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    ReferenceFrames & WheelsSpeed TestsTips & TricksRacing

    Speed Tests: Zwift’s Fastest* Bike Frames for Climbing

    Eric Schlange
    By Eric Schlange
    November 16, 2019
    42

    Your choice of bike frame influences your Zwift speed significantly. And Zwift’s Drop Shop gives us access to a pile of frames: 80+ including the Tron and TT bikes!

    We’ve been hard at work in our lab testing wheels and frames, and this is the fifth in a series of posts giving you some solid, data-driven answers. Read more speed tests here >

    We’ve already looked at which frames perform best on flat/mixed routes. The next question for racers is: what about climbing?

    *First, a Disclaimer

    These frames are the fastest up the Alpe, but that means they won’t be the fastest down or on flat sections since climbing frames are lightweight and less aero. So you’ll want to think through your strengths as a rider when choosing your frames and wheels for races.

    Each piece of equipment has unique weight and aerodynamic (CdA) values, making them perform in ways that mirror outdoor physics. Lighter items perform better on climbs, while more aerodynamic items perform better on flats and descents. Differences between options will also be magnified or minimized by your own power levels, drafting abilities, and more.

    Your best Zwift setup, more than ever, depends on your specific situation.

    About the Results

    Below you will find the fastest draftable frames for climbing Alpe du Zwift.

    This list is based on our recent speed tests of 100+ rides up Alpe du Zwift, a 12.2km, 8% monster of a climb which takes around 50 minutes to complete for our 75kg test rider at 300 watts steady. We tested all frames using the same power levels and rider weight, making it easy to spot which frames performed best.

    Your Winners

    #1: Specialized Aethos

    923,000 Drops to purchase, must be level 34+

    Specialized’s rule-breaking frame tops our charts thanks to its feather-light weight. And it wins up the Alpe by a relatively large margin of at least 5 seconds over the next contenders! Read more about the Aethos on Zwift >

    #2: Scott Addict RC

    852,000 Drops to purchase, must be level 33+

    The new Addict RC from Scott is an incredible all-around performer in game… the closest we’ve come so far to a Tron beater! Not only is does it climb very well, but it’s quite zippy on the flats, which is why we bumped it above the EVO. Read more about the Addict RC on Zwift >

    #3: Cannondale EVO

    EVO: 213,000 Drops to purchase, must be Level 9+

    The Cannondale EVO actually makes it up the Alpe 0.5s faster than the Addict RC, but the Addict is much faster on flat ground, winning our flat test by 10.5 seconds over the EVO.

    #4: Canyon Ultimate CFR

    639,000 Drops to purchase, must be level 19+

    The Canyon Ultimate CFR performs very similarly Cannondale’s EVO – just 0.5s slower, but the Ultimate CFR is 1s faster on the flats. Read more about the Ultimate CFR on Zwift >

    #5: Specialized Tarmac Pro

    Tarmac Pro: 408,300 Drops to purchase, must be Level 11+

    The old standby! The Tarmac Pro was the fastest climber in game for years, and it’s still a mountain goat, only 1s behind the Canyon Ultimate CFR in both the climb and flat tests.

    #6: Pinarello Dogma F

    1,029,500 Drops to purchase, must be level 32+

    The latest Dogma from F is the second best all-arounder available in the Drop Shop, bested only by the Scott Addict RC. It climbs amazingly well, just ~1 second slower up the Alpe than the Bridgestone Anchor RS9s and Trek Emonda. But it’s much faster on the flats than any of these frames (~11 seconds faster in our flat test) so we’ve ranked it above those frames here. Remember: most climbing races on Zwift include flats and descents! Read more about the Dogma F on Zwift >

    #7: Bridgestone Anchor RS9s

    RS9s: 511,200 Drops to purchase, must be level 15+

    A strong climber, but nothing special in terms of aero performance.

    #8: Trek Emonda

    Cannot be purchased, must complete Climb Mt. Everest Challenge to unlock

    The Emonda used to be the fastest climber in game, but has been bumped a few spots since those early days. But look at it this way: you’re going to take on the Everest Challenge anyway, so why not unlock a nice climber while you’re at it?

    #9: Specialized Tarmac SL7

    Tarmac SL7: 674,500 Drops to purchase, must be Level 5+

    The Tarmac SL7 bests the SuperSix EVO by just 1s in our climb test, so we ranked it higher.

    #10: Cannondale SuperSix EVO

    SuperSix EVO: 816,500 Drops to purchase, must be Level 36+

    The last bike to make the cut, the SuperSix EVO was one of the first “all arounders” in game. There are better frames nowadays, but it still deserves a place on our list.

