I picked up a Madone SLR 6 in 2019 and it quickly became my favorite ride. Eight months after having purchased it, one of the seat stays showed a hairline crack. Without question, Trek honored their lifetime warranty and I had a spanking new 2020 Madone SLR 7 within 10 days! Easily the most enjoyable bike I've ridden.
I agree. I've had mine for about 6 weeks now and I'm thrilled with the speed that I get out of it....and was blown away by how comfortable it is to ride.
@@chrisgilligan4968 I'm torn between getting the Systemsix and a Canyon Aeroad. How's you decide to get a Systemsix over all the other aero bikes available?
@@enriqueDFTL My LBS sells cannondale and I didn't want to risk buying an expensive bike on line without trying it. I test rode the System Six and loved it.
Thank you for a great video comparison. I currently ride a 2020 Trek Crockett 5 Cyclocross and in the market for my first road bike. I've been looking at a Cannondale SystemSix Ultegra, Trek Madone Sl6 and Orbea Orca M30 Team. It'll be used for group rides with friends and general fitness. I'm no racer but in the mindset of buy smart = buy once. Which of these would you recommend?
I have no idea why 3T Strada didn't deserves the spotlight among other aero bike. It is the simplest and insanely fast disc-equiped aero bike with comfort of 28c tyre all in one package. I've own it since 2018 and never looking back because every other brand soon will follow
I have a 3T Strada. I’m about to rebuild it with Campagnolo ekar to rejuvenate it and see where I am in a time/technology scale. I’ve been eyeballing the Factor Ostro and the Cervelo S5
Bro cervelo is a giant piece of crap. BB cracking problems and cracks appearing in their bikes. Theyll do anything not to honour their frame guarantee. You should have added Giant Propel.
Bit late to comment. I'd like your opinion please on a look 795 blade . Ultregra di2, aero bars seat post , decent wheels @ 5800 euro . It's the 2020 version I think . It's listed at 1000 less that on Look site . No power meter . Colour white ..Big thanks to you get to this. The 1000 euro discount was leaning me towards it
Hi - just watched your video thanks. I am buying a new bike for racing sprint triathlon. I want a fast aero road set up possibly with tri bars option (Clip on) rather than a full tri bike allowing me to ride it at weekends too. Most sprint races are hilly in the UK too (I have 22 years' experience and I do 8 races per year so I speak from experience!) so tri set up is not always good. I am trying to qualify for age group GB again this year - international races are now draft legal but tri bars are not allowed. Thus far, I am still struggling to identify the best bike that fits this spec with geometry to allows the optimum position to run afterwards. (I don't want much do I :)
I’m also considering BMC. So...what’s the fastest aero bike of the aero bikes? Which one would make me want to attack on the final lap of a crit with a strong headwind?
According to Cannondale, and backed up by independent research....as of release of the 2020 models - the SystemSix is the slipperyest in the wind - including a wide span of yaw angles.
i think filante is a match for the supersix evo but if you match the speed and aerodynamic with the systemsix? i'll go with the systemsix all day long with that crazy frame and stiffness
Great video and very useful as I'm looking at the System Six, Cervelo S3 or S5 or Madone SL7. I live in a hilly area so need something that can cope with that but also put the hammer down on flats during the weekend whizzing around Regents Park, London. How does my selection stack up. I'm leaning towards the Cannondale (probably because that's what I already have), looks great and have seen one out on the road. Help! :-)
@@davidarthur They just announced a light makeover. All internal cables and new handlebars. I have a 2019 premium disc and it will fit 32mm contis with room to spare. Fast and comfy.
Budget wise and the one giving you best components for your money is the Canyon Aeroad and it's one of the lightest Aero bikes out there i can't wait for the 2021 one with integrated cockpit and i bet they shaved few more grams out of it not that i'm a wight weenie. Can't wait to see it and probably order it
@@dannyjuan8128 last i weight my bike the scale showed 18lbs including pedals, 2 bottle cages, comp mount and lights. As far as descents are concern, I rode the bike on one steep descent and half way down the front end felt very unstable thinking I had a flat. Luckily that wasn't the case. Most likely the issue was my 47 deep DT Swiss ERC1100 wheels and the wind. In the next couple of weeks I am replacing the Oltre with the new Factor Ostro Vam- lighter, even more aero and should be significantly faster.
@@dannyjuan8128 no, it’s hard to climb on the Oltre. It’s not a climbing bike. I live in a predominantly flat terrain and no need for a club mining bike. But this summer I’m moving to a hillier area and thus one of the reasons I am switching to the Ostro Vam.
