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review

Sensa Aquila SL road bike

9
£2,085.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Fast, smooth riding race bike that offers a high level of kit for not a lot of money
Weight: 
7,540g

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With deep reserves of pace, splendid handling and impressive comfort, the new Aquila SL from Sensa is a thoroughly capable race bike that offers fantastic value for money with no shortcuts in the specification. It's ready to race from the box and has the performance to back up the build.

Hailing from Holland and available exclusively through Merlin Cycles, Sensa have been producing bikes for about 20 years and the Aquila SL is their latest flagship road bike, launched late last year.

The 940g frame and 325g fork can be had in a choice of builds. I tested the Shimano Ultegra mechanical 11-speed model which normally retails for £1,585, but dig a bit deeper into your pockets and for £2,085 you can upgrade the wheels to Sensa's own-brand carbon fibre clinchers.

The Aquila SL rides like a race bike and the numbers support this. This 55cm size features a short 160mm head tube and stretched 557mm top tube, which produces a long and low position, allowing an aero tuck position to be comfortably achieved; ideal for racing. It's no sportive bike, but that's not to say you can't ride a sportive on it, it's just the position isn't laid back, it's pretty racey.

Comfort is injected into the ride by what Sensa call Flexy Stays; the seatstays are certainly very slender in profile. There's also a 27.2mm seatpost, a common gambit to try and provide a bit of deflection to take the sting out of bumps.

It certainly seems to work. The Aquila SL was surprisingly smooth over some of the bumpiest and worst-surfaced roads around my way. It was smoother than I had expected it to be especially with the carbon wheels. Its composure reminded me a bit of a Cannondale SuperSix Evo. High praise.

The comfort doesn't come at the expense of speed however. It's an impressively fast bike, but it delivers its pace with a sense of calm and lack of drama that can trick you into thinking you're not really going that fast, till a glance at the Garmin reveals you're actually trucking along at a decent speed. If you crave speed, the Aquila SL will happily indulge you.

The £500 wheel upgrade replaces the stock Supra (Sensa's own-brand) aluminium clincher wheels with Supra RFC 55 wheels, which have 55mm deep full carbon fibre clincher rims laced to their own hubs. With the excellent Schwalbe One 23mm tyres fitted, the wheelset certainly contributed positively to the performance of the Aquila SL. The wheels proved good performers and are an obvious and worthwhile upgrade that make the bike ready to race. The upgrade is also a lot cheaper than buying a set of carbon wheels aftermarket.

Sensa use Shimano groupsets through the range and this model was equipped with an Ultegra 11-speed mechanical groupset. Sometimes you see shortcuts, own-brand brake calipers and chainsets, as the manufacturer has to bring the bike in on budget. Not the case here, it's a full and complete Ultegra groupset, so you get the excellent chainset and the hugely impressive brake calipers. It's a flawless, utterly reliable groupset, with clean shifting and a decent weight. The whole bike on the scales came in at 7.54kg (16.22lb) which certainly places it in the 'it's light enough' category.

It's a smartly executed frame, packed with all sorts of modern details you'd expect on a high-end carbon frame. Underneath the paint is a full carbon fibre frame and fork manufactured using their Zero Void Curing process. Name aside, it's the same process that most bike manufacturers are using now, and simply aims to create smoother internal surfaces to reduce excess material. The dropouts save a smidgen of weight as they're made from carbon fibre. There's a PressFit86 bottom bracket, which allows the down tube to be large in diameter, and the head tube is tapered with 1.5in lower bearing for the fork to slot into.

Cables are internally routed and there's provision for an electronic groupset, should you want to upgrade in a couple of years. Sensa makes use of the electronic wiring ports on more expensive Ultegra Di2-equipped models. The frame is available in five sizes from 50 to 61cm, with each size receiving optimised carbon fibre layup, so you can be confident each size frame is going to offer the best performance possible. This is something most of the larger manufacturers are increasingly doing, recognising the different demands of a short and light cyclist compared to a tall and heavier cyclist.

