Aero road bike test 2019: In the past few weeks we have taken a close look at 8 high-end aero racers. What we noticed during the test period, which bikes surprised us and our summary of the entire test can be found here.
Aero Road Bike Test 2019 - Finding #1: Complaining at a high level!
Even after we had briefly ridden all the bikes to adjust the saddle height etc., we immediately became aware that these bikes will only differ by nuances in the various areas. This is not least due to the fact that the wheels only differ in details in terms of their geometry and alignment. Of course, this made it much more difficult for us to find differences or to determine strengths and weaknesses among the individual models.
This is also reflected in the weight, for example. It was the "heaviest" aero bike Giant Propel Advanced with 7,9 kilos. That's just over a kilo more than the UCI limit and only 700 grams more than the lightest model, the Specialized Venge. But the Giant even includes a power meter, which of course also weighs a few grams. In our opinion, the most important thing here is what is important to you and what you value, because weight is not necessarily the number one evaluation criterion for an aero racer.
The biggest differences could be "driven out" in the relationship between stiffness and comfort. While on the one hand there were extremely stiff, uncompromising aero racers - for example this Orbea Orca Aero – others could score for comfort like that Trek Madone. Each bike has its own little advantages and highlights, but the differences are more in the details. In order to still be able to work out a decent rating, we had to take a very close look in this test field and deduct points even for the smallest weaknesses, which can hardly be described as such. Perhaps this nagging at a high level may seem a bit too meticulous, but that was simply our claim, especially in the area of high-end aero racing bikes, to pay close attention to the details and details in order to be able to offer you a helpful rating.
Aero Road Bike Test 2019 - Finding #2: It's the equipment that counts!
In addition to the frame, the equipment also has an extremely large influence on performance, as our test showed. Here you should also primarily pay attention to what is important to you personally. As befits aero bikes, all test candidates were equipped with high-profile carbon wheels that make a significant contribution to aerodynamics. However, these can not only be noticed through their positive rolling properties but also in the handling and make this more difficult, especially in crosswinds. The topic of disc brakes has also become almost indispensable; Of course there are still aero road bikes with classic rim brakes, but the advantages of discs are huge despite the additional weight. Furthermore, cockpit units or handlebar/stem combos are now almost standard for aero bikes in this price range. But you should make sure that you get the right dimensions and that you can get along with the ergonomics of the handlebars. The stiffness of the cockpit is often significantly better than that of normal handlebars and stems, which of course is also reflected in the driving experience and can be very positive in sprinting and precise handling. On the other hand, this means that impacts are passed on more directly to the driver, which can take some time to get used to.
Aero Road Bike Test 2019 - Finding #3: Buy what you like!
Of course, this realization is related to the previous points, because as already mentioned, it is primarily about what you like and what is important to you. As our tests have shown, all the bikes are very close together and differ only minimally. Technically, they are all at the highest level and there are no bikes in the test field that we should or would advise against. Hence our motto: Choose what you like! It's better to go to the shop and test drive your supposed dream bike and compare it. This is the only way you will be able to get the perfect bike for you individually with bikes at this level, because everyone has their own preferences and that's a good thing.
Aero road bike test 2019: Our test result
All bikes including their strengths and weaknesses, prices and links to the respective individual tests can be found in our list of the best.

Leaderboard aero road bikes with disc brakes 2019
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Aero road bike test 2019: Our test winner
BMC Timemachine Road 01
In a real photo finish, the BMC Timemachine Road 01 ultimately prevailed by a narrow margin and relegated it Specialized Venge by centimeters to second place. In our opinion, the high-end machine from BMC combines everything you could wish for from a real aero racer. Thanks to full integration, impressive rigidity and great comfort in connection with high-quality equipment, nothing is left to be desired. The innovative systems such as the aero module for better integration of the bottle holder or the TCC speed technology for improved comfort characterize the Timemachine Road and make it one of the most complete aero bikes with lots of riding fun on any terrain.
Aero road bike test 2019: price/performance winner
Giant Propel Advanced Pro Disc
The Giant Propel Advanced Pro Disc is the "heaviest" bike in our test field at almost 8 kilos, but the racer still has a lot to offer. Because with the full Ultegra Di2 and even your own power meter for just 5.300 euros, nobody comes close to the Giant in terms of price-performance ratio. Due to its sporty performance, the Propel can also cover up the slight excess weight and convinces with precise handling and good running characteristics on the descents and on the flat.
Aero road bike test 2019: The comfortable one
With the Trek Madone SLR 7 Disc, we tested one of the most comfortable aero racers. Nevertheless, comfort does not come at the expense of performance and aerodynamics. Thanks to the so-called IsoSpeed technology, the diamond-shaped frame geometry is retained, but the seat tube is "decoupled" from the top tube, allowing the seat tube to swing away the forces of the road. The result is a road bike that moves with the road while offering the feel and efficiency of a traditional road bike design. Depending on the bike model, this “decoupling” is achieved in two ways. Both methods are equally effective and significantly increase ride quality. For us, this was not only noticeable when driving over extremely rough ground, but also an advantage on trips lasting several hours, as we did not have any complaints in the back or seat area.
Aero road bike test 2019: The all-rounder
The Scott Foil RC Disc is one of the most versatile aero road bikes on the market. Due to its low weight of 7,3 kilos, it is at the top of our test field and thus offers great performance on the mountain. The first-class stiffness in the bottom bracket area promotes power transmission and liveliness without completely ignoring comfort. This also benefits from the slightly lower rear end, which absorbs hits and shocks better. To complete the overall package, the frame, in combination with the successful Syncros cockpit, provides great aerodynamics for brisk rides and plenty of speed with precise handling.
Aero road bike test 2019: The innovative cockpit
With the Simplon Pride we had an aero racer with an interesting overall concept in our test field. The look and performance are significantly influenced by the specially developed Advanced Cockpit. This integrates all trains and, according to the manufacturer, should also offer the lowest air resistance, which is achieved, among other things, by the divided stem with a large opening. For us the most innovative cockpit in the test field.