Thanks for this vid. Here in the States, mags won't say anything bad about a bike until the new model comes out, then they'll say how bad the old style was. They don't want to be last on the receivership when new bikes come out for reviews. Or worse, lose advertising dollars.

You cannot beat the feeling of building your own bike or having it built to your spec

I don't care what anyone says, the BMC Teammachine SLR01 has an amazing look, amazing integration, is super lightweight and is the one I'd get (in Di2 form).

TCR should be No.1

The superbike calculator with data is here: www.cyclingapps.net/tables/searchable-table-of-superbikes/ (alternative sheets link: fft.tips/100)

never usually subscribe…..your brutal honesty did it for me this time. im subscribed!!!👍😊

That’s awesome video, that was my tarmac footage you used!!! So cool to see my video used, it’s very cool 😁

I think if you are more comfortable with a bike you will be faster overall

2015 Cannondale Supersix evo. Just unapologetically love it. Had a new Propel. Got an Allez sprint. Cdale nailed it.

Can you have a budget version of this for bikes between £2000-£3000

Best bikes : Pinarello dogma f12, Colnago v3rs, Factor ostro vam. My fav ❣️

The absolute best part (and most instructive too!!!) was about time 19 where you chronicle a bike build with pretty cool music to boot.

The best deal right now is probably the Tarmac SL7 Pro. Most of the important differences come from the new wheels. They're apparently just as fast in "road" conditions as the CLX64 and quite a bit lighter. Getting them as the CL range on an SL7 Pro for $7000 is still a lot but I doubt Alaphilippe would have noticed if the Pro (model) level gear had been finished like the S-Works. There are some other really good deals out there but I don't know of any better package and that is because of how effective the new Roval wheels are.

So glad people like you drill down through all the details. IDGAF about all that nonsense I buy a bike because I love the way it looks and rides. And dear god never a disc brake bike and all those hidden cables and housing what a nightmare! Thank You for all you do Alex!!

My SL7 is a dream machine. You can save some money by stepping down one level to the Pro version - the Ultegra Di2 is a great groupset for non-professional riders and not much of a sacrifice to save 50% of the cost.

I just saw one of your videos on youtube, and find it very interesting. I looked at the calculator and find it very useful.I been riding many years and purchased many brands, Olmo, Tomassinni, Colnago, Pinarrello, Bottecchia and the last one purchased a few years back, Formigli, love to see a review. Thanks

Thank you so much for the excellent content! Keep it up 👍

I know this has been out for some time but I just came across it. I have always bought a frame and fork and built up the bike with components of my choosing. It's certainly not the cheapest route but I end up with exactly what I want. I currently have on order a Bianchi Specialissima. The component list is not finalized but it will be an eclectic mix based around Super Record shifters and derailleurs. Not a criticism but just another way of doing things.

Videos like these is why this is one of my favorite cycling channels! Lots of great info!

14:24 : "Can you beat it by building up your own bike? Yes you can." How? Which frame would you choose? I want the build to be as the Tarmac SL7 (lightweight and aero)

One can quantify aerodynamics. But one can't quantify handling. And when going downhill bends, the latter gains you more time saving.

excellent points, I can never find the worst bike models, even with intense searching, have to go to product reviews that are critical

My favourite bike would be the Venge Generation 4: More aero, lighter, threaded BB and the new CLX Rapide... Maybe they will bring back the Venge some day?

Thoughts on new TCR?

Fantastic video. For what it's worth, I unsubscribed from the large cycling channel two years ago and don't miss the fluff. Your content is far more useful quality per time spent.

Sorry but the cube does not belong in this video. You might not like the cosmetics but if you are going to bash a bike atleast show some hard data.

Please do a similar video for TT/triathlon bikes

Great video, Alex, as usual. Cheers

Giant TCR is my number 1

This was great! Loved it!

Well said Prof about the cycling magazines although they need us to keep buying bikes and not hack off the makers for them to keep going and so they might eschew the science. I'm now paranoid about bottles. Thanks for all the spreadsheets.

How do you rate the new Canyon Aeroad 2021 ?