@@davidarthur Thanks for answering candidly. It must be hard trying to walk the line of keeping all the manufacturers happy so that they oblige you with product for testing.
You're looking for a TT bike or a road bike that you can put clip-on bars? If the clip-on option....then any bike with flat aero bars won't work....unless you don't mind to swap out the whole bar system when you want to race or train in TT position
Been considering the Orbea Orca Aero for a few months, but just not sure on aero yet. Take the claims made by Cannondale in this vid for example, that their aero bike is faster on anything up to 6%... well although where I live is hilly nearby but surrounded by flat, and I spend more time on the flat cutting back and forth to different hills.... I ain't checking my Strava for the flat bits. I think everyone bar perhaps crit riders wants to go up quicker. So doesn't that mean if you're doing hills with anything more than a 3.5 - 4% avg gradient, you're probably better on the climbing bike?
If all you're doing is climbing then weight clearly matters, but if you have a lot of flatter roads then aero, even at lower speeds, it going to make a difference - if the aero bike is saving you energy on the flat bits you've got more in the tank for the climbs right?
@@davidarthur couldn't the same therefore be said of, for example a Specialized Roubaix taking the edge off the roads, providing fresher rider? I just thought it notable that within the description of how fast the Cannondale aero is below 6%, presumably anything above 6% you're better on something lighter - even though aerodynamics continue to matter up to about 15%.
Well absolutely, a lot to be said for the benefits of wide tyres and features like the Future Shock for allowing you to rider faster and more comfortably on bumpy roads. I think it really comes down to the terrain you're riding and how you're riding. If you're only into smashing the hills and pottering along on the flats, then a super light bike is probably going to suit you better. If all your climbs are in the 4-6% range and you're pushing on, then aero might still benefit
@@campbelllewis5068 look at the weight differences, a full water bottle is all it takes. Do you really think 1/2 lb will make a difference when most cyclist could stand to loose 10 lbs or more???
I did not check out the Madone. I narrowed my search between the Propel and the SystemSix. I ended up on the Cannondale partly because I preferred the SystemSix, and partly due to availability....tough to find a bike in these Covid-19 days.
I thought one of the benefits of disc brakes was to enable wider tyres? Nowadays most manufacturers stipulate max 28mm tyres??? 28 isn’t that wide! My Caad12 rim brake bike from 4 years ago can take 28s and I’m sure even 30s!! Disc brakes are less aero, they’re ugly, much heavier, cost more, give the ability for 28mm tyres ( so do rim brakes) and are only better in the wet for road riding! I know this is a whole different topic, but they’re pointless unless you ride in the wet often, are a mountain , gravel or cyclocross rider.
True, and that is very much the case on endurance and gravel bikes, but worth remembering these are aero bikes and a wider tyre does incur a drag penalty so it's a balancing act between aero and comfort. It's a long way from the 1st gen aero bikes that would struggle to fit a 25mm
david arthur so, are you saying putting a narrower tyre on your aero bike is gonna make you faster? Cus not long ago I remember GCN saying a wider 28mm tyre was faster than a 23 when the craze toward wider tyres started. Does anyone actually know for sure? In my mind “Aero” seems to be very subjective. I think it was cycling weekly who only recently did an aero helmet test with aerocoach and different helmets were faster for the different riders. So, it appears there is no definitive aero helmet. Surely, that can’t be the case!
@@BikeLife154 No that's not what I'm saying, my point is aero bikes aren't pushing the extremes of tyre width compared to endurance and gravel bikes, which definitely are. But more of the latest aero bikes are going wider with capacity for 'up to' 28/30mm tyres. The 3T Strada was a key bike because it was designed entirely around 28mm tyres, with every aspect of the frame designed to accommodate the wide tyre. Aero is a tricky subject though because it's near impossibly for you and I to verify in the real world with all its variables. There is no disputing wider is faster, but there is a limit - you don't want to be putting a 47mm tyre on an aero bike because that's a big frontal surface area. So it's a case of compromise and finding the right balance for each bike and what it's designed for. Hope that makes some sense?!
david arthur I understood what you were saying, but manufacturers have been putting 23s on the front of their new aero bikes which I think is sending out a conflicting message in that case. I was thinking of buying an aero road bike, but at a max of 28mm tyres I’ll stick with what I have. Why can’t they make an aero road bike that can accommodate 35-38mm tyres for winter riding and then 25-30mm for summer. Now that’s what I want! I don’t want a gravel or endurance bike tho!
