Several manufacturer’s top of the line road bikes define trends in geometry and character: They were developed for even the pros’ highest demands and they’re leading the way in which direction roadcycling will go, says RoadBIKE Magazine in their latest issue. One trend is – of course – lightweight construction. The sub 1-kg-level for frame/fork sets, which ten years ago had seemed out of the world, is now more than possible.

RB’s editors tested to what extend light weight construction actually makes sense by reviewing 20 current top-of-the-line road bikes and frame/fork sets. The STEVENS Comet frame set combined with a fork developed in cooperation with THM which weighs 285 grams only – still a world record! – was among three to be rated ”superior”. At 2599 Euros (even including 600 Euros for the THM fork which is an optional upgrade, the standard fork weighs 30 grams more) is quite a bargain compared to the competition – it is over 1.000 Euros cheaper than the next inexpensive ”superior” rated frame set.

In addition to the Comet, two other models were rated ”superior”, eight received a ”very good”, seven a ”good” rating. One model each came in as ”satisfactory” and ”insufficient”, respectively. Weighing in at 1,149 grams STEVENS Comet placed 8th in the weight ranking. Yet, the editors pointed out that weight is not the sole decisive measurement to make up a truly trendsetting road bike.

In the rating for the most comfortable rear triangle the Comet made first place and also ranked top ten (between six and nine) throughout all other criteria.

Retail price of 2,599 Euros refers to the Comet frame set including the 285-gram THM Nimbus fork. A complete bike specced with Shimano Ultegra group set sells for 3,099 Euros. The 4.9 kg (10 lb. 13 oz.) super lightweight version Comet SL retails for 12,999 Euros. The Comet can also be ordered in a personalized set-up from the STEVENS-Custom-Program.