AURUM FAQ's

Our mechanics will take care of most of the assembly before your AURUM bike leaves our warehouse, but your bike will still require the installation of the following components: front wheel, handlebars, seat post and pedals (pedals not included).

Follow this unboxing video.

If you still need more help, feel free to contact us at info@aurumbikes.com.

The high-performance road bike MAGMA is available in five frame sizes to fit a wide range of rider heights, estimated between 152 and 190 cm tall.

The high-performance road bike ESSENTIA is available in six frame sizes to fit a wide range of rider heights, estimated between 152 and 195 cm tall.

The high-performance gravel bike MANTO is available in five frame sizes to fit a wide range of rider heights, estimated between 152 and 190 cm tall.

Each individual is different, and human proportions vary even for people of the same height. AURUM recommends using the services of a biomechanics expert not only to choose the size of your AURUM frame but also to adjust it to your particular biomechanical dimensions.

All sizes are designed around a geometry with progressive Stack and Reach, so that, along with different stem lengths and heights, and adjusting the saddle height, all riding positions can be covered within the rider height range mentioned above.

For full details on geometry and sizing, please check the following link.

The MAGMA frame is only compatible with electronic drivetrains. All the different small parts (covers, screws) are included with each frameset and complete bike.

MAGMA allows for a tire clearance of up to 35mm.

MAGMA is a disc brake-only frame. The frame uses the popular 12x142mm thru-axle standard at the rear wheel, while the fork uses the corresponding 100x12mm thru-axle hub.

MAGMA uses Flat-Mount brake mounts, the road standard for disc brakes. You can use 140mm and 160mm rotors both front and rear.

MAGMA is available as a complete bike in the different builds that AURUM recommends as the most suitable for the high-performance characteristics of the frame. For full details on the builds, please check the following link.

The ESSENTIA frame is only compatible with electronic drivetrains. All the different small parts (covers, screws) are included with each frameset and complete bike.

ESSENTIA allows for a tire clearance of up to 30mm.

ESSENTIA is a disc brake-only frame. The frame uses the popular 12x142mm thru-axle standard at the rear wheel, while the fork uses the corresponding 100x12mm thru-axle hub.

ESSENTIA uses Flat-Mount brake mounts, the road standard for disc brakes. You can use 140mm and 160mm rotors both front and rear.

ESSENTIA is available as a complete bike in the different builds that AURUM recommends as the most suitable for the high-performance characteristics of the frame. For full details on the builds, please check the following link.

The MANTO frame is compatible with electronic and mechanical drivetrains. All the different small parts (covers, screws) are included with each frameset and complete bike.

MANTO allows for a tire clearance of up to 45mm (measured with calipers).

MANTO is a disc brake-only frame. The frame uses the popular 12x142mm thru-axle standard at the rear wheel, while the fork uses the corresponding 100x12mm thru-axle hub.

MANTO uses Flat-Mount brake mounts, the road standard for disc brakes. You can use 140mm and 160mm rotors both front and rear.

MANTO is available as a complete bike in the different builds that AURUM recommends as the most suitable for the high-performance characteristics of the frame. For full details on the builds, please check the following link.

Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso created AURUM based on their experience as top-level cyclists, but they also gathered a team of experienced bike industry professionals (designers, engineers, and product managers) to bring their dream to life.

Using their experience, knowing what makes a race bike fast, Contador and Basso have driven the project, always with the expert assistance of the AURUM team, setting the brand’s style direction and helping define the frame geometry and specifications. When the first riding prototypes were ready, Contador and Basso spent many hours on the road testing multiple iterations to fine-tune the carbon structure and find the right balance between stiffness and comfort to meet their demanding requirements.

To learn more about the development of AURUM products, check out the R&D page.

The name MAGMA is a nod to Teide, the volcano in the Canary Islands. It is on the slopes of Teide where Contador and Basso trained together for many hours during various team camps, and where they started discussing and thinking, one day, about designing and manufacturing the bike of their dreams.

ESSENTIA is a frame that shares the geometry and riding characteristics of the flagship model, MAGMA. It represents the essence of AURUM’s philosophy in designing and manufacturing high-performance bicycles: ESSENTIA.

The name comes from Latin, honoring the Latin roots and character of Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso. The word AURUM, which means “gold” in Latin, was chosen to symbolize the project, as gold is the metal of winners.

MANTO is AURUM’s high-performance gravel bike. We wanted it to maintain a connection with its road counterpart, MAGMA, as its development is based on all the experience accumulated in the MAGMA project. This link between models was sealed with the name MANTO, following a naming concept that recalls elements of nature.

Each AURUM frame is handmade using a complex combination of different grades of carbon fiber, a concept we call ECT (Experience Carbon Technology), carefully selecting each fiber considering the place it will occupy in the frame and the stress it will undergo. There are up to 5 or 6 different types of fiber involved in the process, each woven specifically and at carefully analyzed angles.