I picked up a Madone SLR 6 in 2019 and it quickly became my favorite ride. Eight months after having purchased it, one of the seat stays showed a hairline crack. Without question, Trek honored their lifetime warranty and I had a spanking new 2020 Madone SLR 7 within 10 days! Easily the most enjoyable bike I've ridden.
That's amazing customer support, great to hear examples like that. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you got an upgrade too?
I own a System Six and it is my most comfortable bike as well as being the fastest ; )
I agree. I've had mine for about 6 weeks now and I'm thrilled with the speed that I get out of it....and was blown away by how comfortable it is to ride.
@@chrisgilligan4968 I'm torn between getting the Systemsix and a Canyon Aeroad. How's you decide to get a Systemsix over all the other aero bikes available?
Mine is on its way, can’t wait!!!
@@enriqueDFTL My LBS sells cannondale and I didn't want to risk buying an expensive bike on line without trying it. I test rode the System Six and loved it.
@Le tra I wish you nothing but happiness and joy!
Thank you for a great video comparison. I currently ride a 2020 Trek Crockett 5 Cyclocross and in the market for my first road bike. I've been looking at a Cannondale SystemSix Ultegra, Trek Madone Sl6 and Orbea Orca M30 Team. It'll be used for group rides with friends and general fitness. I'm no racer but in the mindset of buy smart = buy once. Which of these would you recommend?
I have no idea why 3T Strada didn't deserves the spotlight among other aero bike. It is the simplest and insanely fast disc-equiped aero bike with comfort of 28c tyre all in one package. I've own it since 2018 and never looking back because every other brand soon will follow
Because you cant go fast enough on a 44/10.
Riding 3t for an year. Great bike. Simple, comfortable, fast and….. cheaper than other bikes. Money well spent.
Hello can’t I install a sworks mirror saddle in a cannondale systemesix ?
I have a 3T Strada. I’m about to rebuild it with Campagnolo ekar to rejuvenate it and see where I am in a time/technology scale. I’ve been eyeballing the Factor Ostro and the Cervelo S5
Bro cervelo is a giant piece of crap. BB cracking problems and cracks appearing in their bikes. Theyll do anything not to honour their frame guarantee. You should have added Giant Propel.
Hi David, great video. Which of these bikes would you recommend for riders that want an aero that can climb well also?
Bit late to comment. I'd like your opinion please on a look 795 blade . Ultregra di2, aero bars seat post , decent wheels @ 5800 euro . It's the 2020 version I think . It's listed at 1000 less that on Look site . No power meter . Colour white ..Big thanks to you get to this. The 1000 euro discount was leaning me towards it
Hi - just watched your video thanks. I am buying a new bike for racing sprint triathlon. I want a fast aero road set up possibly with tri bars option (Clip on) rather than a full tri bike allowing me to ride it at weekends too. Most sprint races are hilly in the UK too (I have 22 years' experience and I do 8 races per year so I speak from experience!) so tri set up is not always good. I am trying to qualify for age group GB again this year - international races are now draft legal but tri bars are not allowed. Thus far, I am still struggling to identify the best bike that fits this spec with geometry to allows the optimum position to run afterwards. (I don't want much do I :)
The Brand that introduce the aeroframe to the world Merida Reacto inst here?!!😂😂
I need a Madone but not the top end. When does next generation pop out?
I’m also considering BMC. So...what’s the fastest aero bike of the aero bikes? Which one would make me want to attack on the final lap of a crit with a strong headwind?
I reckon they'd all help you attack on the final lap quite nicely :)
According to Cannondale, and backed up by independent research....as of release of the 2020 models - the SystemSix is the slipperyest in the wind - including a wide span of yaw angles.
Which one you advice for best bike with good budget ?
Also which trek madona best ?
I'm 5'5 what size should I get?
What’s the best bike between Canondale / Trek / Specialised and Bianchi….. which one would you go for and how would you rank them 1-4??
where is Willier? I would exchange a SystemSix for a Filante in this rating
i think filante is a match for the supersix evo but if you match the speed and aerodynamic with the systemsix? i'll go with the systemsix all day long with that crazy frame and stiffness
Great video and very useful as I'm looking at the System Six, Cervelo S3 or S5 or Madone SL7. I live in a hilly area so need something that can cope with that but also put the hammer down on flats during the weekend whizzing around Regents Park, London. How does my selection stack up. I'm leaning towards the Cannondale (probably because that's what I already have), looks great and have seen one out on the road. Help! :-)
I'd love to see the new Scott Addict RC "climbing bike" up against some of these. And will the Foil get a makeover in 2021?
