Cinelli's Aeroscoop: A Controversial Claim or a Revolutionary Design?
Cinelli has boldly claimed that their new Aeroscoop aero bike is faster than the renowned Specialized Tarmac SL8. But is this statement backed by wind tunnel data? Our team of cycling enthusiasts and experts decided to find out, and the results might surprise you.
The Design:
The Aeroscoop's namesake feature is a unique design detail where the seat stays split and rejoin, creating a gap in the frame. This design choice is reminiscent of the Trek Madone, aiming to reduce pressure drag. However, unlike the Madone, the Aeroscoop's cutout opens onto the rear wheel.
The bike also features a one-piece bar and stem combo, internally routed cables, and a tapered headtube to reduce frontal area. The fork crown seamlessly flows into the downtube, which has a slight cut-out to accommodate the front wheel.
Controversial Comparison:
Cinelli's claim that the Aeroscoop outperforms the Tarmac SL8 is a bold one, especially considering our previous tests found the Tarmac SL8 to be highly aerodynamic. But here's where it gets controversial: our wind tunnel tests revealed that the Aeroscoop, when tested without a rider, performed slightly better than the Tarmac SL8 at 0-degree yaw, but fell behind as the yaw angle increased.
The Test Protocol:
To ensure consistency and accuracy, we followed the same protocol as our previous wind tunnel tests. We compared the Aeroscoop to our baseline bike, a 2015 Trek Emonda ALR, and other top contenders like the Factor ONE and Cervélo S5 2025. Each bike was tested at various yaw angles, simulating real-world riding conditions.
Results:
The raw data shows that the Aeroscoop, as a standalone frame, sits between the Emonda and the Factor ONE in terms of aerodynamics. However, when a rider was added, the Aeroscoop's performance dropped significantly, placing it last among the tested bikes.
Interestingly, the Aeroscoop's performance was greatly affected by the wheels used. When we swapped the stock wheels for ENVE 4.5 wheels, the bike's performance improved by 3.65 watts, the largest change we've seen from a wheel change. This highlights the importance of wheel choice in overall bike performance.
The Verdict:
Based on our wind tunnel tests, the Cinelli Aeroscoop is not one of the fastest aero bikes on the market. Its performance is hindered by certain design choices, particularly in the tube profiles. While the Aeroscoop aims to be innovative, it falls short in terms of aerodynamics compared to its competitors.
But wait, there's more! Our expert, Andy Turner, a former UCI Continental professional, adds his insights. He emphasizes the importance of functionality, performance, and even a touch of bling in cycling equipment. So, is the Aeroscoop a revolutionary design or a marketing gimmick? You decide, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
