Aero bikes are designed for speed, combining cutting-edge aerodynamics with striking aesthetics.
While road bike trends leaned towards the converging of aero and lightweight for a number of years, we’ve seen a raft of new aero bikes from some significant brands of late.
So with an eye on the rest of 2025, we’ve chosen five models we're eager to see in action and swing a leg over for a review.
We’ve also selected three bikes we think could use an update.
Van Rysel RCR-F
If the standard RCR is anything to go by, its aero counterpart promises to be an exciting addition. However, with the official launch set for Paris-Roubaix in April, we have yet to test it.
Van Rysel claims the RCR-F is 13 watts faster than the RCR, although specifics regarding test speeds or yaw angles remain unclear. Based on the brand’s insights, we suspect this figure applies at speeds above 45kph.
The bike’s front end is also reported to be 7% stiffer, with feedback from sprinter Sam Bennett during development. It remains to be seen whether this added stiffness is a rider-driven request, but we anticipate further details in the spring.
With clearance for 33mm tyres, the RCR-F is seemingly built for the cobbles – a logical move given the recent trend of aero bikes triumphing at Roubaix.
As for weight, Van Rysel confirms a slight increase over the RCR, with a Dura-Ace build and 65mm Swiss Side wheels coming in at a claimed 7.5kg.
Perhaps most intriguing is the potential price point. Decathlon's competitive pricing on the standard RCR suggests the RCR-F could be one of 2025’s more affordable aero bikes.
Specialized Tarmac SL8
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Over a year old but still dominant, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 remains one to watch due to its race-winning pedigree and Specialized’s broad team sponsorships. However, it's not the bike itself that intrigues us most – it’s the new wheels and tyres that are in development.
A deeper front wheel, first seen in the Olympic time trial, appears to be part of an upcoming Roval set. Reports suggest it features a new hub and lacing pattern, potentially making it an even faster option for riders such as Remco Evenepoel.
Specialized is also seemingly working on a new road tubeless tyre. While the S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 has performed well in rolling-resistance tests, many pro riders prefer the older Turbo Cotton clinchers.
If a tubeless version of the Turbo Cotton emerges, it could mark a significant shift. Retaining the ultra-supple 320 TPI casing while incorporating a latex lining – similar to Vittoria’s Corsa Pro – would be ideal.
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Elves Falath EXP
We've reviewed the Elves Vanyar Pro Disc and, while not perfect, it delivered solid value with extensive customisation options. The brand's latest aero race bike, the Falath EXP, appears even more radical.
Early images suggest a rear-end design reminiscent of Trek’s Madone IsoFlow, a feature introduced in 2022 that reportedly saved 300g while improving aerodynamics by around 3 watts.
Whether Elves will make similar performance claims remains to be seen, but we’ll be watching this one with interest.
Colnago Y1RS
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Tadej Pogačar’s new aero bike carries some bold claims. Colnago says it is 20 watts faster than the V4RS at 50kph and 0º yaw. If true, that’s a significant gain for the world champion.
While it may only be marginally quicker than Colnago’s unnamed "best competitor", putting a rider such as Pogačar on an even faster bike is a formidable prospect.
We’re eager to test how it performs on faster group rides and over broken roads. Often, aggressive aerodynamic designs come at the cost of comfort.
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Ridley Noah Fast
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The 2025 Ridley Noah Fast will be campaigned by Uno-X, a team known for its meticulous aero setups. Ridley claims this is its fastest road bike yet, with an 8.5-watt drag reduction compared to its predecessor.
The bike features an oversized head tube, capitalising on the UCI’s revised 8:1 tube-shape regulations. This design direction echoes Specialized’s Speed Sniffer approach, focusing on efficiency at the front end.
The cockpit integrates seamlessly into the frame for a sleek profile, while the bottom-bracket junction is reinforced to handle the immense watts of Uno-X’s powerhouse riders.
With clearance for 34mm tyres, the Noah Fast is set to tackle the cobbles of Roubaix with ease. It’s a bike we can’t wait to test, especially given Stan’s review of the previous Noah.
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3 aero bikes due for an update
While these are the latest developments, several models are overdue a refresh in 2025.
Merida Reacto
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The Merida Reacto has remained unchanged since 2020.
Given Merida already has the Scultura as an all-round race bike, an even more dedicated aero focus for the next Reacto would make sense.
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Cervélo S5
The Cervélo S5 is a fantastic race bike. However, with Cervélo’s track record, any update is likely to emerge quietly having been spotted in a race, with no official comment for months.
We really will have to keep our eyes peeled for this one.
Cannondale SystemSix
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – Cannondale, we’d love to see a new SystemSix.
While the SuperSix is excellent, a dedicated aero bike is missing from Cannondale’s 2025 line-up.
