Superbike Showdown: QR's PRsix Disc

This article was written by Jack Sexty for 220 Triathlon Magazine with windwave.co.uk. Photos by The Secret Studio.

The PRSix Disc is QR’s flagship machine, and continues their reputation for being one of the most innovative brands in multisport more than 30 years after they unveiled the first tri-specific bike. QR have moved with the times over the years, culminating in their current wind tunnel-optimised PR range.

For those who can’t swallow the £10k price tag (based on RRPs) for this show-stopping build, the range starts with the PRThree entry-level frameset, costing £2,099 (the frame on test here is £3,999). The geometry of all PR framesets is the same, with an adjustable seat angle of 77° through to 83° and a shallow 72° head angle paired with a 4.8cm of fork offset to push the wheel axle further out in front of you. This makes sense when you consider a tri bike is meant to be ridden with the rider positioned further forward compared to a road bike.

QR’s unique take on frame design incorporates their SHIFT+ tech, which offsets the downtube towards the smooth non-driveside, so the wind catches less air on the ‘dirty’ side with the groupset. More wind-cheating measures have been taken to ensure the storage solutions don’t disrupt airflow: the rear ‘Q Box’ provides room for flat kit and fits flush behind the seat tube, while the top tube fuel pouch is level with the integrated stem.

PRO-LEVEL UPGRADES

Similar to Cervélo, QR have considered the modern triathlete and made it easy to build or pack down – just two Allen key sizes are needed, which saves on stress when travelling. You can customise the build at QR’s UK distributor Windwave, and on our test bike they’ve shown off the PRSix in a super high-end spec. Full carbon Vision Trimax bars with ergonomic J-bend extensions, Vision 55mm deep carbon clinchers and CeramicSpeed pulley wheels on the drivetrain are pro-level upgrades, and shifting is Shimano Ultegra Di2 set up with synchronised shifting. The army- green frame proved divisive with fellow triathletes, but we love the unique colourway.

When we tested the PRFour, we were impressed with the vibration- dampening quality and stable ride feel. The same can be said of the PRSix, except that it’s made with QR’s higher modulus 40t carbon that’s lighter and stiffer. QR credit this feel to the disc brake build, as the larger fork and thru-axles provide extra stiffness compared to the a rim brake frameset. There’s also the asymmetric chainstay on the non-driveside to balance out the drivetrain’s weight, which does its job of providing greater stability.

QR’s excellent component choices obviously help, with Vision’s Metron carbon rims in a 55mm depth providing aero gains while being stable enough to give us confidence to stay on the aerobars during a blustery test period. Our only big criticism would be the TRP Sphyre mechanical disc brakes, which don’t provide the same stopping power as hydraulics and don’t belong on a £10k bike in 2019.

At 9.57kg for our build, the PRSix is comparable in weight to other high-end tri bikes (and is lighter than the Cervélo), but it’s the kind of territory where you’ll start to feel the extra kilos over hilly terrain compared to a lighter road bike.

The PRSix is further proof that QR are still at the forefront of tri bike design, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best around. If you’re willing to spend this much we’d suggest a Shimano Dura-Ace hydraulic disc brake upgrade to make it the bona fide ‘ultimate superbike’ that QR label their flagship tri machine.

Specs

HIGHS Very smooth and stable ride; excellent spec

LOWS Mechanical disc brakes; the price

BUY IF You want a race- ready machine and are prepared to pay for it

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