Storck

Scenero G3 Ultegra Complete Bike-2015

Often when we get framesets in stock, they're shipped with a build spec'd by the manufacturer, and we're stuck peddling them as-is; however, the cycling gods occasionally gift us framesets that we can spec as we see fit. The Storck Scenero G3 Ultegra Complete Bike is the result of one such opportunity, and we took the opportunity to turn it into a combination of two of the best kept secrets in the North American racing scene: an eminently race-able frame from the German collector of BOTY awards and Shimano's redoubtable, underappreciated Ultegra 6800 groupset.

The G3 frameset at the build's heart represents the latest generation of the venerable Scenero genus, and we're happy to report that Storck saw little reason to tamper with the award-winning formula. Of the minor changes the German firm did make, the redesigned head tube is likely the most dramatic. The head tube is tapered now, which increases front-end stiffness, which makes for a more efficient ride and improved handling through sweeping descents. The rest of the G3 is pure Scenero pedigree: a frame that's designed to cover everything from long, grueling base miles to interminable solo moves and even weekend tri or time trial events.

The Scenero G3 features the same uni-directional carbon lay-up as its predecessor, the G2, which orients the carbon across the frame in relation to the load path and force direction at play in each location. The design is first built digitally with 3D CAD imaging, and that virtual blueprint is translated to the dimensions of the mold. The mold itself is a one-piece, monocoque affair. Since there are no tube junctures, there is no excess weight from the additional material and resin needed to reinforce frames comprising multiple sub-assemblies.

The frame's rear triangle has been updated, with the G3's stays benefiting from a redesign meant to smooth the road even more than the G2. The bottom bracket is the same 86.5mm colossus, and — with the update to the head tube — it completes a drive spine with virtually no high-flex weak spots. Storck's annual allotment of BOTY awards is beginning to feel automatic, and it's mostly due to the stiffness-to-weight ratio on models like the G3.

Of course, all of the stiff efficiency in the world is worthless if the ride is so unforgiving that 30 miles in the saddle feels like 10 rounds in the ring. Storck's proportional tubing concept uses adapted dimensions, wall thickness, tube diameter, and tapering across frame sizes to address rider fatigue by focusing on fit. Rather than just increasing tube lengths and angles by arbitrary increments, Storck essentially designed each size as its own, unique model. Every G3 is built to fit a rider's body rather than a sliding scale of geometry measurements.

While framesets like the Scenero G3 tend to steal the show of any build, we'd be remiss not to end by dispelling the common misconception that Shimano's Ultegra 6800 is Cat 5 slop. It doesn't carry the pro sheen of Dura-Ace, sure, but the current generation of Ultegra is separated from Dura-Ace 9000 by little more than some additional grams and — in our always humble opinion — an improvement on the latter's two-toned aesthetics. This has almost always been the case. In fact, we still remember a few product cycles ago when pros and amateurs alike were opting to run Dura-Ace drivetrains with Ultegra cranks because the less expensive model, while a bit heavier, was stiffer and more responsive.

Reminiscence aside — and given the fact that we had carte blanche with the build kit — we opted to one-up most manufacturers by completing the drivetrain with a matching Ultegra 6800 crankset instead of opting for the usual, less-expensive FSA replacement. The one area where we opted to keep the price in consideration was the wheels. Mavic's Cosmic Elite wheels aren't quite as impressive to look at as your typical matte finish, white decal, 50mm carbon race wheels, but they aren't made for looking at. They're made for abuse, and their 30mm depth adds an element of aerodynamic benefits that most box section training wheels can only dream of. Race wheels are one of cycling's touchiest subjects, almost completely beholden to personal taste. With the Cosmic Elites, we provide the all-purpose, all-weather, beat-the-hell-outuvem training wheels and let you choose your race wheels.