Planet X EC-130E review

We take a look over the sensibly aero Planet X EC-130E

Planet X EC 130 aero bike
Cycling Weekly Verdict

In a wind tunnel the Planet X EC-130E might not be the most aero aero bike in the world, but it's all the better for it. It's great fun to ride and blisteringly fast, but with the brakes in their normal places and no fussy cable routing, it's great to live with too.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Exciting ride

  • +

    Sensible brake positioning and cable routing

  • +

    Surprisingly comfortable

  • +

    Looks great

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    None

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Planet X has not always had the best reputation among UK cyclists, but if there is one bike that should stop people looking down on the Sheffield brand it’s the Planet X EC-130E, the winner of our Aero Bike of the Year for 2017.

Buy now: Planet X EC-130E road bike from Planet X for £2,099.99 (other build options available)

Frame

Many bike manufacturers have taken the designs of their aero bikes far too far, forgetting that most of us prefer to ride our bikes rather than spending endless hours on intricate cleaning and maintenance.

>>> Aero bikes: a complete buyer's guide

Thankfully, that’s not the case with the Planet X EC-130E. Planet X hasn’t been tempted to hide the brakes underneath the bottom bracket and behind the fork so they’re nigh-on impossible to clean and maintain, and hasn’t gone for excessive internal cable routing that is a struggle even for WorldTour mechanics.

It’s this fusion of aerodynamics and practicality that has been a major factor in why this bike has won our award.

Specification

The Planet X EC-130E is available in a range of different builds, with Planet X allowing customers to upgrade wheels, alter saddles, and make sure the bike is built perfectly for them.

>>> Cycling Weekly Bike of the Year 2017

Our test bike came equipped with the excellent Shimano Ultegra groupset and impressive Vision Team 35 wheels, which although on the heavy side, offer stiffness to match the frame when smashing it along on the flat.

Ride

All of that would be for naught if the Planet X EC-130 didn’t perform out on the road, but thankfully it does.

Powerful riders will be delighted to feel like every watt of effort is transferred to the back wheel, even when sprinting hard.

Despite the aero tube shapes and seatpost, comfort (not always a strong point on aero bikes) is surprisingly good.That means you don’t have to consign this bike to short, sharp blasts, and it’ll keep you feeling good even on 100+ mile rides.

Value

Planet X has always been renowned for the exceptional value of its bikes, and the EC130-E is no different. If you’re after an aero bike for riding and racing on flat and rolling terrain, then there’s no better bike out there for the price

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.