For years, the UCI has imposed an arbitrary weight limit of 6.8kg on pro bikes, a rule that dates back to the early rim brake days when it was common for professional bikes to hover right at the limit. There were even rumors of some teams adding extra weight to their bikes to comply with regulations.
With recent tech innovations, the question arises: what do pro bikes actually weigh now? According to Bike Radar, after some solid legwork and weighing multiple pro bikes during Stage 1 of the Tour de France, the results were quite interesting, showcasing the evolution of technology and design. In this article, we look through “How Much Does a Tour de France Bike Weigh”
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Some caveats…
The question of how much does a Tour de France bike weigh often sparks curiosity among cycling enthusiasts. Every rider has their unique machine, and their bike must comply with strict UCI rules, which have set an arbitrary weight limit of 6.8kg.
These professional bikes, such as the Cannondale SuperSix Evo LAB71 and the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8, are tailored for maximum performance while staying within limits. From Neilson Powless’ lightweight 7.74kg ride to Jonas Vingegaard’s ultra-light 6.74kg Cervélo R5, the range reflects a balance of cutting-edge engineering and competitive strategy. Below is a detailed comparison of top pro bikes, their riders, and the exact weights meticulously measured to provide insights into these marvels of technology.
| Rider | Bike | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Neilson Powless | Cannondale SuperSix Evo LAB71 | 7.74 |
| Jonas Vingegaard | Cervélo R5 | 6.74 |
| Tadej Pogačar | Colnago V4Rs | 7.27 |
| Alexander Kristoff | Dare Velocity Ace | 8 |
| Stephen Williams | Factor Ostro VAM | 7.535 |
| Remco Evenepoel | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 | 6.985 |
| Carlos Verona | Trek Madone SLR | 7.46 |
| Paul Lapeira | Van Rysel RCR Pro | 7.455 |
| Mark Cavendish | Wilier Filante SLR | 7.645 |
| Average | 7.425 |
The precise weights of the pro bikes used in the TdF, especially with the UCI’s 6.8kg limit in place. Among the many bikes weighed, the just-released superlight Factor O2 frame came close to this regulation, but most sat comfortably in the seven-and-a-half-kilo range
. These brand-new, ready-to-race models, complete with pedals and bottle cages, had an average weight of 7.45kg (or 16.42 pounds). Interestingly, some team leaders’ bikes were a half kilo above the limit, designed for demanding hilly stages like the 182km route, packed with over 3000+ meters of climbing.
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Neilson Powless’ Cannondale SuperSix Evo LAB71 – 7.74kg
The Cannondale SuperSix Evo LAB71, used by Neilson Powless, is an exceptional example of an all-rounder racing platform from an American brand renowned for its innovation. The SuperSix Evo sits alongside the SystemSix, a dedicated aero bike that, although not updated since its 2018 launch, remains a popular choice among pros. The LAB71 frame, crafted from premium carbon fiber, stands out with its lightweight; a painted size 56cm frame is claimed to weigh only 770g, making it ideal for competitive racing.
Powless bike features top-tier components, including the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset, with a deviation to an FSA Powerbox K-Force Team crankset that integrates a power meter spider for precise performance tracking. He rides on a Vision Metron 60 SL wheelset, fitted with 28c Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR tires mounted on 21mm-wide rims, offering measured widths of 28.4mm front and 28.6mm rear. Up front, the bike uses the SystemBar R-One Carbon One-Piece Handlebar, designed in collaboration with MomoDesign, paired with a 120mm stem and a handlebar 370mm wide center-to-center at the brake hoods.
Comparisons to Richard Carapaz’s 2023 bike reveal how size impacts weight. While Carapaz’s bike weighed 7.395kg, his identical frame was a smaller 48cm, saving over 300g compared to Powless’ larger 58cm frame. Notably, Carapaz opted for a shallower-rimmed Vision Metron 45 SL wheelset, which saved a claimed 200g compared to the 60 SL wheelset used by Powless.
To approach the 6.8kg limit, Powless could switch to shallower wheels, reducing weight but sacrificing aerodynamic gains critical for flat and rolling terrain. While the weight penalty may affect steep climbs in the high mountains.
Jonas Vingegaard’s Cervelo R5 – 6.74kg
The R5 by Cervélo is a prime example of a lightweight race platform tailored for high-performance cycling. Its 56cm painted frameset, with a claimed weight of 730g, undercuts the Cannondale SuperSix Evo LAB71 by 40g, showcasing Cervélo’s commitment to reducing weight while maintaining durability. The Cervélo S5, a more aerodynamic option, and the Soloist, which bridges the gap between the R5 and S5, offer flexibility for various terrains, though the Soloist rarely appears in WorldTour races outside of the spring classics.
