If you’re available in the market for a high-performance street bike, the default alternative appears to be Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8, Canyon Aeroad CFR or Pinarello Dogma F, most likely in that order. I’m at all times amazed at what number of of those phenomenally succesful and extremely costly machines there are wherever cyclists collect.
Nonetheless, for those who fancy an alternative choice to these good but typically ubiquitous bikes, then the Handsling A1R0evoS is properly value a glance. Began in 2014 by ex-racer Simon Whiten, Handsling provides a small vary of performance-focused bikes for street, gravel, CX, TT and observe. Regardless of their small dimension, Handsling sponsors not one however two UCI Continental groups, UK-based ‘Handsling Alba’ and the brilliantly named ‘Turbo Velo Pickle Juice Biking Group ’ within the US.
The Sundown Gold paintwork actually sparkles when the solar catches it
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
Like most manufacturers, Handsling’s carbon frames are made within the Far East, however designed by Simon and the staff in Hampshire, in their very own unique moulds.
In contrast to a traditional overview the place the take a look at bike arrives ready-built, Handsling was eager to supply me a take a look at the complete shopping for course of, which they really feel is one among their USPs when in comparison with the larger manufacturers. Thus, I discovered myself, barely jetlagged after an in a single day flight into Heathrow, sipping espresso in Handsling’s Oakhanger workshop and discussing ‘my’ potential construct with Simon himself. All patrons are inspired to go to and chat about their necessities earlier than buying, however telephone and e-mail conversations are additionally potential. It’s value emphasising that my expertise was not as a result of I used to be reviewing the bike, however merely a part of Handsling’s standard customer support.
Any buyer can go to Handsling’s workshop in Hampshire
(Picture credit score: Tim Russon)
I’ll cope with my spec selections within the subsequent part, however for me, a giant a part of Handsling’s enchantment is its flexibility. Because the bikes are constructed up within the UK, most parts might be swapped out, sizes modified or omitted fully – if you have already got a favorite pair of wheels or most popular saddle, for instance, you are not tied into shopping for an element you do not want.
At simply 7kg, the A1R0evoS is right for climbing
(Picture credit score: Kim Russon)
One other enormous plus for Handsling frames is the huge alternative of body colors, with about 30 potential choices, starting from plain carbon to very sparkly flip-type paint jobs. I selected Sundown Gold, a stunning coppery orange and even bought to speak to the chap who could be doing the paint spraying, Alfie.
After my go to, I emailed within the setup and measurements of my bike, after which had a few phone calls with Rob to debate what features I would like to alter – for instance, I selected a barely shorter stem and narrower bars.
Building
That paint job! Despite the fact that I’d chosen the color myself, there’s a massive distinction between swatches and seeing the completed article within the flesh after I unboxed the bike, and it’s laborious to do justice to the multitude of colors obvious on the body. Relying on the sunshine, gold, inexperienced, orange, bronze, purple, copper and even blue make an look, an impact that’s significantly noticeable across the curves of the underside bracket. Alfie had performed a shocking job.
The curves of the underside bracket space actually showcase the paintwork
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
Again to extra technical issues. The claimed body weight for the brand new A1R0evoS (launched in 2024) is 770g for a 52cm, round 200g lower than for the non ‘S’ model. This has been achieved by means of Toray 1100 carbon versus Toray 800, which requires much less materials for a similar stiffness, and provides £600 to the price. Each frames are similar when it comes to form and geometry – one other interesting facet of the Handsling philosophy is that they don’t change the frames seasonally or significantly encourage riders to improve to the following, newest factor. Simon is eager that their bikes are constructed to final and stay on the street.
Though it isn’t an out-and-out aero bike, there are many aero touches, with truncated D-shaped tubes, dropped seatstays with an elbow kink into the cut-out seat tube. The hourglass head tube and absolutely built-in cables maintain the entrance finish extraordinarily clear, with an prolonged part behind the pinnacle tube to cut back drag. The underside bracket space is reassuringly chunky to not simply catch the sunshine fantastically but in addition to raised harness energy. Apparently, it’s a BB86 press match unit slightly than a mechanic-friendly threaded unit, some extent that Handsling emphasises on its web site as being higher for efficiency.