That would be a good test. And reckon you’re right on the Foil, it must be due soon
@@davidarthur They just announced a light makeover. All internal cables and new handlebars. I have a 2019 premium disc and it will fit 32mm contis with room to spare. Fast and comfy.
Is Giant a good brand and is it used by professional cyclists on Tour de France?
Yes they are
@@qibble455 what country do you live in and how much did you get it for
Budget wise and the one giving you best components for your money is the Canyon Aeroad and it's one of the lightest Aero bikes out there i can't wait for the 2021 one with integrated cockpit and i bet they shaved few more grams out of it not that i'm a wight weenie. Can't wait to see it and probably order it
It seems to me that the headtube, downtube and fork of the cboardman 9.8 air elite is more aero than most.
I got my Bianchi Oltre few weeks ago. What a sexy beast bike! The Ferrari of bikes. Super comfortable and rigid.
how light is it? is it stiff enough for a full speed desent?
@@dannyjuan8128 last i weight my bike the scale showed 18lbs including pedals, 2 bottle cages, comp mount and lights. As far as descents are concern, I rode the bike on one steep descent and half way down the front end felt very unstable thinking I had a flat. Luckily that wasn't the case. Most likely the issue was my 47 deep DT Swiss ERC1100 wheels and the wind. In the next couple of weeks I am replacing the Oltre with the new Factor Ostro Vam- lighter, even more aero and should be significantly faster.
@@martinth2529 dose it dance up climbs like giant tcr or the bianchi spelisma series?
@@dannyjuan8128 no, it’s hard to climb on the Oltre. It’s not a climbing bike. I live in a predominantly flat terrain and no need for a club mining bike. But this summer I’m moving to a hillier area and thus one of the reasons I am switching to the Ostro Vam.
Great content as always David. Question for you - if it's your money and you can only buy 1 of these bikes which one would it be?
Ummm, based on the bikes I've ridden, probably the Venge
@@davidarthur Thanks for answering candidly. It must be hard trying to walk the line of keeping all the manufacturers happy so that they oblige you with product for testing.
Pinarello; the wildest, Madone; the sexiest, but SystemSix; The Fastest.
So you didn’t include Giant propel advance, it doesn’t break your bank account and you get a lot of speed too.
How about weight comparison?
all this aero and big fat bottles?
What about Scott Foil?
I am looking for an aero bike most suitable also for triathlon (aerobars, adjustable postion, etc.), any advice?
You're looking for a TT bike or a road bike that you can put clip-on bars? If the clip-on option....then any bike with flat aero bars won't work....unless you don't mind to swap out the whole bar system when you want to race or train in TT position
Chris Gilligan that is not correct. The Venge, the Madone, the S5 (an probably several others) offer proprietary options for using extensions.
Thanks, I have also found that Giant propel has dedicated aerobars, maybe that is the best option.
Tarmac SL7 to rule them all..
All of these aero bikes with drops. Interested!
How you didn't include Giant Propel? Just can't believe because on paper and in tests that's one of the fastest aerobikes available!
Fair point - I'll have to do another roundup of the best aero bikes
Been considering the Orbea Orca Aero for a few months, but just not sure on aero yet. Take the claims made by Cannondale in this vid for example, that their aero bike is faster on anything up to 6%... well although where I live is hilly nearby but surrounded by flat, and I spend more time on the flat cutting back and forth to different hills.... I ain't checking my Strava for the flat bits. I think everyone bar perhaps crit riders wants to go up quicker.
So doesn't that mean if you're doing hills with anything more than a 3.5 - 4% avg gradient, you're probably better on the climbing bike?
If all you're doing is climbing then weight clearly matters, but if you have a lot of flatter roads then aero, even at lower speeds, it going to make a difference - if the aero bike is saving you energy on the flat bits you've got more in the tank for the climbs right?
@@davidarthur couldn't the same therefore be said of, for example a Specialized Roubaix taking the edge off the roads, providing fresher rider?
I just thought it notable that within the description of how fast the Cannondale aero is below 6%, presumably anything above 6% you're better on something lighter - even though aerodynamics continue to matter up to about 15%.
