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Seven of the world's slipperiest bikes
1. Heroin Bike
A unique ‘honeycomb’ skin has been applied to sections of the frame most exposed to air resistance. -
The Heroin bike was named because “it’s a pure, rare product that gives so much pleasure that you can’t give it up”. -
Wind tunnel testing has shown an almost 10 per cent boost in aerodynamic performance at just under 20km/h. -
Other features include 390-gram rims and an FSA headset. -
Bypassing an Italian-sourced Campagnolo electronic groupset, Heroin straps on ultra-reliable Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 shifters. -
2. Storck Aerfast Platinum - $13,950 (frame only)
The result of uber high-tech German engineering, the Storck shows off its aerodynamic potential the faster you ride it. Tipping the scales at less than 6.5 kilograms and with a frame that manages to be both stiff and comfortable, the Aerfast should be near the top of your shopping list. -
3. Specialized Venge ViAS - $11,999
One of the most aerodynamic bikes on the planet and currently ridden by world champion Peter Sagan. The Venge Vias slices through the air thanks to zero-drag integrated brake calipers, and fully internal cable routing. Development involved more than 1000 hours of wind tunnel testing. Specialized claim it is the fastest bike in the world. Photo: BrakeThrough Media -
4. Cervelo S5 - $11,600*
After going over every inch of the frame for this year’s model, Cervelo has further reduced drag in what was already considered the fastest aero bike on the planet. The specially designed aero handlebar with internal cable routing is a game-changer, with Cervello claiming it saves more than 4 watts over the competition. Team Dimension Data will be riding this bike at the Tour de France. (* Dura Ace Di2 model) -
5. Scott Foil Team Issue - $9199
This is the bike that won this year’s bone-shaking Paris-Roubaix, with Orica-GreenEdge’s Mathew Hayman on the saddle. It wasn’t supposed to happen. An aero bike on the cobblestones? Crazy. The integrated bar and stem is a standout, as is the inverted teardrop tubing and Zipp wheels. Find some cobblestones and start riding. -
6. Litespeed Ci2 - $6000
Not the most common bicycle brand in Australia, but that’s not a bad thing if you enjoy viva la difference. Lance Armstrong once famously rode a Litespeed in the 1999 Tour de France, with Trek decals obscuring the name. The 2016 Ci2 is a straight-out aero road machine that has been purpose-built to cut through the air with ease. -
7. Merida Scultura 6000 - $3,699
Yes, the very same bike that is ridden in the pro peloton and with a frame weighing just 750 grams. The streamlined frame was developed using computational fluid dynamics and extensive wind tunnel testing. -
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When it comes to road bikes, the mantra among weekend warriors is invariably 'lighter, faster and more expensive, please', with prices routinely pushing into eyebrow-raising five-figure territory.
Now you can add "slipperier" to your lexicon, because a range of 'aero' bikes is building the cutting-edge tech of professional cycling's eye-wateringly expensive time trial machines into more accessible and (relatively) more affordable road bikes.
Rare aero
The latest is called the 'Heroin', and it achieves world-leading aerodynamics due to a unique 'honeycomb' skin applied to sections of the frame most exposed to air resistance.
According to the company, the Heroin Project, wind tunnel testing has shown an almost 10 per cent boost in aerodynamic performance at just under 20 km/h, "providing the sensation of constant acceleration".
The bike is the brainchild of French entrepreneur Marc Simoncini, whose diverse background includes being the founder of Meetic, Europe's biggest dating website, and an angel investor for young start-ups.
The multi-billionaire chose the name Heroin because "it's a pure, rare product that gives so much pleasure that you can't give it up".
The bike is the product of two cycling-obsessed nations; France and Italy. Designed and assembled in France, the featherweight (750-gram) monocoque frame was hand-built by Italian craftsmen using high-end modulus carbon fibre that is usually reserved for the aerospace industry. The result is a brilliant stiffness/weight ratio, in addition to air-cheating aerodynamics.
Other features include 390 gram rims, FSA headset, asymmetrical rear stays, and a built in Rotor brand crank with power meter. Surprisingly, instead of saluting its Euro heritage and opting for an Italian-sourced Campagnolo electronic groupset, Heroin straps on ultra-reliable Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 shifters.
Scarcity assured
You're unlikely to see another Heroin pull up beside you in the peloton; there are only 349 available worldwide. Each is individually numbered, tuned to the rider's specifications, and comes with a lifetime guarantee (although we'd recommend reading the small print).
The complete bike tips the scales at just under 6.5 kilograms, meaning it is too light to legally race in any Union Cycliste Internationale events (the minimum is 6.8 kilograms) unless you add some ballast to the frame (and no, we don't mean a motor). However, seeing as the Heroin is unlikely to be raced anywhere but from home to the café, it shouldn't be a problem.
The Heroin will set you back a rather weighty 14,900 Euros ($22,700) and is available directly from the showroom on Rue Saint Roch, Paris, or online at Heroin.
Check out our gallery above of the Heroin, plus other sexy aero-focused bikes currently on the market.