Disagree about the Cube. The price is about half of Specialized Venge pro with the same Ultegra di2 and frame of similar weight and aero properties. You can choose the wheel upgrade of your own choice and still save big chunk of cash. Only the canyon Aeroad cf sl 8.0 di2 disc can beat it in value but you lose out on fully hidden cables and a dated +slightly heavier frame. Looks are personal taste.

I think the SL7 aero claims are very misleading. How does a round downtube bike become as aero as a venge? I believe the SL7 aero benefits come from the wheelset, integrated cables and stem and aero seat tube. I'd rather have a Cannondale SuperSix or Cervelo R5.

I love my cannondale SuperSixEvo. With 105 it’s good enough for me as a beginner and I don’t feel like I needed up pay up for Ultegra or Duraace, it’s a great frame that one day I can upgrade. I do wana upgrade the wheels though, the Mavics it comes with are cheap and according to my much more experienced friends the weak link on my bike

How About the 2020 BMC Timemachine Road 01 ? what can you say about it?

Hi, I have watched your honest review and I have a Scott bike. I was just curious why a Bianchi model is not seen in your video. I may have skipped some frames…

Giant TCR , brilliant bike , brilliant value .

I was hating on Spesh for a while until I tried the SL6 disc. To me, they finally put it all together. Best riding bike I've ever owned.

Great video, I'd like to see similar but for framesets as over time I've upgraded the components and wheels on my cheap bike and at some point the last step will be replacing the frameset. Current favourite is the Ridley Noah.

thanks, i was looking at the new canyon aeroad when released or a tarmac sl7

Great video👍🏻👏🏻 may i also know what is the make of the bottle cage of the SL7?

Are you kidding me? All the Italian bikes should be on the list Colnagos are heavy and the paint job has gone downhill...

Overpriced Italian products are not any news. Go to Venice for example and try to afford an icecream or a restaurant for a Pasta Carbonara! You will pay 1/4 of one of these Italian bikes.

What is your thought of Cervelo S3 Disc? Internal cable routing and clean cockpit too.

I dont agree at all with this video. Specially calling all these high end bikes that has TDF reputation worst. Like BMC, Pinarello and specialized always seeing them crossing the finish line first, and with multiple achievements. If we’re talking about price points yes because their not affordable for the most part, but just because their price is high doesnt make them worst, cheap bikes are made with low end carbon materials and the components that comes with the bike is a big factor as well.

Is it just me, or were the aero tests skewed by the results of having deeper rims? Especially the 1400g, 51/60mm depth Roval Rapid CLX

Love your videos and constantly objective approach! High integrity! Any thoughts about BMC GF01? (Early 10’s)..

Rose X light 6 best bike for money in mine opinion

Hey it's Summit Bicycles - Burlingame.

I get it... it’s 2020 content... but at the end of the day there’s not much out there that’s going to beat a SL6 Tarmac. The SL7 crosses the line to aero bikes. The geo is more Venge than Tarmac if you ask me.

Another great review there are loads of us in our 40s and 50s leaving GCN as there content since Matt Stephens left has progressively got worse. Poor testing in gcn tech childish presenting and endless splurging of the industry marketing. Thank you , and the other channels oz biker, leuschar tech, hambini and vegan cycle for some perspective. If the industry puts its faith in gcn then it’s in trouble as I don’t know a serious cyclist that watches it now.

would like to see comparison between the Specialized SL7 and the Merida Reacto, they are very similar and interest to know what are the main differences

Giant tcr Sl0 the best all round bike

hmm... my dogma f12 rim brake is 6.85 kg with 60mm depth wheels ..... so i am not sure what constitute 7.7kg -7.9kg... that he got from... do u use tiagra groupset?

I like specialised but again after crash super poor, this whole aerodynamic thing is just a way of selling bikes,, basically a good stiff with good frame with good wheels with reasonable weight frame , will your own personal fitness will keep you at the head of your group on a Sunday Ride, or races.

Haha. I played with the ribble builder too and came up with a bike that cost a fortune too. I like that you can pick and choose though, its nice to have options.

Nice review and nice countering of all of the marketing stuff being thrown at us in this big dollar industry. Just one remark though. Canyon offers great value for money if you have the skills to work on your bike. Not all of us can though. The after market service for me is also an important factor in the consideration to buy a bike. I’m not claiming Canyon does not do a good job in that, but as there is no dealer network I hope everyone agrees it is not as good as other brands on that part.

