebody looking at the whole picture.

[@gcn]

Cheers Howard

[@georgehill1578]

God that's a nice looking bike- good job Cannondale

[@fadoots]

This video just sold me on the 2020 Trek Madone SLR 7!!! My wallet is flipping you the bird but giving the thumbs up at the same time

[@nanezferrer3565]

whats difference between madone emonda and Damone ?

[@guillaumemilette3869]

@@nanezferrer3565 Madone = Aero, Emonda = lightweight, Domane = endurance/comfort

[@richardtydryszewski8919]

I currently have the supersix evo di2. Great bike ive been considering aero for a while now was mostly looking to canyon, i am a huge cannondale fan, just they would never honor their warranty with me wen i spent big money on their bikes on 2 occasions i have bought top of the line or second to top and they declined warranties for both. Needless to say i love their bikes. The supersix evo is just the best on the market in my opinion from test riding multiple brands over the years i just always went to the supersix every time. Ive owned about 6 different cannondale supersix bikes i loved them all. The weight of theor bikes i could always get to about 14-15 lbs just by throwing a carbon post and carbon crank on their bikes. Only failed me once the hangar broke off my current one and took the frame with it. Fortunately i was able to put on a new hangar we will see how it holds up. I didnt go aero because usually the aero bikes geometry was more for tt and not really for all day comfort like i can get on the supersix its more designed for race but once you get it dialed in you can ride longer. I was considering the systemsix but at 11k usd its a but pricey. Their low end model at 4k doesnt give the same aero savings, i would op for their 6k model however im unsure if its di2 compatible which is what im running on my supersix. But their color selection is awful just straight up ugly looking bikes in my opinion. They may be functional but if ure telling me their highest end model weighs in at 17lbs i might as well get an aluminum bicycle. That means that their other lower end bikes come in around 20lbs or so. Thats a lot of weight cimpared to my 14.7 lb cannondale supersix evo from 2014. Yes they have the added benefit of disc brakes and tire clearance that may make me go for it one day. My current supersix frame broke so im in the market for a new bike. Ive been wondering when ceramic speed will release their new bike with drive system and what that specs in at weight wise. I have a lot of steep hills where i live i unfortunately find myself not being able to go into a low enough gear on a couple of my climbs. Adding weight to that will not help.

[@keithbarns1143]

Hi Si I have just bought this bike ,but have not ridden it ,waiting for a bike fit ,what did you reckon thanks

[@stevensmith4054]

I've got a Scott Foil. The frame is really stiff and all the power transferred through the pedals pushes you up the climb. It's a small frame and comes in at just over 7kgs without the bottles.

[@Sttuey]

I have a 2015 S-works Venge and love it. It replaced a slightly lighter Giant TCR but is overall much faster and more rewarding to ride. I've ridden in Majorca for 20+ years and since taking the Venge I've PB'd many Strava segments by a massive amount - would never go back to a "non" aero frame!

[@tobor58]

I ride a 2015 Cervélo S5 Team MTN-QHUBEKA replica. Definitely an Aero bike. It was a 2015 TDF KOM winner in Daniel Teklehaimanot's hands. But I am just an ordinary aging mortal. But this bike can climb very well indeed. When I'm at my best it's still better. On anything beyond 5% downhill it's faster then I want to go, capable of more. When I ride it I can't wipe the smile off my face ;-)

[@ploughmyfield]

Hi GCN, I didn’t see the unboxing and I missed the part in the video where I can enter the competition to win one. Please can you re post it?

[@gcn]

Hi ploughmyfield, unfortunately not, but you can check out our Topeak bike box unboxing! gcntech.co/unboxingtopeakpakgox

[@ramsdale4]

I just prefer the classic look of a lightweight bike. That Cannondale looks fit though!

[@2WheelsGood.01]

To me this is the most reasonable reason not to get one. Just simply not liking the looks.

[@user-jz8pf2cr8p]

Hi, I have a Canyon CF SL Aeroad - Chimano 105 with 11-28 rear cassette . Can I improve my climbing ability, changing it with 11-34? Thank you.