    What’s the Time Gap?

    The frames above are separated by just 10 seconds on a climb up Alpe du Zwift at 300 watts with a 75kg rider using the stock 32mm carbon wheelset.

    The next fastest frames are just behind those listed above – see the detailed data charts.

    What about the Tron Bike?

    This is the big question everyone asks. Ironically, even though it takes a lot of climbing to unlock the Tron bike, it’s not a great climber. In fact, at last count 36 frames perform better up the Alpe when paired with the Lightweight Meilenstein wheels.

    More than that, any bike frame on the list above can beat the Tron up the Alpe, using any wheelset on our list of top climbing wheelsets.

    That said, the Tron bike is still one of the fastest on flat/mixed routes. We’ve put together a Tron vs Top Performers chart so you can see how it compares to other top-performing bike frame + wheel combinations in Zwift.

    Share Your Thoughts

    We hope all you riders/racers found this post useful. Got questions or comments? Post below!


    Changelog

    • September 20, 2021: updated list based on fresh test data. Removed Specialized Amira S-Works from its last place on the list, added in a couple new frames (Scott Addict RC and Canyon Ultimate CFR) and reshuffled the order a bit.
    • July 26, 2021: added the Specialized Aethos in the #1 slot, and the Pinarello Dogma F in the #2.
    • May 20, 2021: added the Bridgestone Anchor RS9s, tied for the top slot.
    • Oct 23, 2020: removed Canyon Aeroad 2021, since ZHQ made it heavier. Moved the Tarmac Pro back to the #1/2 slot. Added Tarmac SL7 in #4/5 slot.
    • Oct 2: a big reshuffle! Moved the Tarmac Pro down two slots after some re-testing. Also moved the SuperSix EVO up a slot so it’s tied with the SL7, since their numbers match.
    • Oct 1, 2020: added Canyon Aeroad 2021 in the #2 slot, which moved all bikes below it down a notch.
    • Aug 7, 2020: removed Canyon Ultimate (it would have been #7). Added the new Specialized Tarmac SL7.
    • Nov 15, 2019: Shortened the list. Removed 7 and #8: Cervelo R5 and Chapter2 Tere, and 9 and #10: Trek Emonda SL and Specialized Tarmac.
    • Nov 1, 2019: added the Cannondale SuperSix EVO in the 6th spot.
    • Oct 7, 2019: added Chapter2 Tere in #7 slot. Had neglected to test this up the Alpe when it was released back in July.
    • Apr 24, 2019: removed the Safety Bike from the #1 slot, since it has gained weight and is no longer a fast climber. More info

    Important note: this post contains speed test results for Zwift frames or wheels. These results may change over time, and a bike’s performance relative to others may also change. We don’t always revise posts when performance rankings change, but we do keep current, master versions of our speed test results which are always available. See the frame charts, wheel charts, and Tron vs Top Performers for current performance data.

    Related Posts

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      Eric Schlange
      Eric Schlangehttp://www.zwiftinsider.com
      Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava

      42 COMMENTS

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      EndUser2012 (@EndUser2012)
      EndUser2012 (@EndUser2012)
      2 years ago

      Very useful thank you … I am trying to crush the LiftOff Achievement on Alpe Du Zwift and i need to drop 16 more minutes … i been using the scott’s foil frame … I won the lightweight wheels reward on my second run up Alpe =)

      4
      Reply
      J Crume
      J Crume
      1 month ago
      Reply to  EndUser2012 (@EndUser2012)

      After 18 times up the Alpe and no wheels, I gave up and bought the Specialized Alpinest. Now watch, I’ll get the wheels on my next trip up, whenever that may be.

      0
      Reply
      EndUser2012 (@EndUser2012)
      EndUser2012 (@EndUser2012)
      2 years ago

      … just changing my wheels saved me three minutes… and I just about have enough drops for the frame … gotta get below 60 minutes for LIFTOFF =D

      0
      Reply
      KEVIN WILTSHIRE
      KEVIN WILTSHIRE
      2 years ago

      Hi all, not sure if its been discussed before, so apologise if it has..

      I have an upcoming race which is a decent from the radio tower.

      Was wondering if people had done similar and what the best frame wheel set up they used. ?