At the 2022 Grand Depart in Bilbao, Spain, Vingegaard’s S5 was weighed at 7.195kg, but his current R5, fitted with a SRAM Red AXS groupset, tips the scales at an impressive 6.74kg, coming in 60g below the UCI minimum bike weight limit of 6.8kg. Notable features include a 52/39t chainring paired with a 10t cog, providing exceptional power transfer and efficiency on varied terrain. The bike also sports Reserve 42|49 wheels, combined with 29c Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR tires designed for 25mm internal rim widths, a unique size influenced by ISO and ETRTO standards.
With 28c tires mounted on 25mm-wide rims, Vingegaard’s bike optimizes speed and stability.
Tadej Pogačar’s Colnago V4Rs – 7.27kg
The Colnago V4Rs ridden by Tadej Pogačar of the UAE Team Emirates is a race bike that combines precision engineering with performance. Its unpainted frame, boasting a claimed weight of 798g for a size 485, provides a lightweight platform that mirrors the same size Pogačar has used in previous seasons. The bike’s setup for 2023 included a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset paired with wide ENVE SES 4.5 wheels, ensuring a balance of speed and durability.
For 2024, the bike has become a whisker heavier, which is likely due to a switch from Continental GP5000 TT TR tires to the slightly bulkier Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR tires. This change in tires, coupled with measured widths of 32.5mm out back and 33.3mm up front, suggests a shift to larger 30c tires from the 28s used earlier, offering better grip and stability. The bling factor is enhanced with CarbonTi chainrings, custom brake pads, and a Bikone bottom bracket featuring ceramic bearings, delivering efficiency with a touch of luxury.
Alexander Kristoff’s Dare Velocity Ace – 8.00kg
The Dare Velocity Ace, ridden by Team Uno-X rider Alexander Kristoff, stands out as the heaviest bike at this year’s Tour, weighing 8kg. Unlike the trend of all-rounder bikes, this new aero bike focuses entirely on aerodynamic optimisations. The Velocity Ace continues the design philosophy of the previous Dare VSRu model, which weighed 7.745kg last year, with a deeper focus on speed. Its aerofoil tube shapes and integrated cockpit contribute to the extra weight, but this comes with a noticeable advantage in slippery road performance.
Kristoff’s bike is equipped with DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut DB wheels, featuring 62mm-deep rims paired with 28c Schwalbe Pro One TLE tyres that measure 27.9mm wide. These features enhance aerodynamics, making the bike perfect for fast sprints and flatter terrains.
Power is transferred efficiently through a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset combined with an FSA PowerBox K-Force Team power meter crankset. Additionally, Kristoff has upgraded to a CeramicSpeed OSPW RS system for the rear derailleur, ensuring smooth gear changes and reduced friction.
This bold design by Dare challenges the move by some brands to ditch aero road bikes in favor of models balancing aerodynamic performance and low weight.
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Stephen Williams’ Factor Ostro VAM – 7.535kg
Stephen Williams rides the Factor Ostro VAM, a refreshed model introduced earlier this year. The bike gained attention after Williams’ general classification win at the Tour Down Under, demonstrating its top-tier performance. Factor claims the new bike offers improved ride quality while staying true to its predecessor. Notably, it features a 70g drag reduction, translating to 7 watts saved at 48kph, making it more aerodynamic than both the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 and Cervélo S5.
Williams’ bike is equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset and an FSA Powerbox K-Force Team power meter crankset. The wheels, supplied by Black Inc, feature differentiated rim depths, with the front 48mm and the rear 58mm. These 48 | 58 wheels have a claimed weight of just 1,270g, offering both speed and stability. Black Inc, Factor’s in-house components brand, also provides the seat post and integrated cockpit, ensuring seamless performance and design.
At 7.535kg, Williams’ bike falls on the heavier end of this year’s bikes but remains competitive. For mountainous stages, Williams has the option to switch to the lighter Factor O2 VAM, further showcasing Factor’s versatility and focus on delivering optimal setups for varied terrains.
Remco Evenepoel’s Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 – 6.985kg
Remco Evenepoel rides the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8, a standout choice among all-rounder bikes. This bike is renowned for its liquid metal chrome-finished custom paint scheme, blending aesthetics with performance. The S-Works Tarmac SL8 is one of the lightest framesets, with a claimed weight of 685g for a painted size-56cm frame, only 100g heavier than the ultra-light S-Works Aethos, the brand’s pure climbing model. Evenepoel, a young Belgian, benefits from its versatility and striking design, tailored to elite racing.
Equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset, the bike features sizable 54/40t chainrings for optimal power transfer. Rolling on Roval Rapide CLX II Team wheels, which have a claimed weight of 1,390g, Evenepoel’s setup gains a 130g weight saving thanks to a revised carbon rim layup and low flange hubs. The American brand’s innovation extends to Turbo Cotton clincher tires, sized 28c, providing both speed and grip. For challenging terrains, such as the gravel stage on stage 9, Evenepoel switches to tubeless tires, showcasing the adaptability of this light bike.
This lightest all-rounder bike, built for a light rider, merges cutting-edge technology and aerodynamic efficiency.
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Carlos Verona’s Trek Madone SLR – 7.46kg
Carlos Verona rides the Trek Madone SLR, a seventh-generation Madone that merges the speed-focused Émonda and its predecessor into a single package. This new Madone boasts advanced features, including a new suite of tube shapes called Full System Foil and the IsoFlow system, which enhances aerodynamic performance by allowing the seat mast to flex. Its OCLV 900-series carbon layup contributes to significant weight savings, while proprietary aero bottles and matching cages are claimed to save 3.7 watts at 45kph.
Equipped with a SRAM Red AXS groupset, the bike features 54/41t chainrings for optimized power delivery. Its Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR RS tires, offering a balance of speed and stability. The M/L painted frame, with a claimed weight of 796g, is exceptionally lightweight. However, the heavier-than-expected weight of Verona’s bike may result from the added weight of the wheels and tires.
The Trek-Lidl rider benefits from this cutting-edge design, which prioritizes both efficiency and aerodynamics. Combining the light characteristics of the Émonda with the aero performance of the Madone, this bike represents a perfect synergy of technology and design, making it a standout choice in the Tour de France.
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Paul Lapeira’s Van Rysel RCR Pro – 7.455kg
The Van Rysel RCR Pro made a memorable appearance in the Tour de France this year, causing a stir with its budget-friendly £9,000/$10,999 price tag. This bike, ridden by Paul Lapeira, brought attention for combining aero credentials with affordability. The frame, designed in collaboration with Onera, a French aerospace lab located near Van Rysel’s Lille headquarters, delivers an edge in performance. The team also tested the Van Rysel FCR, an unreleased aero bike, spotted near the team mechanics’ truck, but the RCR Pro remains the star with its race-proven design.
Lapeira’s setup includes a Deda integrated handlebar with a 110mm stem and a 360mm-wide handlebar, paired with a Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 groupset and 54/40t chainrings for power and efficiency. The bike rolls on Swiss Side Hadron 2 500 wheels, wrapped in 28c Continental GP5000 S TR tires, with the wheels measured at 29.1mm wide. These features enhance stability and aerodynamics, even on high-speed terrains. The RCR Pro weighs slightly more than expected, partly due to pedals, bottle cages, an out-front computer mount, and the deeper wheels that contribute to its performance-focused design.
With a claimed weight of 6.82kg for the complete model, the additional components on Lapeira’s bike bring it to 7.455kg, making it competitive yet robust for demanding races. The Van Rysel RCR Pro continues to impress as a bike that blends cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and accessible pricing to stand out in the WorldTour.
Mark Cavendish’s Wilier Filante SLR – 7.645kg
Mark Cavendish, known as the Manx Missile, achieved his record-breaking 35th stage win riding the custom-painted Wilier Filante SLR. This bike, 20g lighter than the version he rode in 2024, weighs 7.645kg and features custom-sprayed bold splashes of color that represent his career highlights. The Filante SLR frame, in a size medium, weighs 870g, which is 222g heavier than the Verticale SLR, a dedicated climbing bike. However, as a sprinter, Cavendish prioritizes superior aerodynamics over ultra-lightweight builds.
Cavendish’s bike is equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset and rolls on Vision Metron 60 SL wheels, replacing the HED Vanquish RC6 Pro hoops he used in 2023. The wheels are finished with 28mm Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR tires, ensuring a balance of speed and grip.
How much does the average Tour de France bike weigh in 2024?
Modern UCI Bike Weight Limit Rule
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FAQs
Why does the UCI 6.8 kg weight limit exist?
The UCI introduced a minimum weight limit of 6.8 kg in 2000 to protect cyclists from potential failures and crashes caused by too-light bike frame parts. If a crucial part is poorly designed or lacks sufficient material to remain stiff and durable, the risk of failure becomes much higher, putting riders at unnecessary risk.
Is there any upper TdF bike weight limit?
When it comes to a TdF bike, there is no upper weight limit set by the UCI.
