Bike Ahead Gravelbike: The Superfast - Gravel bike with less than 7 kilos!
Sebastian Brust
· 11.07.2025
Würzburg-based carbon manufacturer Bike Ahead Composites presents The Superfast, a new gravel bike that was developed in close collaboration with the bike community - i.e. the brand's fans. The innovative approach enabled interested parties to vote on important key points of the bike and thus have a direct influence on its development.
From the basic area of use to details such as the cable routing, bikers were able to contribute their preferences. The entire development process was documented transparently via social media and the company website. The result is a gravel bike in the race category that aims to combine nothing less than the optimum of lightness, durability, stiffness and comfort - produced regionally in Germany.
Optimally stiff: one-piece monocoque construction
The Bike-Ahead gravel bike is based on an elaborate one-piece monocoque construction. The frame, fork and cockpit form a technical and visual unit. The main frame is manufactured in one piece, which means that all carbon prepregs are optimally bonded under pressure and merge to form a high-strength unit.
This complex production method differs significantly from the usual frame production in mass production factories, where individually manufactured segments are glued together. The fork and cockpit are also manufactured in one-piece monocoque construction. The frameset has fully integrated cable routing, with the cables running through the handlebars into the stem and from there directly into the frame or fork.
Functional & super lightweight with a focus on details
When developing the Superfast, Bike Ahead focussed on functional lightweight construction. Every component was designed to be as light as possible without compromising on function. The high production quality makes it possible to dispense with paint, which also saves weight and ensures the characteristic, matt shimmering carbon look. But what the community also clearly wanted: carbon raw (88 % - see chart in our table).
Even details such as the bottle holder screws have been designed to maximise weight savings. The screws, made from hollow-drilled titanium, weigh just 1.06 grams each. All in all, these detailed solutions make the Superfast one of the lightest gravel bikes ever. The frame without storage compartment insert weighs 789 grams in size M and thus falls below the 800 gram mark. The complete weight of the bike with top equipment is 6.85 kilograms.
Customised equipment ex works
The Ahead Superfast bike is available both as a frameset and as a complete bike. The modular system from Würzburg enables customers to configure the bike according to their personal preferences.
The cockpit is available in all standard sizes, with a choice of drops for racing or gravel. It is also possible to customise the cockpit. Stem lengths, handlebar widths and drop variants can be freely combined.
This flexibility is made possible by the manufacturing process and an innovative production tool. Customers can also choose between a threaded bottom bracket (T47) and a press-fit bearing when selecting the bottom bracket. The manufacturer emphasises that the choice can be made freely. The manufacturing quality of the Superfast is so high that annoying noises from press-fit bearings, which are often caused by high manufacturing tolerances, can be ruled out.
User-friendly with storage compartment & derailleur mount
Another customisation option is the sealed and removable storage compartment. The locking lever is located on the top of the down tube and can be operated without tools. The storage compartment is equipped with all the important tools and a spare inner tube.
A patented, fully variable front derailleur base also ensures maximum flexibility. This makes it possible to switch between a single chainring and front derailleur at any time without having to make any technical or visual compromises. This solution takes into account the preference expressed in the community survey for both options.
From elegant to luxurious: models & price
The Superfast from Bike Ahead is offered as a complete bike in five different basic versions. The modular system makes it possible to select various upgrades for an additional charge. It goes without saying that the prices for the Superfast are at the top end of the market. The carbon fibre bike dream come true costs between 7549 and 13,499 euros.
The most affordable version is equipped with a Sram Rival EXPL groupset and DT Swiss GR 1600 wheels. The top version has a Sram Red EXPL AXS groupset and DT Swiss GR 1600 wheels. Bike Ahead Biturbo Gravel Aero wheels. In between, the configurator allows you to customise the bike to your own wishes and dreams - and the corresponding budget.
Reward for the community: raffle of The Superfast 001
The development of The Superfast was characterised by the strong involvement of the community. The feedback is said to have been very positive right from the start - and obviously a great support for the manufacturer. As a special thank you for the input, Bike Ahead is giving away the very first The Superfast with the number 001 to all participants who took part in the surveys. The winner will be chosen in mid-July, shortly before the start of series production, and invited to Würzburg to witness the production of the frameset.
Gravelbike Bike Ahead The Superfast - technical specifications
Frameset
- Construction: One-piece monocoque
- Frame weight (size M): from 789 grams
- Fork weight: 388 grams
- Frame heights: S, M, L, XL
- Cockpit: one-piece monocoque, handlebar widths and drop variants can be freely combined
- Cable routing: Fully integrated, including cockpit
- Tyre clearance: Maximum 50 millimetres
- Bottom bracket options: Pressfit or bolted T47 bearing
- Front derailleur mount: Variable
- derailleur hanger: UDH
- Storage compartment: Sealed, removable, can be operated without tools
- Production: 100 per cent Made in Germany
- Price frameset: from 4199 euros
Complete bikes
- Weight (size M): from 6.85 kilograms without pedals
- Equipment variants: 5 basic versions
- Entry-level model: Sram Rival EXPL groupset, DT Swiss GR 1600 wheels
- Top model: Sram Red EXPL AXS groupset, Bike Ahead Biturbo Gravel Aero wheels
- Price: 7549 to 13,499 euros
Sebastian Brust
Editor