      Regards

      0
      Reply
      J Crume
      J Crume
      2 years ago

      I keep read contradicting information about the Tarmac you receive on completion of the Tour of California challenge. Is it the SWorks Tarmac, the Tarmac Pro, or the basic Tarmac? Is there an SWorks Tarmac? It doesn’t show in the garage as a future acquistiion but I keep reading about it in various articles. I’d love to have an SWorks Tarmac just because that’s what I ride in the real world. And it appears to be a great bike in Zwift. I’m close to halfway there (completing the ToC) but have enough drops to get the Tarmac Pro when I… Read more »

      3
      Reply
      CProudlove
      CProudlove
      2 years ago
      Reply to  J Crume

      I have exactly the same question. Just achieved the ToC and it said on the screen that I had unlocked the Tarmac S Works. When I go to my garage it shows just Tarmac. Currently on the Tarmac Pro which is super fast up hill but would swap if the one I unlocked is lighter. Anyone know?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  CProudlove

      Tarmac from ToC challenge isn’t anything special. Tarmac Pro is what you want, for climbing.

      1
      Reply
      Thomas Christiansen
      Thomas Christiansen
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Hi Eric, rather new to Zwift. Found a ton of interesting info on your site! Thanks!
      Question: Is is posible to lose weight by riding without a helmet/shades/gloves up the Alpe, or any other climb for that matter?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Thomas Christiansen

      Hi Thomas: at this time, what you wear doesn’t affect your weight in game. That could change in the future if Zwift decides to enter weights for items, but for now they’re just cosmetic.

      1
      Reply
      J Moore
      J Moore
      2 years ago

      Long time user, first time commenter. Is there a chart breakdown of different wheelsets with different frames? I’d be very curious to see the time differences of these Alpe runs (and the flats!). For example, the Tarmac Pro with Meilenstein wheels vs TP with 404s; Ultimate w/ 3.4s vs 858/disc, etc.. I know there’s a crazy factorial number of different configurations, but it’d be interesting to see the results of the top gear kept at the constant 300w/75kg. I’d assume the Tarmac Pro with 3.4s vs the EVO with 3.4s would should somewhat of a wider time margin than both… Read more »

      0
      Reply
      Dirk
      Dirk
      2 years ago

      Hi Eric, thanks for the useful insight. Have you testet the Ridley Helium? It is a super light bike and should perform well on the climbs, right?

      0
      Reply
      Benjapol Piyawanichpong
      Benjapol Piyawanichpong
      2 years ago

      I watched this youtube for a test showing that safety bike frame with lightweight wheel is the fastest, faster than tarmac pro (level 11) with lightweight wheel. Well if you can be at level 44, should have enough drops to afford it..

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_eyckiQYPc

      0
      Reply
      Jonas
      Jonas
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Benjapol Piyawanichpong

      Not anymore… Zwift changed it

      1
      Reply
      Dave Heard
      Dave Heard
      2 years ago

      Hey Eric sorry if asked before but… what’s quicker to climb (without drafting) the Tarmac Pro or a Shiv S-works? What’s the fastest thing to get up AdZ? Presume it’s the Tarmac but…?!

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Dave Heard

      Tarmac is about 70 seconds faster than the Shiv S-Works up the Alpe. All the TT bikes are pretty heavy, so lightweight road bikes beat them up longer, steeper climbs.

      0
      Reply
      Rick Miranda
      Rick Miranda
      1 year ago

      Keep up the great work !

      0
      Reply
      Kjell E I Henanger
      Kjell E I Henanger
      1 year ago

      The Cannondale at lvl 36 seems to have a good rating with four and three stars, suggesting it’s a superb all round or hilly course choice, but that’s not reflected in the measurements. Comments to the frame?

      0
      Reply
      Nick Hickman
      Nick Hickman
      1 year ago

      Is the Spec Tarmac that gets awarded for completing the Tour of California the dame as the Pro that comes out as #1 climber? If not, is the ToC Tarmac good for something else or not really worth completing the challenge for?

      0
      Reply
      Nick Hickman
      Nick Hickman
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Nick Hickman

      Ah, I see this was answered already. The ToC Tarmac is not worth the bother.

      0
      Reply
      Nick
      Nick
      1 year ago

      According to the frametest page the Aeroad 2021 is 2s FASTER than the Tramac Pro… and so is #1 (also the heading for it says #2)

      But, I love your pages – my ‘go to’ resource for all things Zwift!

      2
      Reply
      Temps 09
      Temps 09(@quatre24)
      1 year ago

      Tarmac pro is done if same performance as the cannondale evo with the evo being half the drop price. Has value if your going for the specialized collection but not much else. Save the drops for wheels or more aero faster road frames or gravel/MTB frames or TT frames.

      0
      Reply
      Chris
      Chris
      1 year ago

      Hi, looks the SL7 now features twice in the list following the latest revision to the page. PS: I hate to be the **** that points stuff like out but thought that someone should – always a massive fan of your site!

