Racing bikes 2022: The Velomotion editorial team has chosen the best racing bikes for 2022. Here we show you our highlights for use on the road.
Even though racing cycling is one of the oldest forms of cycling, it has by no means lost any of its charm over the years and the outdoor trend in the wake of the pandemic has made racing bikes very popular again. Especially the higher speeds and the large range on any trip bring many incentives with them. However, road cycling is only really fun if you have the right equipment to hand. That's why we've put together an overview of the best road bikes for 2022.
Swiss perfection for more endurance fun
With the new BMC Roadmachine X, the Swiss manufacturer shows that the all-road topic plays a decisive role for them in order to close the gap between the proven road bike race area and the still up-and-coming gravel area. Thanks to comprehensive further developments, the Swiss would like to combine even better performance with the already known features and the impressive comfort of the Roadmachine X with a premium carbon frame. The Roadmachine X features the new wireless SRAM XPLR 1X drive system, offering a modern solution for all-road riders. Combined with 32mm tubeless ready tires, riders can confidently venture into varied terrain and unpaved roads.
The new BMC Roadmachine X is available in six sizes and two models: the ONE model for 5.999 euros is available now, the TWO model for 4.699 euros will be available from April 2022.
Price: 4.699 – 5.999 euros / bmc-switzerland.com
If the name says it all
With the BH Aerolight, the name says it all. This model combines lightweight and aerodynamics. According to BH, the frame weighs just 950 grams, resulting in 15,9% less drag than its predecessor. This is made possible, among other things, by adapted seat stays and the special Air Bow fork, which is intended to ensure less turbulence thanks to more space between the fork and the wheel. The unconventional shape of the fork in particular should also provide one or the other eye-catcher. In addition, the curved design of the Air Bow Concept helps to minimize vibrations caused by the asphalt, providing more control and comfort. With a fully integrated cockpit, the BH Aerolight not only offers a clean look, but also contributes to the aerodynamics of the racing bike.
The new aero lightweight from BH will be available in four different configurations with exclusively electronic groupsets from Shimano and Sram. The models are priced between 4.999 and 11.999 euros.
Price: 4.999 – 11.999 euros / bhbikes.com
Aero meets endurance
New frame platform, new design and new name: The Bulls Alpine Hawk not only impresses visually at first glance. The monocoque carbon frame has an independent, modern look due to the low seat stays and is said to offer maximum comfort thanks to controlled flex. The cable routing also contributes to the tidy look: Thanks to the Di2 and FSA ACR stem system, virtually no cables are visible. Chic! The equipment of the "Team Di2" top model is also impressive: Brand new Shimano Dura Ace Di2 complete group, Mavic Cosmic SL-45 CL Aero-Carbon wheelset and Schwalbe Pro One Evo Super Race tires with a width of 28 mm. Speaking of tyres: the Alpine Hawk frame allows up to 32 mm. This is what a modern racing bike should look like! Aero meets comfort!
Price: € 5.699 / bulls.de
Aerodynamic endurance racer
Cube's long-distance road bike is getting a completely new frame for the 2022 season. This should be significantly more aerodynamic than its predecessor and, according to the manufacturer, save a total of 10 watts. In addition to the optimized tube shapes of the frame, a large part of the improved aerodynamics is due to the recently fully integrated brake and shift cables and the uniform carbon cockpit. Nevertheless, they remain true to the basic idea of the Agree and, despite the snappy features, continue to rely on a balanced, not too aggressive geometry, which, in combination with smooth running, should ensure a comfortable driving experience. As an additional feature, an aero storage box is used, which can be optionally attached to the frame and thus offers additional storage space for long tours without having a negative effect on the aerodynamics.
The Cube Agree is available in five different equipment variants from 2.499 euros for the entry-level model to 5.599 euros for the top model.
Price: 2.499 – 5.599 euros /cube.de
Sporty "Ladyies Only" racer
With the Liv Langma, the women's brand from Giant is already presenting the second generation of the sporty all-rounder for racing cyclists. The frame is still designed for a balanced all-round performance, but has been given additional strengths on the mountain thanks to the revision. But aerodynamics have not been left out in the new edition either, because the Langma is said to have been made faster on any terrain with the latest aero tube shapes. According to the manufacturer, a new carbon fork with more lateral stiffness offers more direct and agile handling.
Cyclists can choose between three model variants, which differ both in the carbon layup of the frame and in the equipment. The Liv Langma Advanced comes with Shimano 105 or Ultegra from 2.299 euros, the Advanced Pro with Shimano Ultegra from 3.999 euros or the Advanced SL with SRAMS RED eTap AXS (price not yet known).
