In the 65th year of its existence, the Italian manufacturer Gios celebrates a successful return to the European market. "The winning blue is back", is the motto. And that is by no means an understatement in view of the rich product range.
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The offer ranges from classic steel frames to carbon racers. During the last Eurobike, the Gios AeroLite drew a lot of looks. The reason for this is simple, as it raises the issue of system integration to a new level: internally routed cable and cable routing, integrated bottle holder and a hidden seat post clamp. We tried to find out what the bike can do.
//Equipment and practice
The name AeroLite is not new. In the past, the striking company logo with the Olympic rings was emblazoned on a frame made of 7005 aluminum. However, the current model has nothing in common with this. So not only is the material different, but also the form incorporated into it. Our test model with a frame height of 54 impresses at first glance with its looks.
The strikingly shaped carbon frame has several special features. At the front, the raised head tube catches the eye, which, in combination with the relatively long top tube, ensures a pleasantly relaxed but also sporty seating position. The fork head is integrated into the shape of the down tube towards the rear, which is intended to improve the aerodynamics of the frame. This will at AeroLite generally capitalized. While the top and bottom tubes are teardrop-shaped, the seat tube is trapezoidal in the direction of the rear wheel. The support struts are kept flat, but widen in the area of the brake mount and have a lug at the upper end. In addition to the aerodynamics, the extensions also contribute to the rigidity of the frame. This is particularly evident in the area of the bottom bracket and at the steering head. This reacts to starts AeroLite precise and direct, although a lower front would give the bike even more agility. But once it gets going, it proves that it has been optimized for speed. This is also shown by the other features.
Among these, the seat post stands out, which was specially manufactured for the frame and thus fits into the aerodynamic concept of the frame to the same extent as the two integrated lugs for the bottle holders. To hold the bottles, only a corresponding ring has to be screwed on. Since this can be slightly tilted to the side, removing the bottle is a breeze when in use.
The many openings, which are intended to offer optimal integration of a large number of components, are of a more technical nature. In addition to cable shifters, the electronic variants from Shimano and Campagnolo can also be installed. On our test model was the Great Record EPS installed by the Italian. The shifter cables were fed into the frame at the level of the fork head and exited the frame in the immediate vicinity of the derailleur or rear derailleur. With regard to the rear derailleur, however, you should work carefully when laying the cables, since the outlet opening is a little far from the rear derailleur and the cable is therefore slightly stretched in this area. The battery was attached to the down tube, just above the bottom bracket.
In addition to the Great Record EPS, which ensured extremely crisp and precise shifting during our test use, our test bike was otherwise very well equipped. The handlebar-stem combination came from the one made of carbon Superleggera-Row of Deda. The wheels were Fulcrums Red Wind XLR installed, which came up with a rim height of 50 millimeters and aluminum flanks. In terms of their performance, they proved to be a fast all-rounder, which is not up to the much more expensive, pure carbon models, but is versatile in comparison. Although we didn't get into the rain with the bike, the wheels should convince with good braking behavior even in the wet thanks to the aluminum flanks. The mounted ones also speak for this 4000 Grand Prix from Continental, about whose qualities there is no need to say more words. Although the wheels themselves are not necessarily the lightest on the market at just under 1,6 kilograms, the weight is still okay due to the mix of materials.
//Practice
As already briefly mentioned, the bike proved to be a thoroughbred athlete in use. From the first turn of the pedals you could feel the forward thrust of the elegantly equipped Italian, although the acceleration curve only shows a steep upward trend from a certain basic speed. Once you're on the move, it's tempting AeroLite to keep up the pace. With a little more than six and a half kilograms of luggage, this is no wonder. On the flat, the bike doesn't need to shy away from the battle with other aero road bikes. On mountainous and winding routes, however, the last kick is missing. Nevertheless, the positive driving characteristics outweigh the negative. In addition to these, the second strength of the bike is the consistent focus on system integration. Herein lies the hidden strength of the AeroLite.
//Conclusion
The AeroLite is available in the equipment we tested for 7.999,00 euros from authorized Gios dealers - with the option of individual assembly. The frameset alone weighs 2.499,00 euros. Certainly a handsome price, but one that is justified when you consider the balanced, professional driving behavior of the AeroLite. We were impressed by the behavior at high speeds as well as the comfortable seating position. Even long distances can be comfortably covered by bike race mode return. We especially liked the color scheme. The blue, which is actually so distinctive for Gios, moves on AeroLite discreetly in the background. The dominant color is black. And this suits the bike extremely well. Sporty, extravagant, but never too stubborn, the bike will certainly quickly find enthusiastic fans.
//Product highlights
- consistent system integration
- very good equipment
- Sporty handling, especially at high speeds
- extravagant look
//price and web
- 7.999,00 Euros
- www.gios.eu
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