SEKA Spear Review: Is It Worth the Premium Price Tag?

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On this evaluation, I interviewed Denis, who turned the primary SEKA Spear RDC proprietor in Czechia. We talk about why he selected this body, how the construct went, and the way he charges its using traits.

SEKA Spear stirred the waters of street bike frames because of its authentic WindEye construction and daring efficiency claims. However is it price it? And the way does it evaluate to the Canyon Aeroad? You will see out.

SEKA Spear Construct Abstract

Beneath are the principle specs of Denis’ construct.

SEKA Spear Professionals and Cons

Why Spear? 

After an extended break and sickness, I needed to deal with myself to a motorbike, so on the finish of 2024, I began wanting round. Since I’ve an issue with selecting sizes, the place dimension 58 is just too small and dimension 61 is unnecessarily giant and, above all, unattractive, I didn’t need one other Canyon XL, which is strictly the dimensions in between. 

There isn’t a lot selection in terms of discovering dimension 59/60, and Chinese language manufacturers normally don’t supply these sizes in any respect. That’s, a stack round 590/600 mm. Then I noticed Spear and instantly fell in love with it, particularly the Chronos shade. If the bigger, better-known manufacturers, reminiscent of Winspace, Fast Professional, and others, provided sizes for individuals like me, I’d undoubtedly take into account them as properly.

I learn Weightweenies and watched the primary Spear YouTube evaluations. Even the upper value didn’t deter me. It’s my first Chinese language bike, and now, after a yr of expertise, I don’t remorse it. 

Regardless of the upper price ticket of this Chinese language model, I used to be impressed by the lifetime guarantee on the body (5 years on the fork and a couple of years on the cockpit and seat put up), wind tunnel testing, and European illustration based mostly within the Netherlands.

The Construct Course of

I chosen each part myself, with an authentic objective of protecting the bike below 7 kg. As a result of the body is dimension XL, 60 mm wheels have been the one choice to maintain the proportions proper. I searched Weight Weenies and selected the Farsports EVO S6 (58 mm) wheels. They arrive with CeramicSpeed bearings and weigh 1304g.

I initially deliberate to make use of Cybrei cranks. Nonetheless, I needed a 4iiii energy meter, so I ended up with a Shimano Dura-Ace crankset. That turned out to be a mistake. After being upset with 4iiii, I switched to a Favero Assioma RS energy meter. If I had identified this earlier, I’d have saved the Cybrei cranks and certain gone below 7 kg. The ultimate bike weight is 7.2 kg.

The general workmanship is superb. The one challenge I encountered was the thru-axle gap on the dropout, which wanted slight milling. I needed to take the body to a motorbike restore store. There may be additionally little or no area between the chain catcher and the chainring bolt, but it surely matches simply barely. I selected a Bikone backside bracket as a result of it’s made from two separate items. Editorial notice: Bikone additionally provides BBs to the UAE Staff Emirates.

Every thing else, reminiscent of routing cables by way of the body and handlebars, compressing the headset, or mounting and aligning disc brakes, went easily.

Denis’ Trip Impressions from SEKA Spear

I switched to the SEKA Spear RDC from the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 2019. I used to personal a Canyon Endurace and infrequently tried out bikes from mates, such because the S-Works SL7, Cannondale Synapse, and others… However I’ll primarily evaluate it to the Aeroad, which is aero, whereas the Spear is extra of an all-rounder. That is the most important change.

The Aeroad maintains velocity higher and is designed for quick using. The Spear is weaker on this respect, but it surely doesn’t lose a lot. It’s just a bit noticeable. Nonetheless, it’s undoubtedly not a sluggish bike; it accelerates nice because of the Farsports EVO S6 wheels, that are 300g lighter than the DT Swiss ARC 1100 60 mm wheels. Because of them, it’s clearly a greater climbing bike.

Spear is playful. Cornering and dealing with are higher in any respect speeds. Its response can be sooner than the Aeroad’s. I wouldn’t need to lose this function if I ever ended up on an aero bike once more. 

The Spear can be extra comfy than the Aeroad, particularly within the rear triangle and seatpost, that are extra versatile attributable to their geometry (sloping). The wheels are fairly stiff because of the carbon spokes, besides, it’s a really comfy journey. The tires are 28 mm, however really measure 31.5 mm. I made a decision on the Continental Aero tire within the entrance for added aero positive aspects, however I’ll return to GP5000 S TR, as I discover them higher in moist circumstances.

The query is, does WindEye work as SEKA guarantees? I don’t know. But it surely’s like a magnet for individuals who method me, after which we get to speaking. 

Ultimately, I didn’t get beneath 7 kg as I needed. The Chronos shade body weighs about 100g greater than the opposite colours, and since it’s an XL body and virtually nothing was shortened, I don’t remorse the additional weight. The colour is beautiful.

Denis’ Verdict

From the second I first noticed the bike on-line, I spent a variety of time researching and convincing myself I wasn’t loopy to spend this a lot cash. Wanting again, I’ve no regrets. I’d advocate this bike to anybody who needs to face out and doesn’t need to find yourself on a Canyon or an S-Works SL8.

Spear excels in rolling terrain and on climbs. It feels mild, vigorous, and responsive after I put the ability down. It encourages an lively using type and rewards the rider’s enter.

On flat roads, it additionally performs properly. Whereas it isn’t as quick as pure aero bikes just like the Canyon Aeroad, it makes up for it with higher responsiveness and better journey consolation.

It’s a little bit of a disgrace that I needed to alter the derailleur hanger. At this value level, that shouldn’t be vital, but it surely was a one-time challenge that I resolved, and now I can simply benefit from the bike.