Fairlight Strael 4.0

[thunderlips76]

So I was scanning Google to find out “best road bikes under £3000” and the Fairlight came up multiple times. I’ve never considered a steel framed bike but it would seem everyone loves these. I couldn’t find a bad review. Nearly every cycling magazine gives them no cons, every YouTube channel I follow that has reviewed them loves them.

I’m currently on a Giant TCR advanced pro (2018) which I love, but it’s getting on, and I have to accept the fact that I’m going to have to switch over to disc.

So is the Fairlight a good choice? I was worried about the weight and the way it would feel out of the saddle (sprinting/climbing). I grind has a Trek Domane alloy and it weights about 10.5kg and he hates it. The Fairlight I’ve looked at is a 54 frame, 105 mechanical 12 speed, with Hunt 50mm aero wheels and 30mm conti 5000s. It’s over £3k but still a bargain depending on the ride feel.

Does anyone have one, or even an opinion. I do like to get smashy on group rides and I’m not really into pottering along. Also the external cabling does appeal to me. I also think they look like artwork.

Thanks

 

[Jameshow]

What's you terrain like where you are?

If hilly I think you'll notice it over an 8kg carbon bike but if on the flat it might hold its own.

The wheels make more if a difference imho

 

[thunderlips76]

Yorkshire, so there’s lots of climbing. But I could stand to lose weight. I’m not a racing snake

 

[feckless]

I have a Strael 3.0 which is very nice indeed. It’s a lively and surprisingly racy ride for an endurance bike, and noticeably quicker than the 3T Exploro I had been riding for some years.

Weight is ~9kg with 12sp 105 mechanical and upgraded Hunt carbon wheels. For comparison, the Exploro was ~8.5kg with Force 1x, Fulcrum 4 wheels and 28mm tyres.

The extra weight really isn’t a concern. On climbs the lower gearing makes up for it and on the flat it doesn’t matter anyway.

Biggest difference is comfort. The Exploro was a harsh old bugger (consequence of stiff wheels and solid build) where the Strael is smooth and lovely. Not springy and laterally flexy like a classic steel frame, more stiff like a modern bike but with the harshness smoothed off a bit. It’ll crash over big bumps, but definitely make crappy road surfaces a lot more enjoyable.

Service from Fairlight was excellent, though it did cost quite a lot to get the bike shipped to me (I’m in NZ). They do T(all) and R(ace) options for all frame sizes, so it should be fairly easy to find one that fits well. That said, I reckon their sizing tool can recommend a size too big if you’re at the bottom of the range for a given size.

f

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

I always bang on about the same thing for under £3k, but I have a Scott Addict 20. This has been replaced by the Addict 40 for 2025 but it is exactly the same bike. Full 105 di2 groupset and good quality syncros parts and wheels. 8.5kg and comes in under £2800. Can't fault it for the money.

 

[Animo]

I have a 3.0 set up at my winter/4 season bike. Really great bike, the geometry is spot on for me.
Had it built up with Ultegra mechanical and some carbon wheels.
I'm fortunate to have a few bikes but if this was my only one I wouldn't be too sad.