Cutting-Edge Cycling Gear Unveiled: Aero Wheels, Lightweight Bikes, and More

The cycling world is abuzz with the arrival of new, cutting-edge equipment at road.cc's testing facility. This initial look introduces an array of high-performance bikes and wheelsets, ranging from endurance models and aerodynamic road machines to a robust titanium gravel bike. Complementing these are top-tier carbon wheelsets from Scope and Vision, which incorporate the latest advancements in aerodynamic design. Enthusiasts can anticipate comprehensive evaluations of these products to be released in the near future.

Among the highlighted products is the Scott Addict 20, priced at £4,299. Introduced late last year, this endurance bicycle is engineered for optimal comfort, featuring generous clearance for tires up to 38mm, and a suite of integrated design elements inherited from its high-performance counterpart, the Addict RC race bike. This design philosophy mirrors that of Van Rysel's EDR CF endurance model, which also offers 38mm tire clearance and integrated frame storage solutions. Our test version of the Addict 20 is outfitted with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset, Fulcrum Wind 42 Disc wheels, 34mm Schwalbe One tires, and Syncros finishing components, tipping the scales at 7,850g in a size medium. Scott asserts a 50% improvement in comfort over previous iterations, a claim currently being rigorously tested for an upcoming detailed review.

Next up are the Scope Artech 6 wheelsets, retailing at £3,498. These wheels distinguish themselves with a unique rim profile characterized by a textured, scale-like surface. Dubbed 'Aeroscales' by the manufacturer, this pattern is designed to generate micro-airflows that move at varying speeds across the rim, thereby enhancing airflow stability and minimizing drag. The Artech 6 wheels boast a 65mm depth and utilize carbon spokes, resulting in a system weight of 1,316g. This is notably lighter than the Enve SES 6.7 wheels, which, with their 60mm front and 67mm rear rim depths, are reported to weigh 1,457g. The rims feature dimensions of 31mm external and 23mm internal, with a hooked tire bed engineered for optimal performance with 28mm clincher and tubeless tires, balancing rolling resistance and comfort. An optional upgrade to CeramicSpeed bearings is available for an additional £500.

Felt Bicycles, now under new ownership since 2026, is re-establishing its commitment to high-performance drop-bar bikes for various cycling disciplines, including road, gravel, triathlon, and track. Their updated aero model, the Nexar FRD Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, priced at £9,899, showcases a fully integrated front end and clearance for up to 32mm tires. The top-tier configuration of this bike weighs 6.62kg in a size large, placing it below the UCI's 6.8kg minimum weight regulation. While its tire clearance aligns with the latest Giant Propel Advanced SL, some newer aero road bikes, such as the Cervelo S5, accommodate wider tires, up to 34mm. Felt products are distributed through online retailers like Merlin Cycles and Speedhub in the UK.

Vision's Metron 60 RS SL Disc Carbon Road Wheelset, available for £3,099.99, represents the brand's inaugural full-carbon wheelset. These wheels integrate a 60mm-deep carbon rim with carbon spokes and are favored by elite WorldTour teams including Bahrain Victorious and EF Education-EasyPost. Vision developed the Metron 60 RS SL through extensive CFD analysis and wind tunnel testing, aiming to deliver an 'ultrafast and stable aero wheel.' It features a 23mm internal and 33mm external rim width, with the wheelset weighing 1,388g, including valves and tape. In comparison, the Zipp 454 NSW Carbon Wheelset, with a 58mm deep rim, has a claimed weight of 1,358g.

Finally, the Gloria All-Gravel SRAM Force, priced at £4,949, hails from the British brand Gloria. This gravel bike boasts a titanium frame with an attractive raw finish and supports tires up to 2.1 inches. Designed for diverse off-road conditions, including gravel trails and bridleways, it comes with a lifetime warranty. The frame is paired with a carbon fork and a UDH hanger, offering options for either internal or external cable routing; our test model features a fully internal setup. Beyond standard complete bikes and frameset options, the All-Gravel allows for extensive customization. Our review bike is outfitted with a SRAM Force groupset, Zipp 303 XPLR S wheels, and Vittoria Mezcal XC tires, weighing in at 9,680g in a size medium. A comprehensive review of the Gloria All-Gravel is forthcoming.

This overview provides an initial glimpse into the innovations arriving for evaluation, promising significant advancements in performance, comfort, and aerodynamic efficiency across various cycling disciplines. These new offerings from Scott, Scope, Felt, Vision, and Gloria are poised to set new benchmarks in the cycling industry, with detailed reviews expected to follow soon, providing deeper insights into their capabilities and real-world performance.