New for 2025, the Superior fork is wider and deeper for improved aero with a neat enclosed thru-axle finish. The fork permits clearance for 35mm tyres. Rear tyre clearance continues to be a wholesome 32mm.
The geometry is unquestionably performance-orientated, with 395mm attain and 565mm stack on my 56cm bike – similar to the SL8 and similar to the Canyon Aeroad. Nonetheless, the wheelbase of the A1R0evoS is fractionally shorter than each at 985mm, promising fast dealing with.
The inline seatpost and one-piece handlebar are Handsling’s personal; I selected a 120mm stem and 38mm width bar to go together with the bike’s racey character. Bikes additionally include sensible Handsling carbon bottle cages (25g every on my scales) and a Okay-Edge laptop mount.
Handsling’s personal one-piece carbon bar and Okay-Edge laptop mount
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
There’s a good selection of wheels out there on Handsling’s configurator and so they have a long-standing partnership with Parcours, however, ever the weight-weenie, I opted for one more British wheel model and specced some Scribe Core SL50+ wheels to avoid wasting a number of grams and add a few millimetres of inside width. These wheels pushed the 30mm Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR tyres out to over 31mm in width.
My spec alternative included Scribe Core SL+ 50 wheels
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
Most riders would admit that Shimano Ultegra Di2 is each bit nearly as good as Dura-Ace, aside from a small weight penalty, and I absolutely agree with this suggestion. So, after all, I opted for a full Dura-Ace set-up – properly, given the prospect, you’d wouldn’t you? Coronary heart over head for certain.
Nothing contentious within the spec of the groupset with a 52/36 chainset, 11-30t cassette, and 170mm cranks, with out energy meter. I like the truth that with Handsling, in contrast to most off-the-shelf producers, a ‘downgrade’ to Ultegra, as an example, doesn’t additionally imply accepting cheaper wheels, bars, tyres, and so forth.
Weight with out pedals, however with cages and mount, got here in at bang on 7kg. Fairly good for a disc brake, semi-aero bike with 30mm tyres and 50mm wheels.
Attractive, shiny Dura-Ace chainset
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
The trip
Years in the past, a pal of mine had an Audi RS4, which I drove usually, and I do not forget that it wasn’t the unimaginable V8 noise or monstrous efficiency that impressed me most, however the way in which that the suspension handled bumps while remaining stiff and planted on the street. The A1R0evoS jogged my memory of this. It’s a race bike in each method, however additionally it is very composed on poor street surfaces. After all, you continue to really feel each crack, bump and piece of grit, however it’s by a filter which removes the sharpest edges. Little question the tubeless 30mm Pirelli P-Zero tyres and Scribe Core 50 SL+ wheels had been doing their bit, however I’m certain that the body was additionally contributing an excellent diploma of vibration absorption, making the bike much less fatiguing than many race bikes.
Nonetheless, step on the pedals and there’s no trace of wooliness, simply an immediate response whether or not seated or standing. For a UCI-approved body with two professional groups on its CV, this could come as no shock, however after spending the winter on a succession of superb all-road bikes, the step as much as a real race bike was nonetheless noticeable. The Handsling is longer, decrease, stiffer and lighter, after all, however additionally it is extra direct with larger responsiveness.
Step on the pedal and the response is immediate
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
The quick wheelbase by no means felt nervous, it was a pleasure to trip on quick, sweeping descents in Mallorca, the place I discovered myself intentionally taking a sub-optimal line by some bends, simply in order that I might flick the bike over and carve spherical it, tightening the curve slightly than straightening it, only for the enjoyable of it. On the less-lovely roads of the Peak District, confidence was equally excessive, though between potholes and gravel, there was so much much less scope for pratting about. Once more, giant quantity tyres and broad rims performed their half, however wouldn’t work almost as properly until hooked up to a equally competent body.
