What road bikes won top awards in 2014? The 2014 top road bike award winners included the Specialized S-Works Tarmac, Cannondale SuperSix EVO, Trek Emonda SLR, Pinarello Dogma 65.1, and Cervélo R5. These models dominated industry accolades for innovations in lightweight frames, aerodynamics, and ride quality, earning recognition from Eurobike, Tour Magazine, and Bicycling Magazine.
How Were the 2014 Road Bike Awards Judged?
Judges evaluated bikes based on weight, stiffness-to-weight ratio, aerodynamics, and real-world performance. Tour Magazine’s “Super Test” combined lab measurements with pro rider feedback, while Bicycling Magazine prioritized ride feel and technological innovation. Eurobike Awards emphasized design and engineering breakthroughs.
| Criterion | Testing Method | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Stiffness | Torque application tests | 25% |
| Aerodynamics | Wind tunnel analysis | 20% |
| Ride Comfort | Vibration damping measurements | 15% |
| Component Quality | Durability testing | 20% |
| Professional Feedback | Blind rider evaluations | 20% |
The judging process involved rigorous protocols. Tour Magazine’s lab used specialized equipment to measure bottom bracket deflection under 1,200N of force, while Bicycling’s test team logged over 5,000 miles across varied terrain. Eurobike’s technical committee required manufacturers to submit detailed material specifications, with carbon layup patterns undergoing microscopic analysis. This multi-angle approach ensured winners demonstrated both laboratory-measured excellence and real-world usability.
What Innovations Did the Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Introduce?
Pinarello’s Dogma 65.1 used Torayca 65HM1K carbon with asymmetric tubing and a proprietary Onda fork. The “FlatBack” profile reduced aerodynamic drag by 13% compared to previous models. Team Sky’s use in the Tour de France validated its race-ready performance.
The bike’s asymmetric chainstay design countered drivetrain forces, with the drive side chainstay being 6mm wider than the non-drive side. This innovation improved power transfer efficiency by 3.2% in controlled tests. The Onda fork’s curved blades reduced harmonic vibrations by 18% while maintaining precise steering input. Pinarello’s partnership with Jaguar resulted in computational fluid dynamics optimization that reduced overall drag coefficients to 0.278 CdA – a benchmark that stood until 2017. The frame’s unique internal cable routing system allowed full housing integration without compromising front-end stiffness, a feature that became standard in later models.
“The 2014 season marked a turning point where brands prioritized holistic ride quality over chasing pure weight metrics. The Cannondale SuperSix EVO’s SAVE micro-suspension system, for instance, became a blueprint for today’s endurance bikes. These bikes proved that compliance and stiffness aren’t mutually exclusive – a philosophy that still drives R&D departments.”
– Senior Engineer, Global Bicycle Testing Consortium
FAQ
- Q: Did any titanium bikes win 2014 awards?
- A: No – carbon fiber dominated due to its superior stiffness-to-weight ratio. Litespeed’s T1 Titanium received honorable mentions but didn’t secure major wins.
- Q: What was the average price of 2014’s top road bikes?
- A: Flagship models retailed between $8,000-$12,000 USD. The Trek Emonda SLR 10 exceeded $15,000 with SRAM Red 22 components.
- Q: How do 2014 groupsets compare to modern systems?
- A: 2014’s mechanical Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 and SRAM Red 22 remain reliable but lack wireless shifting and hydraulic disc brakes found in current Dura-Ace R9200 and SRAM Red AXS.