Avona has launched the Velum SUB6, a new flagship-spec road bike that slips under the 6kg weight barrier.
Built around a Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 groupset and a carefully selected components package, the Velum SUB6 tipped our scales at 5.92kg in a size medium without pedals.
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Real-world performance
Rather than chasing headline aero gains, Avona says it developed the Velum focusing on reducing rolling resistance, drivetrain losses and overall system weight.
It says these factors are more impactful on speed and riding efficiency, assuming the same rider aerodynamics are at play on the entire system.
Jonas Müller, Avona’s co-founder, says the brand analysed hundreds of real-world ride files to understand where riders spend time and produce power, concluding that climbing and variable terrain play a bigger role in overall performance than often assumed.
Speaking to BikeRadar about the development of the Velum SUB6, Müller says: “We measure performance using normalised power, time above critical power, and anaerobic work done.
“We then introduce hypothetical scenarios – where we save weight from the assumed system, and then an aero drag reduction, a rolling resistance reduction, and drivetrain efficiency.”
Müller claims that improvements in the bike’s aerodynamic drag aren’t as impactful on performance as those other factors.
That said, aerodynamically, Müller says the Velum matches “benchmark race bikes” in wind-tunnel testing, despite accommodating wider tyres, reflecting a design brief that avoids sacrificing ride quality or rolling efficiency for marginal drag reductions.
The Velum SUB6 in detail
The Velum’s frame weight is a claimed 798g (painted, in a size 54cm), but key to achieving the SUB6’s 5.92kg weight are the new Faserwerk Bergreif SL wheels, which come in at a claimed 987g for the pair.
These feature straight-pull Vonoa carbon spokes laced to lightweight NonPlus Primaro hubs, with a 35mm rim depth.
These ultra-light wheels are central to the build’s philosophy, with Avona arguing weight savings can deliver greater benefits than deeper aero profiles in many real-world scenarios – particularly on climbs where riders spend more time at higher-power outputs.
Tyres also play a major role, with the SUB6 specced with Tufo Comtura Prima TT tyres, which Müller says were chosen specifically for their low weight and rolling resistance, offering efficiency gains across all terrain and rider speeds.
The Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain is supplemented by a QO Race SL carbon crankset, while the Repente Quasar CR2.0 saddle is intended to deliver long-ride comfort. Müller says this choice is reflective of the Velum’s broader emphasis on holistic performance, rather than saving a few grams at the expense of comfort.
Beyond outright weight, the Velum platform also incorporates details aimed at improving real-world usability and speed.
This includes an aerodynamically optimised one-piece integrated cockpit, clearance for up to 35mm-wide tyres (measured), and offering tubeless setups as standard, which Müller says is most efficient in terms of rolling resistance.
The Velum SUB6 is also supplied with a waxed chain to reduce friction losses.
Müller says Avona’s testing shows waxing to be the most efficient chain treatment, and reasons that “it’s much easier to switch to oil-based lubes than to take an oiled chain and switch it to wax".
The Avona Velum SUB6 costs €9,999 direct from Avona, with prices in the UK and US subject to customs duties and local taxes.
