Handsling A1R0evo Review
Katie-Anne Calton tells us about her 2023 season onboard the Handsling A1R0evo.
This year, I have ridden the Handsling A1R0evo – in pearlescent champagne and gunmetal – both fitted with Ultegra Di2 and the Parcours Strade wheelset. Throughout the year it has lived up to its name and truly is a fast and aero bike.
In 2023, my Handsling A1R0evo has tackled a magnitude of different terrains and road conditions – from the sleek surfaces of closed crits in the UK, to the historic Belgian cobbles.
Starting in the UK
My season kicked off in March with a UK National B race at the Lee Valley Road Circuit. The rain poured down and the racing was relentless, but my A1R0evo didn’t disappoint. Eventually after a race filled with relentless attacks it came down to a bunch sprint. I initiated the sprint, using some rush room after the last corner, visibility was low so I knew it would come as a surprise. During the sprint the A1R0evo had no shortage of stiffness, zero flex and 100% control allowed me to start my season with a tight 3rd place.
Off to Belgium
A couple weeks later I kickstarted my European race campaign with the historic race Gent Wevelgem (juniors). The event turned out to be the full package, from real Belgian weather to tight corners and a chaotic race. I found as the race progressed my ability to get through and out the corners in the wet was quicker than those around me. This was partly due to the comfort and control provided from my Handsling set-up. To no surprise, the geometry of the bike allowed for agile movements and undeniable confidence to allow me to gain a slight edge over my competitors.
Next up on the European scene was UCI Tour Of Flanders (u19). The day before in course recon I was shocked at how well the A1R0evo delt with the vibrations and demands of the cobbled sectors. Not only does the integrated cockpit provide a sleek and aerodynamic look to the bike, but it also deals very well with frontal impact or vibrations. This made the cobble sectors a great deal of fun to ride.
A stage race in Ireland
Fast-forward to the end of my 2023 campaign and I am competing at the Ras na mBan in Ireland; a 5-day race that consisted of six stages. From the rolling lanes to 7km climbs, the Handsling A1R0evo truly proved it’s a seriously fast bike that can do it all.
Overall, one of my favourite features of this bike is how the cables and hoses are all integrated. Not only is it aerodynamic, but it ties up the aesthetics of the bike neatly, allowing the bike to look stylish as well as fast.
The Handsling A1R0evo combines style and efficiency to produce a bike that is truly one of a kind and a pure dream to race. I look forward to the next time I get to race on this steed! Take a look at the A1R0evo on the Handsling website.
We’ll be interviewing Katie-Anne on our sister site BritishCycleSport about her season and what next year holds in store.
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