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The Stromm Cycles Raktt, unveiled at the recent trade show, is a bold new entry into the high-performance road bike market, making waves with its striking design and impressive aerodynamic claims. The bike’s standout feature is its ability to save riders significant watts at both cruising and sprinting speeds, backed by transparent and detailed data. Stromm’s approach to aerodynamics is refreshing—instead of cherry-picking ideal conditions, they present real-world scenarios that riders actually encounter on the road.
What Makes the Stromm Raktt So Fast?
Stromm’s primary claim is that the Raktt saves 10 watts at 40 kph and a staggering 30 watts at 60 kph compared to the most popular aero road bikes on the market. Unlike many manufacturers who test in controlled, unrealistic conditions, Stromm provides data for both “Cruising Speed” (tempo riding) and “Sprint Speed” (all-out effort), ensuring the bike performs well across a range of real-world scenarios.
The bike’s aerodynamics are also tested across a full spectrum of yaw angles, which accounts for the complexities of real-world riding—crosswinds, dynamic movements, and pack dynamics. Stromm believes the Raktt excels in these conditions, offering stability and efficiency even at larger yaw angles. For those who crave technical details, Stromm has released a whitepaper that dives deep into the aerodynamic data.
Design Innovations
The Raktt’s design is informed by the updated UCI rules, which have relaxed restrictions on airfoil shapes. Stromm leverages this freedom to create thinner, more stable profiles that offer improved aerodynamic performance compared to older 3:1 designs. The bike’s aesthetic is sharp and futuristic, with clean lines and a no-nonsense approach that emphasizes speed. It’s a bike that looks fast even when standing still, with a design reminiscent of a stealth bomber.
Key Features
- Front-End Design: The Raktt features a unique fork/headtube combo, claimed to be the slimmest on a production road bike. Despite its aggressive appearance, it uses a standard 1-⅛” steer tube and round bearings.
- Handlebars: The bike comes with two one-piece carbon bar options: a super-narrow 33/36 cm version and a more traditional 36/39 cm variant. The bars were 3D printed for the show, but the finalized versions will be fully carbon.
- Geometry and Stiffness: The geometry is race-oriented, with steep seat angles (74°) and zero-setback seatposts designed to maximize power transfer. The bike is available in six sizes (48–61 cm) and is built for stiffness and responsiveness, though this may result in a harsher ride over long distances.
- Tire Clearance and Compatibility: The Raktt accommodates tires up to 34 mm and is SRAM UDH compatible, ensuring versatility for different riding conditions.
Performance and Practicality
While the Raktt is undeniably fast and stiff, Stromm acknowledges that its race-focused geometry and stiffness might not make it the best choice for long, leisurely rides or touring. However, for competitive riders looking for every possible advantage, the Raktt delivers on both aerodynamics and handling.
Pricing and Build Options
Preorders are now open, with framesets starting at $7,000, which include the frame, fork, seatpost, headset, and a choice of handlebars. Two complete builds are available:
- Ultegra Di2 Build: Priced at $8,750, this option offers a high-performance electronic groupset.
- Founder’s Edition: This top-tier build features Dura-Ace Di2 and is priced at $13,000, catering to those who want the best of the best.
Final Thoughts
The Stromm Raktt is a serious contender in the high-performance road bike market, combining cutting-edge aerodynamics, innovative design, and race-ready geometry. While its price point places it firmly in the premium category, the bike’s performance claims and attention to detail make it a compelling option for riders who prioritize speed and efficiency. For more information, visit Stromm Cycles’ official website.