[@madispihlak5616]

I just bought one and I am waiting for the bike shop to set it up properly.

[@alangraham0]

Back in 2012 I decided aero was the way to go. Tested the Cervélo, the early venge, the Scott Foil, and then (Early 2013) Giant announced the Propel. I bought one of the first to arrive in Western Australia, and I haven’t regretted it for an instant. Still the best bike around, still makes me look better than I am. It elevated me form C grade masters to B grade masters. Aero all the way

[@michaelupchurch3779]

Cash is keeping me back , I would definitely consider this bike is it available in a frameset option only and In hi mod carbon

[@timetrialist]

I was in the market 2 weeks ago. I was deciding between an aero bike and a bike that won tour de france, it was an easy choice - I went with the Tarmac and never looked back ✌🏻

[@Gfjrht]

i got a venge vias and its superb for climbing, actually i did last month the longest hill in the world, 83.6 km on it in letras Colombia.

[@gcn]

Nice!

[@stevezodiac491]

Bought a cannondale system six dura ace disc road and it is a very very fast road bike and I am satisfied with my purchase and if I wasn't, I already have a cannondale super six evo high mod sram red, so either way I am a very fast happy bunny uphill or down.

[@hjshoon5244]

I started with an aero bike - giant propel advanced. Bought it used slightly over a year ago and it's my first road bike. Back then didn't know anything about road bike. Bought it as the price was good and good condition and looks good haha. But after cycling many rides, I changed to an all rounder canyon ultimate. Stuck with me for only about 4 mths and I've now changed back to aero bike - Scott Foil. I find aero bike is faster overall for the routes I do and the canyon couldn't get me that top speed I was able to hit with the giant. So yeah, aero bike all the way

[@djantfox6552]

I have Merida Reacto 7000 E Disk and find that the frame rigidity assists on the climb. I can reduce weight by handing off my water bottles until a feeding section but in general I find the aero bike a better option. Its alot quicker on the descents and flats and ideal as a sprint bike.

[@dermoplast]

I have a 10 yr old Cervelo S3 weights below 16 lbs with pedals. I’m having problem finding my next aero bike as they all seem heavier with the disk brake option by around 2lbs. Is it worth the weight penalty ? Can’t seem to get my self to upgrade to a heavier more expensive bike.

[@amsp79]

Is it comfortable though? That huge seat post seems to go against the evolution of later years of designs with more flex.

[@ThePowermax01]

Aero bikes all the way. I love my Giant Propel Disc. Get in the drops and it goes to 25mph without any effort. Definetly not going back, unless I move in the Pyrennes or something

[@gcn]

The choice can certainly depend on the type of riding you do

[@benson1608]

Same here on my new Systemsix :)

[@itarry4]

Most of the pros you asked seemed to ride the light weight climbing bike, even on fairly flat stages. I'd guess its because they are much comfier and most of them spend a lot of the race in the shelter of the peloton. So it'd only really pay for the sprinters, the domestiques that do a lot of their riding on the front of the peloton on the flatter parts of a stage and anyone who is expecting to be in that days break.

[@chriswright9096]

You say 10% less power required on the flat at 30kph. Is that just relating to the bike alone or to the bike paired with rider?

[@ericlanglois1342]

I jumped from an endurance to aero bike. Granted it was an entry-level endurance bike (Cannondale Synapse, 105 groupset) to aero (Giant Propel, Ultegra groupset). LIke upgrading from a 95 VW Jetta to a 2020 BMW really. The responsiveness and smoothness of the newer technology are hard to put into words. It was totally worthwhile for me. Let's face it, whatever keeps us riding is a good thing.

[@lioneljeanne3272]

Aerobikes are so beautiful, but i don t have one. I have a race bike. I would like put on my road bike a aero carbon cockpit, but i don t know if it s a good idea or not. What s your opinion?

[@lucasversluis2292]

Thats a nice annondale you got there

[@Phaidrus]

Looks like this one is a keeper for Si ;)