There are so many road bikes to choose from but we’re going to get on that fence and say it. We think the best high end road bike in 2015 / 2016 is the Storck Aernario Platinum. Is it cheap, NO. Is it amazing, YES.
Storck Aernario Platinum (approximate price: £9,499)
If you have a whole lot of cash to spend on a road bike then the Storck Aernario Platinum is the one to go for. This special machine gives an incredibly high level of performance on the roads; it delivers on all aspects – speed, stiffness, and responsiveness – and is definitely one to fall in love with. It is a very expensive bike, but if you only want the best and have the cash to spend, then this is the one for you.
The Build
Available in eight different builds, the price of the Aernario can range from £6199 (with the Shimano Ultegra-based build) up to £9999 (when buying the Campagnolo super record EPS model), and it’s also available as a frameset for £4799.
The model for £9499 comes in a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 build with Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLE wheels. The wheels have 52mm-deep rims and the Exalith 2 aluminium brake track is one of their best features offering exceptional stopping, even in wet conditions.
The Build varies based on what you choose; the diameter of the maintubes and seat stays varies to match each size frame; Storck calls this ‘proportional tubing’. Whatever you choose all options certainly deliver and you’ll be getting a seriously good bike- if you’re willing to pay for it.
The Frame
The Aernario Platinum is a unidirectional carbon-fibre monocoque all the way through, it’s the same shape as Storck’s Aernario G1 however Storck claim that they’ve managed to improve an already great frame with the Platinum by using a higher quality carbon fibre with an additional process to remove excess resin to further reduce the weight.
Storck say that by putting the carbon fibre exactly where it is needed and removing material from areas where it’s not needed, they managed to both lighten and stiffen the frame. They were indeed successful, managing to drop around 100g from the frame and 20g from the fork, sure it’s not a great amount but it all makes a difference. ‘Sectional areodynamic shaping’ is another one of Storcks new concepts that they’ve used on this bike. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) the tubes are designed with ‘the perfect airflow’.
This is certainly a great looking bike, the internal cabling adds to the neat, clean look of a bike that will certainly catch the eye of others.
Comfort
The race-driven stretched, low frame makes for an aggressive geometry, which gives a great performance enhancing, yet still comfortable, ride position. The stiffness of the frame doesn’t affect the smoothness of the ride either; a stiff frame is usually associated with a harsh ride but that isn’t the case here at all. The seatstays are skinny and have been flattened out to help reduce vibration and smooth out the lumps and bumps from the road. Storcks own designed Monolink MLP 150 seatpost also helps with comfort; it’s made with a Selle Italia fixing and Storck claim that it’s more comfortable than their outgoing comfort seatpost with additional vibration damping.
The Ride
Probably the most important aspect to consider when buying a bike is the ride, and the ride you get with the Stock Aernario Platinum is truly amazing. Storck have really nailed the frame stiffness; the bottom bracket doesn’t budge sideways, even when you put the bike into a large gear and jump on the peddles, the frame doesn’t shift.
On the front end there’s virtually zero-flex and the handling is super-sharp. The Aernario Platinum accelerates exquisitely that stepping up the speed seems easy. They’ve also managed to make climbing a whole lot of fun you just need to stand up on the pedals and the frame stiffness really comes into play.
Conclusion
Probably the best aspect of the Aernario Platinum is its stiffness, with no hint of flex when you push it close to its limits, Storck have really perfected this aspect. It’s light, but not too light, at 6.8kg it’s right on the money.
The Platinum is an amazing bike, of course if you’re paying this much money you can’t be blamed for expecting nothing less. There aren’t really any negatives and even when compared to other superbikes, this comes out on top.