      0
      Reply
      Christian Doran
      Christian Doran
      1 year ago

      This list needs editing. You’ve got the sl7 in two places (4/5 and 6/7) and your change log states you’ve moved down the tarmac pro a couple of spots but it is in #1 position

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Christian Doran

      Fixed!

      1
      Reply
      Christian Doran
      Christian Doran
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Cheers Eric. You may still have an issue though. The Amira is in position 6 and 7.

      0
      Reply
      Stefan
      Stefan
      1 year ago

      whats the thing about the ingame star rating? the Tarmac SL7 got a better rating than the Tarmac Pro, so why should be the Pro faster ?

      0
      Reply
      Devan
      Devan
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Stefan

      I was curious on this too?? Those star ratings must not be very accurate because the SL7 would have one of the best “star ratings” in the game it would seem?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Stefan

      Because the stars aren’t super “granular”. They’re just an approximation. Yes, the SL7 is more aero than the Pro. But the Pro is lighter than the SL7. So the Pro wins on long, steepish climbs.

      0
      Reply
      Steve Cirica
      Steve Cirica
      1 year ago

      According to my Zwift profile I have enough drops and I’m at level 9 but I don’t see the Cannondale EVO in my list of frames to choose from. Do I need to do something special?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Steve Cirica

      Yeah, you have to buy it from the Drop Shop! 😃

      1
      Reply
      Arne Christian Eggen
      Arne Christian Eggen
      1 year ago

      I won the Meilestein wheels yeasterday but can’t see them in my garage. Anyone has an idea what has happened?

      0
      Reply
      Rick Goris
      Rick Goris
      1 year ago

      Excellent articles, interesting and informative. Keep up the good work. Thank you for all you do for Zwift and the sport.

      1
      Reply
      Nick Harrison
      Nick Harrison
      6 months ago

      Hi Eric, just checking the numbering. Your list counts 6,7,8 then continues 7 & 8!!

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      6 months ago
      Reply to  Nick Harrison

      Ha! Fixed. Too many revisions…

      0
      Reply
      Mike McCarthy
      Mike McCarthy
      6 months ago

      @Eric Schlange Really appreciate all the time you take to put these articles together! I think it would be interesting to see how this list would change (if at all) with the same tests up the shorter, less steep climbs such as the Epic and Innsbruck KOMs. Would also love to see the time differences between these frames up VenTop.

      0
      Reply
      Richard Price
      Richard Price
      2 months ago

      Got the Emonda from Everest, and Aeroroad 2021, 808’s and Enve 3.4’s is it worth plumping for the Evo for mountain ascents? quite quick on both these up AdZ, under an hour and Volcano KOM a few times on either frame, dont want to waste drops if the Evo isnt going to make that much of a difference (Level16).

      0
      Reply
      Jim
      Jim
      1 month ago

      Hi Eric, newbie here, level 12. Great site, thanks for all the advice. My question is whether I should invest in frame/wheel set combos that help compensate for my weaknesses (climbing) or play to my strengths (flats). I’m thinking the latter gets me a better advantage?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 month ago
      Reply to  Jim

      Ah, the eternal question!

      Not sure what the right answer is. For me, if I’m concerned about getting dropped (on a climb, generally) then I’ll get a bike that helps me not get dropped.

      But if I’m confident I’ll be able to hang in there, then I get a bike that will reinforce my strengths.

      0
      Reply
      Jim
      Jim
      1 month ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Thanks Eric. I must admit I am surprised at how badly I struggle on climbs. I’m lower end of C grade, ftp 246 up from 236 a fortnight ago. I can hang with the B/C grade pack all day on the flat, take my turn on the front, anything up to 300w no issue. Then any incline over 4%, even if I increase my effort, they just ride away. Is it my weight at 86kg (ex track sprinter, 5’10”) or do I just need to do more specific hill training? Sorry for all the questions. Appreciate any help from the… Read more »

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 month ago
      Reply to  Jim

      Your struggle is one felt by many, many riders. Weight is the factor, for sure. One thing you could do to improve your performance apart from dropping weight is to work on 1-5 minute power… because that’s the crucial interval for so many Zwift climbs.

      0
      Reply
      Jim
      Jim
      1 month ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Thanks @Eric Schlange. Amazing website and I really appreciate your generosity with your time in responding and the help. 🤜

      0
      Reply
      Jim
      Jim
      1 month ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Ps. Based on this, at what level can I access a moped?

      0
      Reply
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