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The best climbing bikes, of course, boast light weight. But a modern lightweight bike has to prove itself not solely through a lack of grams on the scales, but also by having the aerodynamics to up your ride speed. In fact, for most riding conditions, aerodynamics is more important than weight,<\/a> although there\u2019s a definite buzz in riding a fast, flyweight machine.<\/p>\n Even if a lack of grams helps you get to the top of a hill quicker, you\u2019ve still usually got to get down the other side, where those watts saved will come into their own. Aerodynamics will help you on the flat too.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> It perhaps goes without saying, but when you\u2019re riding uphill, gravity is always trying to pull you back down.<\/p>\n Reducing the total rider plus bike system weight means less energy (or power<\/a>, in cycling parlance) is required to maintain a given speed while climbing.<\/p>\n Therefore, if you want to ride uphill faster, or simply make the hills a little easier, a lightweight bike is an obvious move.<\/p>\n It\u2019s for this reason we see hill-climb obsessives chopping and changing practically every component<\/a> to bring their overall bike weight down to its lowest possible limit.<\/p>\n The only issues are that high-end, lightweight bikes and parts<\/a> can be eye-wateringly expensive, and the weight-weenie<\/a> bug can be hard to shake once you get started. Don\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you.<\/p>\n Until fairly recently, climbing bikes made no concessions to aerodynamics. But with the rise of computer modelling, on-bike aero sensors<\/a> and other advanced testing techniques, this has all changed.<\/p>\n Even dedicated climbing bikes are now launching, with brands touting their aerodynamic efficiency.<\/p>\n Take the Trek Emonda<\/a>, for example. Trek says it has been designed specifically for the rigours of iconic Tour de France<\/a> climbs such as Alpe d\u2019Huez<\/a> (a 13.85km monster in the French Alps), yet still features extensive aero treatment.<\/p>\n We won\u2019t deny there\u2019s usually a minor weight penalty associated with such aero features, but clearly brands have deduced that, on balance, it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll discuss this particular issue in more detail in our buyer\u2019s guide at the end of the article, so keep reading once you\u2019ve considered all the reviews.<\/p>\n Now, onto the best climbing bikes today.<\/p>\nRelated reading<\/h3>\n
Best climbing bikes: what to look for<\/h2>\n
Weight<\/h3>\n
Aerodynamics<\/h3>\n
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Dura-Ace Di2<\/h2>