Hottest Pro Bikes of 2024: A Roundup of the Fastest Race Bikes

Introduction

The 2024 pro peloton is packed with new bikes, updated models, and interesting tech choices. From aero race bikes to lightweight climbers, these are the machines that will be making headlines throughout the season. Here is a roundup of the hottest pro bikes to watch in 2024, based on what the teams are riding and what we know about the latest models.

Cannondale SystemSix

Cannondale has been creating some of the most striking pro bikes in the peloton, and the SystemSix is a prime example. For the TDT Unibet team, Cannondale provides both the SystemSix and the SuperSix, each with integrated front ends designed specifically for the framesets. The SystemSix build features a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, Garmin Rally RS 200 power pedals for accurate data, Scope R series race wheels, and Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tires. This is a bike that combines aerodynamic efficiency with a clean, integrated look.

The SystemSix is aimed at riders who want a speed-focused race bike with top-tier components. The integration and aero design make it a strong choice for flat and rolling terrain, while the Dura-Ace Di2 groupset ensures precise shifting.

Cannondale SuperSix

The SuperSix is Cannondale’s lightweight option, also used by the TDT Unibet team and the EF team. Like the SystemSix, it features an integrated front end and a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset. For the EF team, the SuperSix and SystemSix cover both mountains and flatlands. The SuperSix is designed for climbing and all-around performance.

Cannondale SuperSix Evo

The latest Lab 71 version of the SuperSix Evo is a significant update. The new frame is claimed to weigh 770 g in a size 56 cm and to be 12 W more efficient at 45 km/h than the previous version. It carries a premium price tag, but a pro build should be able to reach the 6.8 kg UCI weight limit in theory. However, when Richard Carapaz’s size 48 cm bike was weighed at the Tour, it came in at 7.395 kg, which is heavier than expected.

Trek Emonda

Trek is expected to release a brand new lightweight Emonda at some point in 2024. Details are scarce, but Trek is also promoting its custom Project One design program, which means riders will have some seriously shiny custom bikes throughout the year. The current bike features a very clean integrated front end with a bar that sits narrower at the hoods for an aerodynamic riding position. SRAM supplies its RED AXS drivetrain, integrated power meter crankset, and Time pedals.

Scott Foil RC

Team DSM has a fresh new look for 2024, with a white bike design. The Scott Foil RC is one of the hottest pro bikes of the year. It was developed with Drag2Zero expert Simon Smart, resulting in a claimed 16 W saving at 40 km/h. Scott has also worked hard to keep the weight down, with a similarly equipped test bike coming in at 7.43 kg in a size 56. The integrated cockpit from Syncros features a traditional drop combined with a long stem and narrow width, making it look super fast.

The Foil RC is a full-fat aero race bike that manages to stay impressively light, making it a strong all-rounder for fast racing.

Scott Addict RC

The Scott Addict RC is another option for Team DSM riders, alongside the Foil RC. It offers a lightweight alternative for climbing stages.

Van Rysel RCR Pro

Decathlon stepped into the World Tour with the relatively affordable Van Rysel RCR Pro lightweight aero road bike. The RCR Pro frameset has drawn many comparisons to the Specialized Tarmac SL7, a bike that racked up a huge number of World Tour wins. With aero optimized tube shapes and a claimed weight of 6.82 kg, many of the Decathlon AG2R riders are expected to use this bike for the majority of the 2024 season.

Van Rysel FCR

Van Rysel has already revealed a dedicated aero road bike called the FCR, and it’s on its way. The front of the bike is fully integrated and features a subtle hourglass head tube with a truncated trailing edge. This new model is one to keep an eye on.

Specialized Tarmac SL8

Bora-Hansgrohe continues to ride Specialized bikes with Roval wheels, upgrading from the Tarmac SL7 to the Tarmac SL8 during 2023. The big tech news is a groupset takeover by SRAM, displacing Shimano. The team will be using RED AXS, and riders like Jai Hindley have said they’re excited to use 1x setups in certain races. SRAM has also become the team’s cycling computer provider with Hammerhead in place of Wahoo. The team bikes still appear to be fitted with Shimano Dura-Ace pedals.

The Tarmac SL8 is a proven race winner, and the switch to SRAM RED AXS adds a new dimension to the team’s setup.

Wilier Filante SLR

One of the biggest surprises in the pro bike market for 2024 is Groupama FDJ’s swap from Lapierre to Wilier. The FDJ riders will have the Filante SLR as their main bike. This is the now standard aero meets lightweight design, and Wilier claims top spec bikes can be built down to 6.8 kg. Shimano continues to provide groupsets and wheelsets with its top-of-the-range Dura-Ace kit adorning the red, white, and blue frames. Wilier provides its own integrated cockpit.

Giant Propel Advanced

The Jayco-AlUla team continues with the Giant Propel Advanced. In the Propel, Giant already has an aero bike that can be built down to 6.91 kg in a size medium-large, and pro builds with tubular wheels and tires could be even lighter. This makes it a compelling option for riders who want aerodynamic performance without a weight penalty.

Giant TCR

Giant’s TCR is a hugely popular bike and is due for an update in 2024. It will be interesting to see what Giant does with it. Lightweight bikes have been slowly getting more aero, but the TCR may continue to forego a fully integrated front end. There is speculation that it could even return to a round tube design. Regardless, it remains a bike to watch.

Liv Langma

Liv, the producer of women-specific bikes, supplies the women’s team with its Emonda and Langma frames. The Langma is designed for women riders and offers a lightweight, high-performance option for climbing and all-around racing.

Pinarello Dogma F

For Ineos in 2024, it is all about subtle changes. The Pinarello Dogma F bikes have received a fresh lick of paint and one component swap. Prologo now supplies the team with saddles, replacing Fizik. The team continues to use a full Shimano Dura-Ace setup, and Shimano and Princeton Carbon Works provide wheelsets. The Princeton wheels are officially for time trial duties only, but there’s a chance riders could request them for key road races if testing finds them faster. The Dogma F remains one of the hottest race bikes in the peloton.

Overall Buying Advice

When considering a pro-level race bike, it’s important to think about your riding style and priorities. Aero bikes like the SystemSix, Foil RC, and Propel Advanced are designed for speed on flat and rolling terrain, while lightweight bikes like the SuperSix Evo, Emonda, and Addict RC excel on climbs. Many of these bikes feature integrated cockpits and top-tier groupsets, which add to the cost but also to the performance and aesthetics. If you’re looking for value, the Van Rysel RCR Pro offers a relatively affordable entry into World Tour-level performance. Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on the terrain you ride most and your budget.

It’s also worth considering future-proofing and component compatibility. The trend toward 1x drivetrains and integrated systems is growing, so think about whether you want the latest tech or proven reliability.

Conclusion

The 2024 pro peloton is full of exciting bikes, from the aero Cannondale SystemSix to the lightweight Trek Emonda and the updated Giant TCR. Whether you’re in the market for a new race bike or just love following the tech, these machines represent the cutting edge of road cycling. Keep an eye on these models throughout the season to see how they perform in the biggest races.