Scaer Aurelius

Equipped with Ultegra 10

Recently I got to test the Scaer Aurelius with Ultegra 10 speed available through www.velotec.ie and, I have to say, I was highly impressed.

Scaer have used ultra-light, low density, 3K carbon weave in their frame construction to give excellent ride quality and good shock absorption. 

After having also rode a Colnago C40 recently, I would say the Scaer is just as comfortable as it.  Praise indeed when you think the complete Scaer bike can be had for the same price as a C40 frame alone! 

The wishbone seatstays feed nicely into the 73 degree seat tube and it has a gently sloping top tube. When sprinting hard out of the saddle there was a small amount of flex in the bottom bracket area. 

It's not as rock solid as some top-end bikes but you don't get comfort and rock solid at this price.  It's one or the other, and seeing as you need to arrive at a sprint fresh I'd go for comfort every time.

The forks are Scaer's own brand, They are curved, with a 4.5 cm rake, and go a long way to adding to the comfort of the frame.  Straight forks would make the bike a whole lot more nervous and you'd feel every ripple in the road.  They were direct and well damped, with no road-buzz coming through the bars, even when ridden over rough west of Ireland roads. 

There was a bit of lateral flex (again all part of the comfort package) but nothing to worry about, and cornering was perfect even under heavy cornering even on rough surfaces.

Wheels
The wheels are Xero XR1, check out www.xerowheel.com for extra info, personally speaking, they seem like good rigid wheels, and they are really light.

Groupset
The 10 speed Ultegra groupset was impeccable.  The gear changes, both up and down, were silky smooth, and the braking was solid and dependable. The lever hoods when they first came out looked bulky, but they are really comfortable and they really are much better than the their predecessors. 

Finishing Kit

Scaer Carbon bars and stem really compliment the bike although you are also given a choice of Ritchey bars and stem if you prefer the traditional look. The carbon bars are very ergonomic and they look great. You can have a carbon saddle, or a good quality Selle Italia, recommended if you want comfort, although the Scaer carbon saddle is as good as they get.

The Continental GP4000 tyres let you know that this bike is for racing. Velotec.ie who supplied the bike for testing can alter any of the spec to suit any needs or preferences. Even the fork is cut to the measurement that you supply.

Tech Spec
For some the following numbers mean nothing, for others they'll be studied for hours as all the variables of seat, top tube, stem requirements are worked out to the nth degree.  For most of you the first and last measurements are the important ones.