The A1R0evoS was cozy and rewarding on lengthy rides in Mallorca
(Picture credit score: Kim Russon)
Velocity was by no means a difficulty (or no less than not from the bike’s viewpoint). Whether or not pace-lining alongside the flat or gurning up a climb, the A1R0evoS performed its half, offering a stable platform that inspired massive efforts. Handsling doesn’t give any aero figures, however the bike felt prefer it maintained pace very properly.
The A1R0evoS does have a number of quirks and foibles, although. First, and least necessary, is that the seat put up clamp is slightly clunky. It’s a kind of double clamp whereby the half that clamps the saddle rails is itself bolted to the carbon put up, and though the entire thing is mild sufficient, it ain’t fairly. It’s value noting that the layback model supplied makes use of a way more commonplace clamp that appears so much neater.
The double clamp design of Handsling’s inline seat put up
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
Secondly (and thirdly), there are many totally different bolt sizes used, from 3mm to 6mm (personally, I’d ban all 3mm bottle cage bolts!) which is a bit irritating, and a few of the torque specs are method greater than regular, eg. 12Nm for the saddle clamp and 10Nm for the seatpost. This isn’t too dangerous within the workshop with a torque wrench at hand, however it’s fairly laborious to realize mid-ride with a multi-tool, though no less than there’s little hazard of over-torquing them.
And eventually, I discovered the form of the one-piece handlebar a bit fundamental. Having used a number of very nice, sculpted bars not too long ago, the Handsling unit felt fairly old-school. Though the tops are properly flattened, they turn into spherical earlier than the ahead bend, making them much less cozy when holding them close to the hoods. The drops curve away from you. Different designs really feel extra ergonomic.
Nonetheless, the worst a part of using the A1R0evoS was that I used to be fearful of scratching the stunning paintwork. Whether or not leaning it towards a wall exterior a restaurant, utilizing steel instruments close to it or packing it into a motorbike field, I used to be in fixed worry. A really good drawback to have, although.
Worth and conclusion
I’m going to say that the Handsling A1R0evoS is nice worth. £9,089 for a British, custom-painted, Dura-Ace-equipped aero bike that weighs 7kg just isn’t straightforward to match. It isn’t good, however I’d slightly have the chance to decide on my very own stem and handlebar dimension than have a prettier saddle clamp any day.
Sunshine and a superbike – good
(Picture credit score: Kim Russon)
While writing a latest piece about metal and titanium bikes, it struck me that for some, the enchantment isn’t simply within the materials however within the course of and potential for customisation. This, in flip, results in larger involvement and deeper reference to the completed product. Handsling provides a really comparable proposition however with carbon slightly than steel.
I definitely can’t say that the A1R0evoS is definitively sooner than a Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8, Canyon Aeroad CFR or Pinarello Dogma F, however I can say that there can’t be a lot in it for regular riders, and that the personalised service, likelihood to trip one thing totally different from the norm, and the stability of pace and luxury this bike delivers make the Handsling a really tempting proposition for anybody searching for a race bike.
Oh, and that paint job by no means bought previous.
Specification
- Body and fork: T1100 carbon with Superior fork
- Backside bracket: BB86
- Groupset: Shimano R9200 Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed
- Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed HG 11-30T
- Chainset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed 52-30T, 170mm
- Brake rotors: Shimano Dura-Ace L 160mm entrance, 140mm rear
- Wheelset: Scribe Core SL+ 50 tubeless-ready
- Tyres: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR Black 700x30mm
- Handlebar: Handsling Race Built-in Carbon 380mm x 120mm
- Seatpost: Handsling Aero D-Formed Seatpost
- Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Enhance Carbonio
- Precise weight for dimension 56cm: 7kg