Parts like the Bottom Bracket and lower chainstays require great lateral stiffness to effectively and efficiently handle the stress and loads that occur under vigorous bike handling, in sprint areas or attacking the climb. In contrast, the head tube and down tube require great torsional stiffness. Other parts of the frame, like the long and thin upper stays, require a different weaving process to offer strength and comfort.

Therefore, different parts of the frame require different materials and careful timing to fine-tune performance and ride characteristics.

In addition to all that, the engineers behind AURUM’s carbon have developed each frame individually, adjusting the weaving and angles so that ride characteristics are consistent regardless of size.

It is the delicate balance between lightness and aerodynamics, along with stiffness and comfort, that makes a bike faster on all terrains and routes. With AURUM, the goal has been to find that difficult balance to excel on all terrains, to be the fastest road bike. With MAGMA, there is no need to choose between aerodynamics and lightness because you can have it all.

MAGMA’s low weight, only 780g for a size 54 frame, is achieved thanks to the expert choice of different carbon fiber modules according to the frame area, along with sophisticated molding techniques using latex cores and high pressurization.

The aerodynamic advantages come from the advanced use of CFD software to design the aerodynamic tube profiles, focused on the front triangle (fork, head tube, integrated head cap, and down tube) and the clean and simple integration of cables through the head tube.

No, it is not possible as this would void the warranty. Removing (sanding) or re-applying paint can result in weakening the carbon fiber structure of the frame and/or fork, so AURUM strongly recommends not doing so. Please check our Warranty section for more details.

The minimum seat post insertion in the frame is 90 mm, or more if specified by the seat post manufacturer (the “Minimum Insertion” line and information should be visible on the seat post tube).

The maximum insertion varies with frame size. Especially for smaller frame sizes, keep this dimension in mind and respect it, as inserting the seat post lower may damage the frame. If you need a lower saddle height than these dimensions allow, consider cutting the tube (if the manufacturer permits) or using a shorter one.

Maximum seat post insertion:

– Frame size 48: 160 mm

– Frame size 51: 190 mm

– Frame size 54: 210 mm

– Frame size 56: 230 mm

– Frame size 58: 250 mm

– Frame size 61: 280 mm

The entire AURUM range is primarily designed for competition, born from the experience of professional riders Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso. MAGMA, ESSENTIA, and MANTO are UCI certified for racing and can therefore be used in any appropriate event.

Yes, it is suitable for use with all major indoor cycling trainers. However, because the stresses on bike frames, specifically the rear triangle, are different on a trainer than those typically experienced on the road, we strongly recommend mounting and using it with care.

Read all the instructions and warnings from the trainer manufacturer carefully and ensure the trainer you are considering using is compatible with bikes using the 12x142mm thru-axle system and disc brakes, as AURUM does. Some systems will require an adapter for this standard.

Most current direct-drive trainers (without rear wheels) tend to be gentler on bikes and often better in terms of features, app connectivity, and power meter accuracy. If you plan to use a direct-drive model, also check compatibility with your AURUM’s drivetrain to ensure the freehub body and/or cassette on the trainer is of the correct type.

Following all instructions carefully, trainers should not damage your AURUM and will not void your warranty.

MAGMA and MANTO frames use T47 threaded bottom brackets, molded together with the frame for maximum structural strength.

The ESSENTIA frame uses a BB386Evo bottom bracket shell. This is a popular standard for high-performance carbon frames as it allows for high drivetrain stiffness and increased rear wheel clearance. The bottom bracket shell measures 86 mm in width, with a 46 mm diameter bore to accept PF30-style cups. For installing the cups, use a suitable bottom bracket press (such as Enduro BRT-02) with inserts for the type of spindle being used.

MAGMA is designed to accommodate tires up to 35 mm in width (note that this refers to tires that measure 35 mm, not tires labeled as “35 mm,” as the actual tire width will vary depending on the rim width it is mounted on and the tire pressure).

While the frame’s structure is strong, AURUM does not recommend MAGMA for significant gravel or off-paved road use. Its materials, construction, and balanced handling are primarily designed for high-performance riding on paved roads.

AURUM frames do not have built-in fender threads, but clip-on or quick-mount style fenders can be used. Check carefully that there is enough space between the fenders and tires, and protect the frame to avoid paint damage.

Be careful when maintaining your bike and its components. Never use a high-pressure water gun when washing your bike, nor wash with a hose from a very close distance. Ensure to use only a low-pressure hose to clean sensitive parts like bearings, headset, wheel hubs, etc. Use a soft brush and a bucket of water with a high-quality bike soap (approved for disc brakes); dip the brush in it to wash off all stubborn dirt from the chain, cassette, and chainrings.

Rinse your bike with a low-pressure hose to clear off any excess soap. Wipe your bike with a soft cloth to dry off all excess water. Finally, apply a high-quality bike lubricant to your chain.

Watch this video on how to wash your bike.

We recommend using a specific bike bag or box when packing your AURUM bike for travel. Follow the instructions from the bag or box manufacturer.