Have you taken a look at Look bikes? I own a 795 Blade RS so of course I’m a little biased and think it’s amazing but Hambini also seems to like em

subjective Like your opinion about the cube, seems if you upgrade the wheels with some dt swiss or zipp 404 you will have a great sub 5000 euro aero bike with ultegra Di2. But I see now in some later comment that you might have been a bit harsh. The look of the bike improves a lot (like most aero bikes) if you put some high carbon wheels on.

Surely, many of your comments are based on your personal tastes, which is what you criticised the other channels for. What about strength to weight ratio and ride comfort? LOOK Cycles have a lot of integrity but that is overlooked in this type of comparison. Bottom bracket design tells us a lot about torsional strength of a frame. Also, components can radically change the feel of the bike, of course. When talking Watts, what about groupsets and wheels? I saw a test which shows Dura Ace Di2 has the advantage of efficiency over SRAM Red AXS of 5 watts in 300 watts of effort. Then, on an emotional level, there is the panache factor; to me some bikes, however well integrated are just ugly, others are beautiful.

Currently have the SL4 and am planning on going to the Sworks SL7. I love these!!

what do you think about cannondale systemsix? love your videos! cheers!

Giant TCR for my number 1 simple and light. Tried other bike brands no comparison.

scott addict, specialized tarmac sl7, scott foil, trek madone, trek emonda

A refreshing change. Excellent.

Does your standing change now that the Aeroad is essentially doomed to fail with it's horrible seatpost issue?

Good objective comparison. I think the challenge with these is still personal preference. If you value looks I think Pinarello wins hands down… other might like the look of something else… and so the debate continues. Great video.

The bike industry is in many ways similar to the shoe or sunglasses industry. They figured out long ago that people will pay ludicrous amounts money for image and prestige. If it’s about objectivity, we’d all be wearing crocs or flip flips for comfort instead, we see some women putting up with excruciating pain to fit into stylish shoes.

I actually agree with you on the Cannondale, the only thing I don't like is durability if you crash

Thank you for your review. All the top bikes will be nice as you mentioned and there will only be a few watts between them. Frankly all new bikes are way too expensive. A decent secondhand bike in my view is good enough. Let your legs do the talking rather than your bank account.

how many km you use all bikes?, Canyon e.g. sorry but my friend had accidentally, because newest aero Canyon Sram about 10000euro vibrated on 50km/h and more, expert evaluate it as frame softness .. I have never seen vibrate Cervelo, Pinarello or BMC . Thank you

No Giant's???

How come tarmac is rated higher than the Venge? Also worth noting that the S5 did two solo breakaway wins at Tdf. Aero probably helped that quite a bit!

You hit it on the head about speed. I am new to road biking and love the design of some of the bike's which are really a piece of art. I am shopping right now for that "right bike" but I keep hearing components, groupset, wheels etc and most of all speed speed and getting 3-5 seconds increase in speed ..was a WOW then WTF we doing biking buying by seconds in speed advantage? Got friends buying bikes in the $3k, $6k then $10k+ really? I am just looking for decent (carbon) frame (15-17lbs), aesthetic and great looking design, right groupset & wheels EVERYTHING else i think it is in the legs and riding experiences. Unless i am in biking to win some $$ I will have my bike custom and money is not an object for the ideal bike. Glad i found your vid bc now I get to narrow my shopping list. ;). If anyone wanted to pitch a bike to sell I am open to it. ;)

Hi, please help. I've been wanting to buy the new ribble ultra slr but I swear, THERE IS NO UNBIASED REVIEW ANYWHERE Please tell me your thoughts

2021 giant tcr advanced 2 is good enough for me

If you build an all round bike, would you focus on aero or light weight? Can you list top, middle n low end suggestions for all rounders bike..

This is the least scientific evaluation and the worst review I've seen on the Superbike category

the worst is the new Emonda... the mid range bikes are heavier than gravel bikes and are in the high end ht mtb range

The bike I would love to get is a Merida Reacto. I know it doesn’t stand up against these bikes but damn it’s a very nice bike that isn’t extremely overpriced. The Scultura Endurance 7000e is very nice also.

