The number of aluminum wheels on the market is constantly decreasing these days. However, the Upper Bavarian manufacturer Corratec would like to offer price-conscious racers and newcomers an attractive alternative to carbon wheels with five aluminum models. We tested the aluminum top model Corratec Corones Ultegra. For less than €1.800 with a complete Ultegra group, a Rotor crank and solid Mavic Aksium Elite wheels, you are offered a lot at first glance.
Corratec Corones Ultegra – frame and fork
Visually, the striking design and color of the Corratec Corones are the first things that stand out. However, for those who like it simpler, Corratec has a darker finish in black/blue/white ready. As the name suggests, this model uses a classic Shimano Ultegra group. As always, it impresses with its solid switching behavior and easy handling. A highlight of the Corratec Corones is certainly the Pro Control fork, which significantly reduces upper body fatigue with vibration damping and, thanks to an aerodynamic design, such as a wing, reduces air resistance and makes a decisive contribution to stability.
Unfortunately, the gradations of the frame sizes in "jumps of 3" are quite large and one or the other rider should be between the given dimensions. Of course you can make various adjustments via the stem and handlebars, but a narrower gradation would certainly not have done any harm.
Geometry table Corratec Corones Ultegra
46 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 57 | 60 | |
seat tube (in mm) | 460 | 480 | 510 | 540 | 570 | 600 |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 519 | 537 | 555 | 570 | 589 | 604 |
head tube (in mm) | 121 | 133 | 149 | 160 | 182 | 203 |
chainstay (in mm) | 407 | 407 | 407 | 407 | 407 | 407 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 976 | 976 | 982 | 992 | 1009 | 1109 |
Steering angle (in °) | 71 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 |
Seat angle (in °) | 75 | 74 | 74 | 73 | 73 | 73 |
Reach (mm) | 375 | 383 | 391 | 398 | 408 | 418 |
Stacks (in mm) | 520 | 536 | 554 | 564 | 586 | 606 |
Corratec Corones Ultegra equipment
With an RRP of €1.799, you certainly can't expect miracles. Nonetheless, Corratec tries to fit equipment suitable for competitions. With a classic Shimano Ultegra group, which has always impressed with its excellent price/performance ratio, you can definitely keep up with significantly more expensive (mechanical) models in terms of functionality and suitability for everyday use.
The wheels are made of solid Mavic Aksium, which of course are not among the lightest at a good 1800 grams per set. Nevertheless, they are particularly useful due to their clean structure and know how to convince, especially in training. The wheels come with Continental GrandPrix tires.
The rotor crank including the oval chain ring will take some getting used to. But after just a few rides, it feels pleasantly rounded and promises better power transmission. It's not for nothing that some pros like tour winner Chris Froome rely on oval chainrings.
Attachments such as handlebars, stem and seat post come directly from Corratec or their own brand ZZYZX and are coordinated with the overall design in classic black. The ergonomics of the built-in handlebars are sporty, but everyone has to determine what suits them according to their own needs and preferences. The saddle was a bit unsuccessful as it didn't really fit us and was the only real weak point on the otherwise well thought-out Corratec Corones Ultegra.
Corratec Corones Ultegra – Driving Report
The seating position on the Corratec Corones is quite sporty without taking away any comfort from the driver. With its solid weight of approx. 8,4 kg, the racer knows how to convince both on the mountain and when accelerating. The frame itself has good rigidity and thus ensures great propulsion. The comfort is good for a bike with an aluminum frame, the Pro Control carbon fork knows how to absorb small impacts and does not show any weaknesses in the short test period.
The other components such as wheels and gears did not show any defects in the test and functioned without problems. The Mavic Aksium run quietly and the Ultegra group does its job reliably as usual. With the Rotor 2D crank you have a little something special in store, even if you have to get used to the oval chain ring at first. The attachments of the own brand do not pose any problems and fit comfortably into the overall picture. Only the saddle has some weaknesses for us, here "frequent riders" should think about an alternative.
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