Well absolutely, a lot to be said for the benefits of wide tyres and features like the Future Shock for allowing you to rider faster and more comfortably on bumpy roads. I think it really comes down to the terrain you're riding and how you're riding. If you're only into smashing the hills and pottering along on the flats, then a super light bike is probably going to suit you better. If all your climbs are in the 4-6% range and you're pushing on, then aero might still benefit
@@campbelllewis5068 look at the weight differences, a full water bottle is all it takes. Do you really think 1/2 lb will make a difference when most cyclist could stand to loose 10 lbs or more???
Love my SystemSix
Recumbents and fairings? M5 CHR, Cruzbike Vendetta, M1 , Magic, Bachetta Carbon aero, Performer low racer
And the lapierre aircode drs ? 🙄
The Dogma has to be one of the worst looking bikes on the market.
I think it's quite beautiful, personal preference I guess venge, aeroroad, foil, madone are quite beautiful. Canondale unite ugly same with 3T
@@jaspreetsidhu5708 overpriced af
The best Pinarello Dogma f12 and F
Colnago Concept? Giant? Merida? etc....(I guess not enough marketing dollars sent?)
Which is the lightest bike overall?
That’s a tricky one to answer cos it depends on the exact build. You could start with the claimed frame weights I suppose?
@@davidarthur yes that would be good info if you have it
Merida reacto?!
I am looking to buy the madone or the Cannondale. I’m looking for comfort and speed
I did not check out the Madone. I narrowed my search between the Propel and the SystemSix. I ended up on the Cannondale partly because I preferred the SystemSix, and partly due to availability....tough to find a bike in these Covid-19 days.
Lovely bikes altho for my own cash itd be the bianchi
Agree the Bianchi is a pretty pretty bike
@@davidarthur sadly well out of my price range, canyon is likely the best value and still a nice bike
I thought one of the benefits of disc brakes was to enable wider tyres? Nowadays most manufacturers stipulate max 28mm tyres??? 28 isn’t that wide! My Caad12 rim brake bike from 4 years ago can take 28s and I’m sure even 30s!! Disc brakes are less aero, they’re ugly, much heavier, cost more, give the ability for 28mm tyres ( so do rim brakes) and are only better in the wet for road riding! I know this is a whole different topic, but they’re pointless unless you ride in the wet often, are a mountain , gravel or cyclocross rider.
True, and that is very much the case on endurance and gravel bikes, but worth remembering these are aero bikes and a wider tyre does incur a drag penalty so it's a balancing act between aero and comfort. It's a long way from the 1st gen aero bikes that would struggle to fit a 25mm
david arthur so, are you saying putting a narrower tyre on your aero bike is gonna make you faster? Cus not long ago I remember GCN saying a wider 28mm tyre was faster than a 23 when the craze toward wider tyres started. Does anyone actually know for sure? In my mind “Aero” seems to be very subjective. I think it was cycling weekly who only recently did an aero helmet test with aerocoach and different helmets were faster for the different riders. So, it appears there is no definitive aero helmet. Surely, that can’t be the case!
@@BikeLife154 No that's not what I'm saying, my point is aero bikes aren't pushing the extremes of tyre width compared to endurance and gravel bikes, which definitely are. But more of the latest aero bikes are going wider with capacity for 'up to' 28/30mm tyres. The 3T Strada was a key bike because it was designed entirely around 28mm tyres, with every aspect of the frame designed to accommodate the wide tyre. Aero is a tricky subject though because it's near impossibly for you and I to verify in the real world with all its variables. There is no disputing wider is faster, but there is a limit - you don't want to be putting a 47mm tyre on an aero bike because that's a big frontal surface area. So it's a case of compromise and finding the right balance for each bike and what it's designed for. Hope that makes some sense?!
david arthur I understood what you were saying, but manufacturers have been putting 23s on the front of their new aero bikes which I think is sending out a conflicting message in that case. I was thinking of buying an aero road bike, but at a max of 28mm tyres I’ll stick with what I have. Why can’t they make an aero road bike that can accommodate 35-38mm tyres for winter riding and then 25-30mm for summer. Now that’s what I want! I don’t want a gravel or endurance bike tho!
You need to check out the Rondo HVRT then!
Weirdly, the Pinarello is the the dullest of the bunch. Wouldn't refuse any of them though.
Think the Dogma F12 needs a more exciting paint job for starters
@@davidarthur i think that's the real issue, the giro pink and tdf yellow versions are stunning. The plain ineos colours are zzzzzzzz
Ridley Noah Fast
So aero that.. Side winds don't affect them. 🤣🤣
Canyon aeroad showing his age.
Now is realy outdated.
3T strada is awfull concept and bad design
Sorry, working on your flexibility and power delivery in a low position has got to be the focus.