German brand Storck has launched a 6.2kg disc-brake bike that it says “announces a new era of high-end road bikes.”
The Storck Aernario.3 Signature Disc is limited to 57 pieces, has a frame weight of 700g and is made from the highest quality military-grade carbon-fibre and finished with a very light black glaze, according to Storck.
The new bike is 300g heavier than its rim-braking predecessor, the 5.9kg rim-brake Aernario.2, but at a claimed 6.2kg is among the lightest production disc-brake bikes.
Storck says the new Aernario frame, which has “sportive” geometry - just as well since at 6.2kg it would not be allowed to participate in UCI races - also features a completely integrated, “visually appealing cable routing system based on the Aerfast handlebar stem unit”.
It joins Storck’s new aero race bike the Aerfast.4 Pro Disc and the aero-optimised all-rounder Fascenario.4 Pro Disc.
According to the press release, founder and general manager Markus Storck doesn't make a secret of his personal relationship with the Aernario Signature models: "Of all the current Storck road bikes, the ultra-light Aernario.2 is my favourite,” he said. “We have taken on the big challenge of bringing proven riding performance to a new, modern disc model and again optimising stiffness and comfort.
“The result is a high-end dream bike, limited to 57 bikes, which I give myself as a present for my birthday today," he said with a wink.
The new bike will be available with new Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Dura Ace Di2 as well as SRAM Red eTap AXS. The lightweight PRC1100 Dicut Mon Chasseral wheelset from DT Swiss (1,266g, though these aren't the wheels in Storck's supplied picture) completes a package starting at €8,499 (£7,314) for the Ultegra Di2 build, with Dura-Ace Di2 costing from €9,499 (£8,175) and SRAM Red eTap AXS from €9,777 (£8,414).
Storck used to have a reputation for being super expensive, but compared with the latest top bikes from Specialized, Trek, BMC, Scott and Canyon - which all break the £10K barrier - the new Aernario.2 Signature almost looks reasonably priced, especially if it’s as light as Storck claims.
Despite the numbering sequence, the rim-brake Aernario.2 is not being replaced by the new disc-brake Aernario.3. As the personal favourite of Markus Storck and “countless rim brake lovers” the Aernario.2 remains in the range.
The new Storck Aernario.3 Signature is available from the end of November.