Everything I've touched on so far suggests there must be a compromise somewhere in the build, but a look at the finishing kit suggests not. Along with the excellent wheels, top rated and full Ultegra groupset, you get a San Marco Aspide saddle, 3T Team seatpost and Deda stem and handlebars. It's all top notch kit and impressive considering the price of the whole package. Aside from the saddle, which I changed simply because I don't get on with the shape, there's nothing that needs replacing. Impressive stuff.

To put into perspective how competitively priced the Aquila SL is, a look at Canyon's website reveals that, for the same price, you can get the Ultimate CF SL 9.0. Now this is the same frame in shape and profile as the more expensive Ultimate CF SLX, but employs lower grade carbon to bring the price down, which results in a higher weight. The bike in question gets the same Ultegra 11-speed build as the Sensa here, but it's in the wheels that the Sensa eases ahead. While the Supra wheels aren't a recognisable brand, their performance sufficiently impressed, and the Aquila SL looks really good value.

When it first arrived into the office, the Sensa Aquila SL looked fantastic, a lot of bike for the money. Having now ridden the bike, and ridden it a lot, I can safely say the bike lives up to those high expectations. For just over two grand here is a fast and fine handling carbon fibre road bike with a generous specification that in every department hits the mark, and all combines to produce a worthy rival to the more established contenders at this competitive price point.

It might not have the race heritage or brand recognition of some bikes, but that aside it's an easy bike to recommend for anyone in the market for a high performance road bike, whether it's simply for the thrill of riding a fast road bike, or for racing duties, where I'm sure the Aquila SL would be a good choice.

The Sensa Aquila SL was an unexpected delight and I'm trying, but failing, to find anything to grumble about. If I'm being fussy, the 50/34 compact chainset is an odd choice on a bike with such good race potential. And if I'm being really picky, and this is purely subjective, I wasn't won over by the graphical treatment, but you may feel differently. Other than that, there's a lot to recommend here.

Verdict

Fast, smooth riding race bike that offers a high level of kit for not a lot of money

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Sensa Aquila SL

Size tested: 56

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

The ideal bike for a Gran Fondo or any long ride. Especially when it's uphill you

will appreciate the weight, or better the lack of it. We combine the Generation 6 Carbon with the Zero Void Curing technology to create a truly lightweight frame which is stiff, durable and reliable. The whole new Salita SL fork with it's sleek profile is also a real gem. Fatigue always comes during long rides, so the extra comfort from the Flexy Stays and slim seatpost is always welcome. Of course the Aquila SL is Di2 ready and has full internal cablerouting. And it's big PF86 bottombracket is compatible with double, compact and triple cranksets. For each size the geometry and the tubing dimensions are optimized and there is room to mount wider tires.

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Monocoque Generation6 - Zero Void Curing – UD Carbon Fibre – SL lay up

Full Carbon Dropout – Lightweight design, compatible with junior cassettes

Flexy Stays provide additional comfort

Di2 Ready – Frame can be used with Di2 as well as regular cables

PressFit EightSix bottom bracket – allows maximum down tube width

Zero Void Curing technology creates smooth inner surfaces with less material

The 1.5 lower bearing creates maximum stiffness

Generation 6 Carbon

Fork - Supra Full Carbon Monocoque Gen6 Salita SL 1.5 – SL lay Up

Weight: 6.3KG approx. ( Frame 940g – Fork 325g)

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
9/10

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

Monocoque Generation6 - Zero Void Curing – UD Carbon Fibre – SL lay up. Full Carbon Dropout – Lightweight design, compatible with junior cassettes.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Race inspired geometry produces a low slung fit that is very aero.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

A very good fit if you like it stretched and low at the front. There are a few spacers to adjust the height of the handlebar if needed.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Surprisingly comfortable. Granted it's no magic carpet over the rough stuff, but it's smoother than a lot of bikes, and for one providing such performance and with carbon deep section wheels, smoother than I was expecting it to be.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Bags of stiffness from the front-end and bottom bracket area, wether chucking it through corners or climbing steep hills.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Yes.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

I had to change the saddle, but you might find the supplied saddle perfectly comfortable. We're all different

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
8/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
 
9/10

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels and tyres for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for value:
 
8/10

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the controls for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for value:
 
8/10

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
9/10

Anything further to say about the bike in conclusion?