What do you think of the Parlee RZ7?

I am a little surprised by the weight of all these bikes. Most of them are in the 7-8 kg range and that is with the lightest groupsets, carbon fiber frames and no pedals. My 2012 aluminium bike with an Ultegra groupset and pedals weighs in at 8.4 kg. Take off the pedals and add Dura Ace parts and I'm looking at sub 8 and that bike was only €500 used 2 years ago.

Aside from the integration I prefer the Tarmac SL6 over the SL7. I also have a BMC SLR01 and that is an incredible bike in looks and performance. Not the lightest but great for the flats and rollers. When it the road goes up I use my SL6.

Interesting thoughts and welcome data manipulation. We all need to stand up and push back at the bike industry's BS. But engineering engineering engineering. Surely we need a bit more on the price of cable integration and other 'innovations'. Yeah, we all love the looks and theoretically it makes a very marginal aero gain (mostly offset by the discs and weight), but is it worth the price? That Cervelo S5 is bordering on criminally negligent. The Cannondale can't turn its bars either. Ever noticed how many Canyons loose their stem/forks in pro bike crashes? Ovalising (and not reinforcing) the front of steerer tubes to cram in hoses/cables (many makes)? Clamping brake hoses in too-tight radiuses at the stem (Specialized et al)? Increasing the head tube (most aero affecting tube) size to integrate cables (Scott)? Ever put these bikes in a bike box? A car? The list of terrible, dangerous, marketing led engineering in the bike industry goes on and on. The customer and the hospitals pick up the bill. But is it any wonder when well engineered bikes such as the Giant TCR/TCR SL (lightweight) , Colnago C series (all around) or 3T Strada (aero) get little coverage and don't seem to play well with your data weighting? How about a category in your spreadsheet for durability: 'would you like your bike to survive a light crash' or ' rate the importance of your bars remaining attached to your bike after hitting a pothole?' Unless you race or ride regularly at 40KPH+, aero footling beyond position, clothes, helmet and wheels makes no significant difference. That you identify the difference between best and worst as 2 water bottles really helps demonstrate this. ie Naff all. Ride more. So well done with the work so far, but I think a measure of real world relevance would be useful.

What do you think of the giant propel ?

that cervelo is super looking and performing bike. Hirschi will tell you👍

Anyone ever think about pro riders switching teams and thus also switching bikes (as they need to follow the team). They do not stick with the bike because they know it’s about the legs and not about the pure technology... We are talking about high end segment. In my honest opinion, this is most marketing talk and not scientific evidence. If not, all pros would ride the same super bike giving them all the advantages...

How about the 2020/2021 scott addict and foil? Both have some of the best integration on the market.

complaining, but you only covered cube litening aero not the air version. would you still put the air version in as one of the worst super bikes?

I really love the sl7 it my number one to bro 👊🏽 I can’t wait to get mine 😉

You can’t judge a bike until you’ve ridden it , for me the best bike is the Giant TCR , light , nimble and fast plus of course great value for money .

What's your take on the new Fuji Transonic or the Supreme... And the 2019 a Kestrel Talon X Dura-Ace!?

The Pinarello and S-Works SL7 are about the same ludicrously high price but you put the Pin. on the worst list because it’s too expensive and bit heavier (not crazy - adds more stability) but the SL7 #1. I really miss the logic.

If you want to see just how much all the "aero" crap means... look at this year's Milan San Remo. The newest, "fastest" superbike= Specialized Tarmac sl7 got out sprinted in a fast, very close finish (where aero should make the most difference) by a very old, very not aero design= Bianchi Oltre.

you need to add some of the latest like Willier Filante SLR, BIanchi Oltre Speciallisima, etc etc

Very interesting. Sad to see all the bikes going for disk brakes. Fine if your team mechanic will adjust them but for club riders they're a pain

What do you think of Fezzari’s Empire?

That 15k Tarmac will be worth 3k in years time. The rest will be land fill except that Pinarello. I'm looking online for a used 8 year old Pinarellos and they're selling at $7,000

SL7 is crap! It is heavier then the SL6. The best bike is the SL6 and you can buy the top of the range SL6 for a discount.