Price: 2.299 – 3.999 euros / liv-cycling.com
The professional racer for at home
The Merida Scultura has made a name for itself as one of the most successful racing bikes in professional cycling since 2006. The new Merida Scultura team remains true to its traditional lightweight construction, but has been able to significantly improve the aerodynamics through intensive development work. The goal when developing the new Merida Scultura was to make a proven climber even faster, which was particularly aimed at improving aerodynamics. Thanks to complete cable integration, the use of a one-piece cockpit, a revised head tube and fork profile and the lowered attachment points of the seat stays, decisive advantages in terms of air resistance have been achieved. Nevertheless, the new frame is over 4% lighter than its predecessor.
In addition, comfort has been significantly improved with an exposed seat post and a tire clearance of up to 30 mm. With stage victories at the Tour de France and Vuelta by the professional team Bahrain Victorious, the winning streak of the Merida Scultura has already been continued. The Merida Scultura Team will be available for €9.999.
Price: € 9.999 / merida-bikes.com
Fully integrated carbon entry-level
The Scott Addict gets a completely new frame for the 2022 season, which impresses with the complete integration of trains and cables and thus ensures a clean design. This was made possible by a complete overhaul of the frame, which is based on Scott's racing machine, the Addict RC. In order to offer a balanced riding performance, the new Addict has a longer reach and longer chainstays for smoother running and a lower bottom bracket for an optimized center of gravity and a safe riding experience. The all-round capability of the Scott Addict could also be increased by a shorter head tube, as this allows a tire clearance of up to 35 mm.
With four standard equipment variants and three models especially for women, the Scott Addict is priced between 1.999 and 3.299 euros.
Price: 1.999 – 3.299 euros / scott-sports.com
High-quality aluminum all-rounder
The Scott Speedster is definitely worth considering for anyone who likes aluminum or is looking for an inexpensive alternative to carbon road bikes. For the 2022 season, the Speedster's frame has been completely redesigned to offer a contemporary and visually appealing integration of the cables and cables in the handlebars, stem and frame. With a balanced geometry, the all-rounder made of aluminum ensures a safe, comfortable and yet sporty driving experience. With a tire clearance of up to 35 mm and mounting points for mudguards, the Scott Speedster is also ideal for everyday use.
Scott has a wide range ready with five standard models and two women's versions, which are priced between 899 euros and 1.699 euros.
Price: 899 – 1.699 euros / scott-sports.com
The fastest bike in the world?
A few years ago, the Simplon Pride caused quite a stir with its split stem. Now the Simplon Pride 2 is a completely revised version of the Austrian aero bike. But what remains is the iconic split stem. Aerodynamics are to be raised to a new level with new, larger-area tube shapes.
The flat head tube and the raised bottom bracket area are particularly striking. A number of numerical flow simulations and wind tunnel tests were carried out together with the aerodynamics specialists from Swiss Side in order to meet our own claim to the fastest bike in the world. The bike should also be interesting for triathletes, as it is to be offered with a special cockpit.
Price: from € 5.999 / simplon.com
Aero meets comfort
The new Stevens Arcalis shows itself with sporty geometry and first-class aero properties, without neglecting comfort or weight. The front surface of the wheel in interaction with the cockpit has been optimized accordingly to minimize air resistance. With just 1030 grams for the frame set, the Stevens Arcalis is quite impressive and doesn't offer any disadvantages on the mountain either. Due to the tire clearance of 30 mm and the long seat post with integrated seat clamp, the racer from Hamburg should also offer the corresponding comfort. The Stevens Arcalis is available in four different versions from 3.699 euros.
Price: from € 3.699 / stevensbikes.de
Is it even faster?
The new Storck Aerfast 4 Pro Disc causes a stir with its bright look and particularly eye-catching fork. Because the aerobike, which shines in metallic green, shows itself with a fork that has been completely newly developed in the wind tunnel, which is very wide and bulbous, as well as with an improved aerocockpit and thus wants to save the decisive watts. The manufacturer even claims to be launching the world's fastest road bike. The Aerfast 4 is said to have adopted the geometry from its predecessor. The new aero model from Storck comes exclusively with electronic radio shifters with 2×12 gears. Both SRAM and Shimano groupsets are used. The entry-level model with Sram Rival eTap is priced at 5.299 euros and the most expensive model with a Red eTap AXS 2×12 at 7.299 euros.
Price: 5.299 – 7.299 euros / storck-bikes.de
Click here for our Velomotion Gravelbike Highlights 2022!
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2021/10/beste-gravelbikes-2022-topbikes