Frame weight: 798 g (M, clearcoat)
Fork weight: 380g (cut for size M, clearcoat)
Complete bike weight: from 6.55 kg (M, Shimano Dura-Ace)
Tire clearance: 35 mm
Robust Performance: Fast in All Conditions
We developed the AVONA Velum as a bike that supports you when you push yourself to your limits. Whether you're battling headwinds, tackling long climbs, or riding over bumpy cobblestones, the Velum is always the right choice. We achieved this through a holistic approach: instead of focusing on one performance aspect, we focused on a package of aerodynamics, weight, comfort, rolling resistance, and drivetrain efficiency. Depending on the riding situation, one or the other aspect is more important. By taking all aspects into account, the Velum supports you whenever it matters.
Performance Where It Matters
We conducted a study to investigate various questions before developing the Velum.
- Which performance gains will help us, when will they help us, and by how much?
- Which riding situations push us to our limits?
- How can we make sure that we finish the ride feeling refreshed?
Rather than focusing on simple wattage values, we have set ourselves the goal of reducing normalised power, as this is a much better indicator of exhaustion. By minimising peak power output in challenging conditions such as steep climbs or headwinds, we maximise performance gains.
Aerodynamics
Airodynamic drag is undoubtedly one of the most important factors affecting speed on a road bike. A great deal of effort has gone into optimising the aerodynamics of the Velum. This has paid off, with wind tunnel measurements confirming that the Velum performs at the same level as the best road bikes, despite our deliberate decision to prioritise greater comfort and efficiency in certain areas over maximising aerodynamic efficiency.
Lightweight
As soon as the road starts to climb, aerodynamics become less important, and we need to use most of our energy to move our mass upward. Every gram less helps. Thanks to our expertise in lay-up, optimized cross sections, and production-friendly, smooth transitions, we can achieve a frame weight of 798 g (size M, painted, with derailleur hanger and seat clamp).
Vertical Compliance
Vertical compliance was important to us because it offers two advantages: firstly, it increases comfort, reduces fatigue and thus enables you to put more power into pedaling. Secondly, studies have shown that it reduces rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance combined with more power results in higher speed.
Ready for Fast Tires
Wider tires roll better, a fact now widely acknowledged in racing. Measurements taken on the road demonstrate this effect more clearly than those taken in a laboratory. The rougher the road surface, the greater the advantage of wide tires. They also provide more comfort and grip. Narrower tires only have advantages in terms of aerodynamics, with the front wheel having a much greater influence than the rear wheel. For this reason, we use 30 mm wide tires on the front wheel and 32 mm wide tires on the rear wheel. If you frequently ride on poorly maintained roads or cobblestones, the Velum's frame and fork offer space for tires up to 35 mm wide.
UDH
With UDH, the Velum is ready for the future—as well as for the 1x13 SRAM XPLR drivetrain. For Shimano components, we use the Faserwerk Steigbügel derailleur hanger which goes straight from the UDH frame to the Shimano Direct Mount standard. This is stiffer and saves weight.
Sealed Headset Cap
We paid great attention to detail when developing the headset cap. It is made of fiber-reinforced material and is overmolded with silicone seals. These prevent water from penetrating the frame and bearings. This keeps everything dry and functioning properly—no matter what the weather.
White Paper
Would you like to know more about the development of the Velum? Take some time to study our white paper. In it, you will find an in-depth look at the development of the Velum: Avona Velum Whitepaper [PDF]
Specification Highlights: Upgraded From the Start
Our engineering pride makes us reluctant to admit it, but the selection of components is just as important for performance as the development work on the frame. That's why we take it all the more seriously. Tests on the road, in the lab, and in the wind tunnel all factor into it.
We remain true to ourselves and fit all our bikes with the best tires we could find: the Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR. Fitted tubeless ex works, these save an average of 15.4 W at 29 km/h compared to the tires typically fitted to Ultegra bikes. To put that into perspective: to achieve the same effect, we would have had to find an aerodynamic improvement of 57.5 W at 45 km/h. Since the front tire is aerodynamically relevant and the rear tire produces more rolling resistance, we use tires that are 30 mm wide in the front and 32 mm wide in the rear.
All our chains are waxed by Ceramicspeed before they go onto the bike. This allows you to ride faster, keeps the drive clean, and makes it last longer. If you would like to learn more, read our blog post on the subject: Blog Post Waxed Chain
When it comes to wheels, you have the option of perfectly tailoring your bike to its intended use: the lightweight yet aerodynamic Faserwerk Bergreif are the best choice if you're racking up altitude meters. If you often ride at high speeds, the aerodynamically optimized DT Swiss ARC wheels are the best choice.
And you can choose the right size for all components that affect your position on the bike: stem length, handlebar width, seat post offset, and crank length are best determined together with your dealer.
- Avona Velum Assembly Instruction [PDF]
- Maximum system weight: 110 kg
- Cranks: 2x up to 54/40, 1x up to 60T
- Hubs: 12x142 front, 12x100 rear
- Brakes: Flat mount front 160 mm, rear 140 mm, optional 160 mm with adapter
- Cable routing: Internal, compatible with Di2/AXS. Not compatible with mechanical shifting.
- Bottom bracket: BSA 68 mm
- Bottle holders: 1 x on the seat tube, 1 x on the down tube
- Derailleur hanger: removable for 1x cranks
- Tires: Tires up to 700c x 35 are compatible, depending on the inner rim width and tire model.
FAQ's
What is the maximum tire clearance of the Velum?
Tires measuring up to 35 mm wide when installed and pumped up fit into the Velum.
Can a mechanical groupset be installed on the Velum?
The Velum is designed for electronic shifting only.
Can the front derailleur hanger be removed?
To enable clean 1X setups, the derailleur mount on the Velum can be removed.