With such good performance and great value for money, the Sensa Aquila SL is a highly commendable race bike

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

Add new comment

10 comments

Avatar
Must be Mad | 9 years ago
0 likes
Quote:

Must be Mad I see you have the Calabria. How is it to ride?

Not me - that was Stainer87

Avatar
BMCFan | 9 years ago
0 likes

I'm considering a sensa as my race bike this year. I'm thinking either the 2015 Calabria or the 2015 Giulia. I am 177cm tall with an inside leg of 83cm. I normally ride a 54cm frame and unsure whether to go with a 53cm frame or the 55cm sensa frame. Anyone any experience with sensa and sizes from a racing perspective? I'm based in NI and haven't seen any sensa bikes to see what they are actually like.

Must be Mad I see you have the Calabria. How is it to ride?

Avatar
benjihaworth replied to BMCFan | 9 years ago
0 likes
BMCFan wrote:

I'm considering a sensa as my race bike this year. I'm thinking either the 2015 Calabria or the 2015 Giulia. I am 177cm tall with an inside leg of 83cm. I normally ride a 54cm frame and unsure whether to go with a 53cm frame or the 55cm sensa frame. Anyone any experience with sensa and sizes from a racing perspective?

I know a rider who's your height and they recommend the 55cm in either Calabria or the Giulia. That’s what they’ve been racing on and loving it.

Avatar
don simon fbpe | 9 years ago
1 like

Nice looking bike, but no Campagnolo..... I'm out.

Avatar
DeanF316 | 9 years ago
0 likes

What a nice looking bike.

Avatar
Stainer87 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I just took delivery of the 6800di2 Sensa Calabria from merlin. The frames are built to order and kitted out by Merlin in the uk, so they will put whatever option you want on them.

I can attest to the quality of the Sensa bikes too. Compared to my recently deceased super six its doing well. Fast, smooth, and pretty good looking. True it doesn't have any real race heritage, but neither do I, but it has certainly turned heads on the local club run

Avatar
Must be Mad | 9 years ago
0 likes

Some of us do live in hilly areas.

Avatar
Jamminatrix | 9 years ago
0 likes

Manufacturers need to stop spec'ing high end models with compact cranksets! It really takes away from the value when you have to instantly factor in another £100 to instantly buy new rings. Not everyone lives in the mountains - in fact, most cyclists don't even live in very hilly areas.

Avatar
bendertherobot replied to Jamminatrix | 9 years ago
0 likes
Jamminatrix wrote:

Manufacturers need to stop spec'ing high end models with compact cranksets! It really takes away from the value when you have to instantly factor in another £100 to instantly buy new rings. Not everyone lives in the mountains - in fact, most cyclists don't even live in very hilly areas.

Indeed. But most cyclists either want compacts or are oblivious to what they need. So it makes economic sense to fit them. If they fitted standard cranksets the price of the bike would likely raise in any event.

Avatar
Jamminatrix replied to bendertherobot | 9 years ago
0 likes
bendertherobot wrote:

Indeed. But most cyclists either want compacts or are oblivious to what they need. So it makes economic sense to fit them. If they fitted standard cranksets the price of the bike would likely raise in any event.

Price would be about the same, but compact cranks make sense because it allows bikes to appeal to a bigger audience. Some manufacturers offer two versions of the same model: one compact and one standard. The problem is it's very rare that your local bike shop will have the same model and same size in stock of both versions.

I also think it's unreasonable for mid-level and entry-level bikes to not have compact cranksets. I totally understand the reasoning. My main beef is with high end models.

Must be Mad wrote:

Some of us do live in hilly areas.

Understood, that's partly why most bikes come with compact cranks these days. It just makes bikes easier to sell to a wider audience: beginner cyclists, those in hilly terrain, etc.

My post was a blanket statement about manufacturers. This is a UK site and most posters here are from UK, but the reality is the UK is only one market for a lot of manufacturers.

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